The article about the prison pup program at York Correctional Institution was excellent. ("Paws go to prison for good cause," Aug. 27.)

Many lives have been transformed during the years the National Education for Assistance Dogs program has been at York. It benefits people served by the talented pups when they graduate, the women incarcerated at York and many men and women working at the institution.

As a puppy-raiser volunteer who now brings Alister the poodle home on weekends, I know it is hard work, but worth every minute helping pups become service dogs.

We are often asked, "Is it hard to let them go?"

The answer is "Yes," but it is worth it.

We frequently plan our weekends around Alister's socializing and training. I recommend this for anyone who would like to "work" on weekends, have a pup at home that is not your total responsibility and fulfill a desire to volunteer.

You can make a difference by visiting www.neads.org and completing a volunteer application. If you have specific questions not answered on the website, contact NEADS at (978) 422-0496.

The more volunteers who train a pup, the more service dogs that will go on to make a difference for those with disabilities.