When Mercedes Castillo, 19, was released from prison recently, one of the first places she went was to the Erie County SPCA to adopt the puppy she’d trained while she was behind bars. Castillo had been part of the New York prison’s Pups at the Pen program, which pairs inmates with shelter dogs who need socialization. Castillo had worked with Jed, a timid Lab mix, for seven weeks, helping to potty train and leash train him, and they formed a close bond. The program is less than a year old, and so far 11 dogs have graduated. All but one have found forever homes. — Read it at People Pets