LOCKHART, Texas -- Three dogs from the Humane Society in San Antonio were sent to prison Monday as part of a special program called "Paws In Prison".

Staff with the San Antonio Humane Society said the dogs are in need of some extra socialization. That's why they were sent to the prison in Lockhart, Texas, where they will spend time with female inmates for the next eight weeks.

Each dog will be matched up with certain inmates, spending the entire day with them. Humane Society officials said the extra time with people -- even though its in prison -- will help socialize the dogs and make them more adoptable.

"We're hoping that people will look at these animals and realize they have been trained. They have been socialized, and they are getting their K9 good citizenship diploma which will be wonderful to have when they bring them into their own home," said Cathy McCoy of the San Antonio Humane Society.

McCoy said the inmates also benefit from the program through all the time they spend with the dogs. This is the first year the San Antonio Humane Society has taken part in the "Paws In Prison" program.