A program in Osceola County is offering a fresh start to dogs at the county's animal shelter, and to the dog's trainers, who happen to be stuck behind bars themselves.

Abandoned by his owners, and passed up for adoption time and time again, 1-year-old Axle’s story isn’t unique at the Osceola County Animal Shelter.

Just two months ago Axle was paired with Mark Dipaola, a local inmate and trainer in the TREATS dog training program.

“You see a dog coming through the program and they look scared, they need love. The second I saw Axle I fell in love,” Dipaola said.

Instead of waiting at the shelter, these dogs get to learn a few new skills. While paired together, the inmates learn and the dogs receive obedience and behavior training.

While the inmates Friday earned their certification to become dog trainers, the dogs got a chance to essentially get off "death row."

“It really is not only a lifesaving program for the animals in the program but it really is a lifesaver for the animals that we may be getting in," said Kim Staton with the animal shelter. "Now we have space for that new animal.”

Dipaola said Axel’s life isn’t the only saved.

“You know a little bit of time here and there and this is what you get. It’s the same with us too, a little bit of time and direction and we turn our lives around. Axel and I are turning our lives around together,” Dipaola explained.

Right now the Osceola County Animal Shelter is still bursting with adoptable pets just like Axel. So far they have successfully trained 37 dogs through TREATS and all 37 have been adopted. They hope they can expand the program to support even more dogs in the future.