MERIDIAN, Idaho — Behind the kennels at Boise Bully Breed Rescue, the sound of barking carries more than noise — it carries second chances for both dogs and people rebuilding their lives.

The rescue, based in Meridian, partners with the PAWS Program at the Idaho Department of Correction , which pairs incarcerated individuals with rescue dogs to teach job skills, responsibility and compassion. Two men who completed the program now work full-time at the rescue, helping dogs once at risk of euthanasia find permanent homes.

Boise Bull Breed Rescue focuses on bully breeds, including pit bulls, which staff say are often misunderstood.

“When it comes to bully breeds, specifically pit bulls, a lot of that's nature. It's nurture, not nature, right? It's what kind of lives did those dogs lead,”

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