Heeling Hearts is a therapeutic and skills training program for the incarcerated women. It is an animal welfare program for the dogs who are rescued, trained, and adopted. The program is a response to the unique needs of the women and a response to the high number of homeless dogs in Cibola County. The program is modeled after established prison dog programs with demonstrated successes. Canine prison programs have consistently met rehabilitative goals and been a catalyst for positive social and behavioral changes. It reduces violence, isolation, depression, and boredom by creating an environment of increased cooperation, hopefulness, and vibrancy.

Women who love dogs and who want to give back to the community take part in an ongoing therapeutic group. The group is led by a licensed therapist and focuses on such topics as self-awareness, communication, boundaries, conflict resolution, and grief and loss. Under the guidance of a master groomer and trainer, the women are taught to train the dogs in basic obedience and socialization. The dogs live with the women for intensive training and are then offered for adoption in the community. This gives women a great sense of giving back.

The dogs are carefully screened for temperament and health. They are immunized, spayed or neutered, trained and prepared for adoption.

Heeling Hearts is part of PB&J Family Services, a 501 (c)(3) social services agency headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Its mission is to help at-risk children to grow and develop to their full potential in nurturing families within a supportive community. PB&J provides innovative programs that primarily serve low-income families challenged by incarceration, substance abuse, mental illness, developmental disabilities or domestic violence. PB&J programs focus on child abuse prevention and treatment, family preservation, and reducing family violence.