“Just a lot of love and affection,” said Mullins, who’s slated to be released in January 2009 on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and being a habitual substance offender.

Mullins’ partner in training Fang, 27-year-old Michael Jekel of Indianapolis, also agreed that showing the dogs affection is key.

“Just showing them love and care,” said Jekel, who’s scheduled to be released in 2010 on charges of aiding arson. “Plus we’re able to share them with the other guys.

“We bring out the good heart in them.”

The greyhound program is active at several Indiana prisons, including Rockville and Branchville correctional facilities. The Indiana Department of Correction has plans to expand it to other prisons.

“This is a special breed of dog,” McCracklin said. “They need the love they didn’t get at the racetrack. They crave it and I love giving it to them.”