There is something special about spending your day with your furry, four-legged companion by your side. In fact, residents at CoreCivic's Hardeman County Correctional Facility in Whiteville, Tennessee, have the opportunity to do this while also giving back to the community thanks to the Canine Companions dog-training program.

Residents who volunteer to enroll in this program at Hardeman train dogs with basic commands so that individuals impacted by a disability or military veterans who suffer trauma can ultimately adopt these dogs for physical mobility or emotional support. The canines arrive to the facility as puppies and remain at the facility until developed enough to provide the support needed for their future families.

While the program is aimed at supporting these adoptive families, resident dog trainers also benefit from the companionship in the training process.

"I knew that I needed something and someone to be able to love and help me to be able to receive love," said Gary, a resident dog trainer at Hardeman.

Since the program's inception in 2017, 46 dogs have been trained and completed the program.

WATCH to learn more about this life-changing program at Hardeman.