The author of "Craig & Fred" describes how his devoted canine companion and he visited Maine State Prison to work beside inmates who serve purposeful time in prison by training service dogs for disabled veterans.

Grossi found Fred, a stray, while serving in Afghanistan, and brought him home. During their travels he was invited to speak at Maine State Prison and met the participants in a program run by the non-profit America's Vet Dogs. Many of the prisoners are veterans, and at MSP they transform purebred Labrador Retrievers from floppy puppies into indispensable companions for disabled vets. These service dogs literally and figuratively open doors for men and women, offering hope and a renewed sense of freedom. Grossi shows that the men at Maine State are given a second chance, showing that no life is irredeemable. -- adapted from jacket