I did 8 1/2 years in state prison. We had a dog program at the prison I was in. It was very nice having those dogs around. However, I'm a cat person. I've been home 9 years this year. One month after I was released I found a kitten in a Chinese take out parking lot. That cat is now my best friend. He's been with me all these years and I don't know if I would've made it without him. I firmly believe God placed that amazing animal into my life and I'm so thankful.

I used to work with a handful of these guys when they got into a work release program, a couple of them would not stop talking about their cats and how much they miss them.

Hearing Craig say "for once in my life I asked for something instead of taking it" is absolutely beautiful. I couldn't be happier for him and his beautiful boy Galileo. These types of programs are amazing. There is a program in a UK prison that Gordon Ramsey started that teaches the men to cook, and it has been wildly successful as well. And I find JC Miller to be an inspirational man. Seeing someone working at a prison from the standpoint of hope and empathy instead of disdain and disgust is so refreshing. I hope the absolute best for the men and the kitties, this is such a beautiful program.

David’s sweet gentle “I know” for the scared cat is such a perfect example of what this program is about. These cats bring out the best in these men

"For once in my life I asked for something instead of taking it and they said yes." Rehabilitation at its absolute finest. 🥰

The correctional program manager... his philosophy and gentle, practical approach to rehabilitation, is what all prison should strive to be. You can tell he isn't running the prison like some hard ass warden. And you can tell he genuinely cares. Shoutout to Craig, David, and others for caring for these cats and striving for a better life for yourselves.

I’m so glad Craig has been staying out of trouble for years and got to keep his cat Galileo! 😺

Wow.. I suffer from depression and anxiety.. I started rescuing and fostering cats.. after watching this I have realized that I was not only trying to rescue these animals I was also trying to rescue myself..this is a great program… I would love to implement something like this in my country.

I got out 2 years ago. And I love being home with my two cats Sebastian and Miley.

Seeing craig get out early with galileo makes me cry ahhhh

To see these big tough men being so gentle with these little furbabies is just the best thing I have ever seen. Whoever devised this scheme was most wonderfully inspired

I’m confused, why did 1000 people dislike this?? This program not only saves cat’s lives but it is also a great way for the prisoners to show love and respect but get the same thing from the cat. Cats and dogs are great stress relievers, the prisoners should be proud of the great work they are doing !

AAHHHH THEY APPROVED HIS ADOPTION! Absolutely crying in the club, rn.

The developer of the cat program should get an award! The prisoners are benefiting and the cats are too, just wonderful! Cats are quiet, loving and stress relievers!

What Craig says is so vital. Stray cats have many qualities that prisoners can see themselves in. Cats can be standoffish, they can lash out, there is a wild animal in each one. They aren't convenient animals and convicts don't see themselves as convenient people. So to make them gently tend to animals that bear such a reflection of them is brilliant. They are invited to be kind and loving to a living being that goes through so much they know first hand. It's like giving them little symbols of themselves, with each one carrying an innocence that makes them easier to love. So subconsciously, the convicts learn about selfcare. "The being is scared. It needs affection and stability, but also space sometimes." "The being is hurt. It needs attention and care for the physical issues. Might even need round the clock care until the issues get better." "The being is happy. It thrives. It's okay to enjoy this thriving together." "The being is a stray. It needs a home." I learned to love myself a bit more through my cats. And also, loving these cats together humanises convicts and wardens more for each other. It's hard to see someone as less human once you have seen them hold a scared kitty and soothe it. So there is more mutual respect in the air. This is vital!

"A happy cat is a healthy cat"... I love that guy! You can tell the cats have made their lives better. So happy for the men and their cats!

They are like magic, My cat Luke stuck with me through an addiction to heroin and waited for me to come out the other side, when I did he got very very sick with cancer. And passed shortly afterwards. I know he waited for me to get better before he let his self be sick. Love ya Luke !

Imagine being In prison and spending your time caring for these animals. For me that would make life alot more bearable

"I don't want to say they're manipulative necessarily, but they are." Yep, that guy knows cats! I don't know how these programs evolved, but it's fantastic that they did. It must be hard to say goodbye when they have to leave, but I hope these guys realize the greatness of the gift they are giving. God bless them all. ❤

There should be similar programs in EVERY prison in the US. Love is healing.

Seeing these big tough guys become full time cat-dads is seriously everything

I tell everyone cats are like teenagers. They act like they don’t need you, but when they need you they let you know in a very obvious way. What a great documentary. Thank You Sir. 👍

That prison warden needs to be cloned and put in charge of all our prisons. He’s wonderful.

I am so excited for Craig . He is able to have Galileo as his own . He is blessed to have his fur friend in his life. This was so beautiful to watch all about this cat program. So many amazing animals are getting love, affection and alot of TLC.

The correctional program manager - I believe he said his name is JC Miller - this man has such a soothing, calming, gentle voice. He speaks as if he is sharing his insight into the heart and soul of human nature.

I loved being involved with this program so much, and am very honored that our program was featured in this documentary (that was me talking with the guys in the group room)! We've been waiting for it for a long time. I'm very sad that covid caused a pause on both the cat and dog programs at Larch, but hopefully we'll be able to resume in the not-too-distant future. The Humane Society for Southwest Washington was a wonderful partner and it was so clear that this was a win for the inmates, a win for the humane society, and a win for the cats who were able to find forever homes after their socialization training up at Larch. Thank you, thank you! - marci :)

The program director seems so humble. I can hear that man talk for days with his gentle soft spoken voice. You are an earth angel sir! Please never stop what your doing because you are making a HUGE impact on these guys

I'm in tears that Craig's mother came to meet him, and gave him a big hug and kiss. Sooo moving.

This is what humanity looks like!! Helping these stray cats and giving these men a opportunity to help themselves with kindness. We need more programs like this in every state.

I had a pet raccoon at Mc-neil island penitentiary, one day it brought its pups to see me

I am so happy for these men! My cat has helped me with my depression. Every time i see him my heart warms ups. Ya'll dont even know. Its a different perspective.

A true correctional facility. The most important thing the program manager said was the phrase "building empathy" ... I am so thankful Sheba is sponsoring this type of program, and getting this story out to the public.

I'm crying because I have a 49 year old nephew in prison in Texas and I wish he had a program like this. He had 2 cats before he went to prison. I'm so glad Craig Bigler got to keep Galelleo.😸😊

A cat's face is one of the most beautiful things to look at. These guys are really instinctively great with the cats, it's so wonderful to see.

This documentary was absolutely beautiful. I hope more pet prison programs are created and funded! They’re saving both human and cat lives

A good mother will always be what she is. A mother. Regardless of her boys screw ups a mother's unconditional love will always be there. Craig's release from prison and his mother waiting outside for him and giving him that tearful (with joy of course,) hug brought tears in my eyes. A great documentary. Thank you to the makers.

Who thought of this?? Give them a Nobel peace prize. No discussion.

Human rescuing stray cat. Stray cat saves Human being. It’s a WIN WIN.

You can tell these cats love these inmates 🐱🐾💕💜

That Correctional Manager has such a beautiful spirit and soul it just shines through him and comes through his soft spoken and calm manner and voice. Love this program and that Correctional Manager this is a special and great program for them. Everyone needs someone to care about that cares about them some of them have probably never had that before in their entire lives.

“I’m sad to say everybody’s too busy out there. Too busy to write.” my heart hurt 🥺

It’s so strange to see prison workers that actually care. It’s not the majority. I wish everyone cared that much.

Great news Craig is staying safe and getting on with his life..Calico is a beautiful cat..happiness to them both❤❤❤

You can see they smile with the cats around. That’s wonderful.

Cats don't give their trust easily. I love that these cats are helping these guys heal and feel loved. I'm happy that Craig got to bring Galileo home. ❤️

This is what real rehabilitation looks like. Great program for the prisoners and the cats. ☺

This prison guy is a saint. What an amazing person and face.

I’m so happy to read that Craig has stayed out of prison and has beautiful Galileo with him to keep him on the right track. What a beautiful way to rehabilitate people ❤

Why can't all prisons & jails do this? To be responsible for something is a huge step in the right direction. ❤

"For once in my life I asked for something instead of taking it and they said yes"- Craig B. That says everything and more! At the end of the video this man has been out of prison 2 years has a job lives with his cat Galileo that he adopted in prison and his mother. Let's hear it for the cat program at Larch Correctional Facility 2 paws up and a huge MEOW!!😺

I'm so inspired by the huge number of uplifting comments! thank you for not judging them, for opening your heart like they have opened up their heart to these lovely creatures

The HONESTY That these Gentlemen speak of about thier lives... And then apply and appreciate feelings Is just wonderful.. I love this..

did anyone else cry when they watched this

These guys are definitely adopting cats when they get out.

This narrators calm demeanor is, well...calming.

I wouldn’t mind if my tax goes into this program. This is so wonderful ❤️❤️❤️

I hope Craig and the others make it when they are out of prison. ❤️ I’m rooting for you, my guys.

I'm crying as I watch this. I've seen rescue programs with dogs at prisons but not cats. God bless all involved. It has to be good for both. It's bound to be hard for the men to say goodbye, & the cats too. What a blessing for the guys to learn what the cats went through & what they have. Mostly empathy & caring for something SO Precious

Watching the effect these cats have on these guys is amazing, it is so dramatic. The way they look at their cat, the way the cat looks at their guy, you can see the affection, the connection, it's heartwarming.

It’s proven treating inmates positively and giving them a purpose helps the rehabilitation process more. This makes me so happy. I wish more jails/prisons did this to help the inmates and the animals.

I'm glad he gets to keep his cat. That cat is so chill. My two cats would be terrified. 😆

All these guys got my respect!! I dont care what they've done in their past, they are changing not only someone else's life, but their own as well into being a better person.

I really wish some of the men who have longer stays could adopt the cats they become attached to and live in the prison with them ...As long as the cats get enough roaming area. Either way, these men are doing such a wonderful and loving thing. I’m glad this program exists!❤️

This is the best thing ever. I know how quickly my sadness or anger is dissipated when my cat comes to me. These guys are transformed.

I’m so happy to know they let them adopt the cats if they want to

My cat is my everything he saved me from depression and loneliness

I'm very impressed that David has come so far , staying out of trouble , caring for his cat, working and living at home with his mother. He really has turned his life around and given a cat a home . I'm so glad he was allowed to keep his cat that was so fortunate for both of them.

I’m happy I clicked on this

I wish Texas had a program like this. I used to be a nurse for the prison system and sometimes the inmates are not treated fairly.

This was so gratifying! I wish all the best to the men involved in the cat program. To Craig and Galileo: Bravo!

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. The gentleness and tenderness of the handlers and how they empathise with the kitties is wonderful

The perfect way to get in touch with your emotions.

This made me cry!! I’m praying for all those men especially Craig and Galileo. GO CRAIG!! I’m so happy for you. You seem like you’ve learned a lot. Please don’t make the same mistakes ever again. Prayers up for Craig, Leslie, Galileo and I hope other men can learn the same and stay out of trouble. I pray they don’t waste any more time in jail and live a good, honest and happy life. Love one another! ❤️

This is such a touching story!! The healing of unconditional love from a pet is like no other!! Congratulations Craig & Galileo!!!❤

What a great program. Inmates healing cats and cats healing inmates. Keep up the great work guys, and good luck to you all when you get back out in the world. Bless

That was the best documentary I have ever laid my eyes on. It made me smile and it made me cry. My heart is full of joy and happiness. I believe that every prison should have a program like this. It helps not only the cats ease the pain but also the prisoners ease the pain. It teaches them how to be responsible and how to be a better person. I am a HUGE cat lover and believe that cats make people better human beings. Thank you so much Sheba for bringing this video to all of us. You guys really rock!! Love to all the cats around the world and love to all that are incarcerated now. You guys can do it if you put your mind to it!❤

This was so beautiful and inspiring. Human beings and animals living in harmony will always result in peace.

I cried as many tears as my body can produce....such a great piece done on such an amazing thing.

The way these men care for the cats especially keeping track of their behavior is outstanding❤

This seems like a win win for me. Instead of paying for people to be in prison we are paying for rehabilitation of both animal and person.

The man that runs this prison is a great man. All prisons should focus more on rehabilitation like this one instead of profit

I love this video as I'm a cat lover and owner. Galieo is beautiful. This is such a special friendship with prisoners and their cats. It gives them a purpose.

My heart is drenched with so much love seeing these men soften up. This beautiful program needs to be installed everywhere. Very therapeutic and helpful for ‘troubling’ people. 🙏🏼❤️

Great job Craig on ur 2 years congrats👍😸😁. I hope everyone else who's in the program ends up never coming back. I'll be praying for you all.

Animals can save us if we let them..

What a great program! I have PTSD and my cat helped me so much! I’m very touched by the way these men take care of these cat. They know more about cats than me! Love and light to everyone! 💖🌟

This is one of the few videos I've watched lately that made me feel and think about so many emotions. And genuinely smile. I hope Galileo's human continues on a good path. :)

The Federals Bureau of Prisons: “The prisoners are crazy and need therapy!” The cats: “Provide food, water, toys and cuddling, and we’ll agree to work with these guys.”

Good for Craig. That's awesome. The cat gives a human some purpose without even doing anything. Never underestimate the human attachment to animals.

Saw a snippet of this documentary on an Instagram post, saw someone comment “search for prison cat program on KZfaq” and so here I am, loving every bit of this little documentary, didn’t want it to end! Well made! Looking forward to more of these types of documentaries, I’ll be on the look out for it. Big ups to Mr. Bigster, hoping he and Galileo are doing well 🙏🏽

What an amazing documentary - and fantastic program. I am a Cat Rescuer and have worked with many rescue groups to TNR, rescue/ socialize and adopt out stray/homeless cats. We need more programs like this one.

I feed stray cats in my soberliving apartment complex. Have for over a year now. Even taken one on public transit to vet when he was lame on front paw. I couldn't be happier

This is beautiful. Cats and humans saving each other.

I'm soo very happy for Craig and I pray he continues on this positive path. And yes, Galileo is a stunning orange tabby(they are sometimes called 'ginger' tabbies.

Cant stop crying. This is beautiful.

This is so cool. Cat's teach responsibility and compassion to the inmates.

The Man in charge of this program is a blessing for his compassion n understanding of rehabilitation. Thank you sir for helping n giving these men an cats a new life. GOD bless you , inmates n cats

I love this so much. My cats have saved me too. It's very difficult to do the basics in life when you have a major depressive episode. Showering, feeding yourself, opening mail can seem like climbing Everest. But a cat does not care about your problems, they need to be fed, pet, played with, and litter changed, or you will hear about it -loudly. 😸 It has kept me here, my babies. This program is so amazing. There was such a sense of pride in the cat handlers. As soon as they were describing their cats and how they log their days, it was obvious that these are intelligent men, not just animal lovers. I could see any of them being successful nurses, military leaders, directors of animal rescues, if their lives had been different. The US has a problem with the amount of people we warehouse. It doesn't 'rehabilitate' anybody. There's also a real cruelty about being forced to tell employers about being in jail. I understand the thought behind it, especially if someone committed violent acts, or financial crimes, but how does a person stay on the path when they can't get a job? Haven't they done their time? They need to overhaul this with a points system or something where if you work through personal goals and have X amount of time clean/meeting obligations, you no longer need to disclose to employers. That shouldn't hang over you Anyway, what a lovely show and kitty program. I wish all of them a better life. ❤

I wish Graig & the others involved, only the best! This is just amazing I'm happy to see Graig being able to go home with galileo!

Omg.. this is such a beautiful ministry! I'm a cat girl so this brought some happy tears. This man who runs this prison has a beautiful soul! 🥰