The Program

The Greyhound Inmate Experience is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) Michigan organization. Our purpose is to socialize, train, and care for retired greyhounds in a prison environment and to educate the public of the redemptive qualities and rehabilitative benefits of the program.

 Every ten weeks twenty greyhounds are put into the care and supervision of forty specially selected and trained incarcerated dog handlers. As the greyhounds transition from racer to pet, people's lives are also transformed.

This program touches the soul of everyone connected to it. Learn more about our inspiration,  our adoption partners who find forever homes for our graduates and our Supportive Friends who contribute on an on-going basis...we could not do this without them!

TGIE Transforms Lives

Inmate Dog Handlers

The inmate dog handlers themselves are revitalized and engaged in a daily purpose. They experience the miracle of unconditional love. They learn to trust, to be patient and become compassionate. They begin to understand "teamwork" and effective communication skills and they are willing to accept responsibility and be accountable. Beyond that, they write reports, compose poems, knit sweaters, sew coats and make dog beds. Our mission statement itself was written by the dog handlers and the greyhound used in our logo is the result of one of our talented handlers.

Prison Environment

The prison environment itself is enriched and the staff benefits from the sound of squeaky toys to the wagging of tails and the comical "roach" position.

Inmate Families

The families of the inmates are comforted when they talk to their sons, fathers, brothers, and husbands and hear the excitement in their voice as they tell stories and share their greyhound experience.