Oklahoma inmate adopts dog after training him behind bars, despite 100 year sentence

MCLOUD, Okla. (KFOR) - A now former inmate at the Mable Bassett Correctional Center in Oklahoma took home something special after she was released from prison. She spent half of her life behind bars, but, she thanks one program for helping turn her life around while incarcerated.  

Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) officials say Melissa Morgan was sentenced to 100 years in prison for a robbery in Tulsa County. But she changed her life around after getting involved in several programs at the Mable Bassett Correctional Center including the Guardian Angels program. Through the program, inmates train dogs that come from shelters, rescues or families. They teach them basic commands like sit, stay or don’t jump. Then, the pets go back to where they came from.  

“They either send them home with their family or they put them up for adoption. The goal of this program is to make sure that the dogs don't go back to shelters, but to actually go to homes,” said Kay Thompson, Oklahoma Department of Corrections PIO/spokeswoman.  

“I found my faith... I discovered what the word hope meant,” said former inmate, Melissa Morgan to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.  

While incarcerated, Morgan trained a dog named Ezera. The dog meant so much to her that her family eventually adopted him hoping one day he and Morgan could be reunited. 

Eventually, the Pardon and Parole Board granted Morgan a shorter sentence. She was reunited with the dog that gave her hope behind bars.  

“Probably one of the most transformational experiences I’ve ever had in my life,” said Morgan. 

“It's the best thing for mental health,” said an inmate at the Mable Bassett Correctional Center.  

Inmates at the Mable Bassett Correctional Center told KFOR the dog program continues to be a success. They say it eases their mental health and gives them a purpose while incarcerated.

“The companionship with the dog and as well as the other ladies in the program, It's like a family. It's like a sisterhood inside the prison,” said an inmate at the Mable Bassett Correctional Center. 

“When they accomplish something, especially if you've been working so hard on something and you see them finally click and get it and stuff... You get to be a proud mom and that's when you connect with them,” said another inmate at the Mable Bassett Correctional Center. 

ODOC officials say the program has been successful, however Morgan is the first ever inmate to adopt! They hope there will be more to come. 

“It also gives them that companionship. It gives them something to look forward to and help them serve their time without, you know, just sitting around and being bored. So, it really does help the dog and helps the inmate as well,” said Thompson.