They have $18M in assets, the president makes close to $400K a year, and they’ve trained and placed less than 200 dogs in 26 years. Not sure this adds up to me.
I am a volunteer working to help socialize the dogs being trained. I go to the prison, meet the inmate training the dog, and take the dog home for a day or two. The puppies in a prison setting are not exposed to the things of everyday life and need to experience them. I take the dogs to town, to a mall, to the park, to the woods, on a train ... anything that is a normal experience. I have been doing this every couple of weeks for several years. Some dogs are trained to work with veterans. I work with dogs training for bomb detection. The dogs go on to serve with police and military to make the world a safer place.
Everyone in the organization is very professional and 100% dedicated to doing things right. This program also has the side benefit of helping inmates become better people. It requires responsibility and discipline.
Also, since almost all the work is done by inmates and unpaid volunteers like me, almost all donations go to the costs of care and feeding of the dogs.
This organization deserves your support!
This is the very first time I've been on this GuideStar site, and read these negative reviews below. I'm here because I just ran a Fundraiser for them for my Birthday. I've had one of their HIGHLY trained PTSD Service Dogs for 7 years and can truly say that they are a fantastic Organization in my opinion! When someone is selected to receive one of their Service Dogs, they make it known up front that if you violate any of the terms of the agreement, they have the right to retrieve the dog from you. I have personally spent thousands of dollars out of pocket to keep my SD healthy and alive. Would you not do that for your OWN dog in the same situation? If the answer to that is -NO, then don't waste their time applying for a SD from THEM! Even if one only does 1 term in the Military, regardless of what Branch of Service, you know how to follow rules and regulations. They (PBB) do have strict Regs in place because they want their dogs to perform at their best, look their best, and maintain a healthy life with the Recipient. I have personally witnessed obese, unkempt, wandering Service Dogs from other Orgs which is poor reflection on both the Org and Handler. PBB does NOT tolerate such behavior and appearance because they set a very high standard for their Service Dogs, and expect a Recipient to maintain such standards as well. Its just like being in the Military and ensuring that both yourself, and those subordinates under your charge both look, and act professionally at all times. Its that simple.......
Regarding the release of personal information to convicted felons, I assume you mean the communication with the inmates who spend every minute of the day training Service Dogs for those of us living with the Invisible Wounds of war/combat/etc? Of course they share certain info about particular disabilities with these highly screened inmates! How else are they supposed to train a SD for someone who may have specific needs and issues with their disability? I'm VERY sure they do not share your personal info such as Address, SSN, Disability Rating, etc because this info is classified under HIPPA Regs which they can not divulge by law. Matter of fact, they don't even permit a Recipient to correspond with any inmates within their training facilities whatsoever. I know this first hand! PBB even has each and every inmate who interacts with a SD, write a journal 2 inches thick about every facet of the Dogs life from their initial intake at 8 weeks old, thru every week and month of life inside the facility, and finally to their Graduation and release to a Veteran deemed worthy of being brought into the PBB Family! They don't have to do such passionate things, but they do! Since I did not have my PBB SD since puppyhood, I often look back thru this journal and read note after note from their respective trainers, and smile at the pics of him as a puppy!
This review is a long one because I wanted to dispute some of the things mentioned within this site. I categorically disagree with the notion of PBB taking back SD from its Veteran without justifiable cause! Its easy to follow their rules and regs if you served in the Military because you should be used to them by the time you apply to this great Organization. If not, seek out another Org / Agency to receive a SD from. I'll tell you this though....if you are fortunate enough to be selected to receive a SD from PBB, you truly should make every facet of your life with that Dog something fascinating! After all, that SD is there for YOU no matter the issue, occasion, environment, or disability! That SD has spent 18+ months being trained for YOU! The very least one could do is abide by their rules, keep that dog in pristine shape, and provide it with the most safe, comfortable and loving place in your heart! There is no doubt in my Military Mind, that I would be an extremely lost, depressed, and anxious man without this incredible Service Dog sitting by my side as I type these words today! Thank you Puppies Behind Bars for ALL that you've done for me!
Semper Fidelis !!!!!
Review from Guidestar
I attended their team training. It was a nightmare from start to finish. Any time the pup makes a mistake they blame the veteran. The staff has very little understanding of PTSD/TBI.
They also brag about dogs they've taken away from veterans. Be cautious with these people and do not share any more informant than they ask for because they will use it against you.
I would give this organization 0 stars but it's not an option. They gave me a service dog, then when i was going through hard times and needed the dog most they took her from me. I did not violate their contract or in any way abuse the dog.