{"id":239789,"date":"2026-06-11T14:01:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T18:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/?p=239789"},"modified":"2026-06-11T16:18:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T20:18:26","slug":"kellys-k9s-tails-of-courage-organization-new-jersey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/kellys-k9s-tails-of-courage-organization-new-jersey\/","title":{"rendered":"This New Jersey Nonprofit Provides Protection Dogs to Domestic Violence Survivors"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"custom_featured_image\" style=\"display:none;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-800x533.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"kellys k9s nj\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><div id=\"custom_category\" style=\"display:none;\">People<\/div><p>Dogs have been called \u201cman\u2019s best friend\u201d for a reason. They are emotional support and protection for their owners. Non-profit organization <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kellysk9s.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kelly&#8217;s K9s<\/a> has recognized that and has created a program where these <a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/news\/pet-sale-ban-new-jersey-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pets<\/a> can be a friend and support for people who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. After her own story with domestic violence occurred in 2019, Kelly Sutliff later found support in her trained protection <a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/liberty-humane-society-clinic-lyndhurst-nj\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dog<\/a>, Stella. From there, she founded Kelly\u2019s K9 to give others the chance to have their own Stella, too. <strong>Keep reading to learn more about The Local Girl\u2019s interview with Kelly\u2019s K9s.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-239792\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"kellys k9s nj\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/kellys-k9s-nj.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>The New Jersey Girl<\/i>: For anyone just learning about Kelly\u2019s K9s, how would you describe the organization\u2019s mission?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><b>Kelly Sutliff: <\/b>Kelly\u2019s K9s, Tails of Courage is a nonprofit organization that provides professionally trained personal protection dogs to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at no cost to them. Our organization offers two programs depending on each survivor\u2019s individual needs: our K9 Placement Program and our K9 Partner Training Program. Through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kellysk9s.org\/placement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Placement Program<\/a>, we match survivors with an already trained personal protection dog. The survivor then becomes an active part of the training process, building the relationship, trust, and partnership with their dog before they go home together. Through our Partner Program, survivors who already have their own dog can have their dog evaluated and, if our master trainer (Bobby Gierla, Metro K9 Academy) feels their dog has the qualities needed for a personal protection dog, Kelly\u2019s K9s will pay the initial cost of the training for the survivor and their dog. However, our mission is about so much more than providing a dog. It\u2019s about restoring something abuse takes away: safety, independence, and confidence. These dogs become partners in a survivor\u2019s healing journey. They help survivors move from simply surviving to truly living again. Kelly\u2019s K9s exists because Stella changed my life. After surviving domestic violence, she became my safe place and helped me become the woman I am today. She gave me the courage to rebuild, and eventually that healing turned into a mission to help others. I always say these dogs do more than protect survivors from what could happen. They help heal them from what already did. That is the heart of Kelly\u2019s K9s.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-239798\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/stella-dog-nj-800x793.jpeg\" alt=\"stella dog nj\" width=\"450\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/stella-dog-nj-800x793.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/stella-dog-nj-1024x1015.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/stella-dog-nj-768x761.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/stella-dog-nj-1170x1159.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/stella-dog-nj-585x580.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/stella-dog-nj.jpeg 1206w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>NJG<\/i>: Kelly\u2019s K9s was born from your own experience as a survivor. When did you realize protection dog training could become something that helped others, too?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>KS<\/i><\/b><b>: <\/b>After surviving my own domestic violence situation, I struggled with feeling safe again. Even after the physical danger was over, the fear and trauma don\u2019t just disappear. Getting my first protection dog, Stella, changed everything for me. She gave me back pieces of myself I thought I had lost. She helped me walk through the world with confidence again, sleep peacefully again, and rebuild my life. As I healed, I kept thinking about other survivors. I knew the incredible impact Stella had on my life, but I also knew the cost of a fully trained protection dog made it impossible for many survivors to access one. That\u2019s when the idea for Kelly\u2019s K9s began. I wanted to take the thing that helped save me and use it to help others.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themontclairgirl.com\/volunteer-montclair-summer-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Volunteer Opportunities in Montclair for Summer 2026<\/a>&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>NJG<\/i>: Protection dogs can sometimes be misunderstood. What do you wish more people knew about the bond, training, and emotional support behind this work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A lot of people hear \u201cprotection dog\u201d and immediately think of aggression, but that is actually the opposite of what these dogs are. A properly trained protection dog is confident, stable, social, and highly obedient. The foundation of everything is the relationship and trust between the dog and their handler.Yes, these dogs are trained to protect if ever needed, but their biggest impact happens in everyday moments. They are lying beside their person at night, going for walks, helping them leave the house again, and allowing survivors to experience life without constantly looking over their shoulder. The most powerful thing about these dogs isn\u2019t just that they can protect you. It\u2019s that they remind survivors there is life after abuse.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>NJG<\/i> You\u2019re based in Morristown and doing this work throughout New Jersey. What has the local response been like so far?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>KS: <\/i><\/b>The response has honestly been incredible. What started from my personal story has grown into something much bigger because of this community. Although we are based in New Jersey, our mission extends beyond state lines. We are able to, and have, helped survivors outside of New Jersey as long as they are able to travel here and commit to the required training with their dog. The support we have received locally has been overwhelming. From businesses and organizations to town leaders, donors, and people simply sharing our mission, every person has played a role in helping us continue to grow. Every event, every donation, and every conversation creates awareness and gets us closer to helping another survivor rebuild their life. Kelly\u2019s K9s exist because people believe survivors deserve more than just survival. We deserve the chance to feel safe again.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-239797\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-800x800.jpeg\" alt=\"kelly and mary \" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-800x800.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-200x200.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-1920x1920.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-1170x1170.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/Kelly-Mary-Survivor-585x585.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>NJG<\/i>: For survivors who may still be in the process of finding safety or rebuilding their confidence, what would you want them to know?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>KS: <\/i><\/b>I would want them to know that there is life after surviving abuse. When you are in the middle of it, it can feel impossible to imagine a future where you feel safe, happy, or like yourself again. I remember that feeling. But what happened to you does not define you. Your story does not end with what someone else did to you. I\u2019m living proof that healing is possible. The worst chapter of your life does not have to become your whole story. Healing is not always easy and it looks different for everyone, but you can rebuild. You can find yourself again. Sometimes the chapters we never wanted become the reason we discover our purpose.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>NJG<\/i>: How can locals support Kelly\u2019s K9s \u2014 whether they attend an open house, spread the word, or get involved in another way?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>KS: <\/i><\/b>One of the biggest ways people can support us is by helping spread awareness. Share our story, follow our journey on social media, attend our events, and help us reach the survivors who need to know this resource exists. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on generous donations from our community to fund our programs and continue providing these life changing dogs at no cost to survivors. Each dog requires extensive professional training, and every donation helps us get one step closer to giving another survivor the safety, confidence, and independence they deserve. Every person who supports Kelly\u2019s K9s becomes part of a survivor\u2019s healing journey. You are not just helping us provide a dog. You are helping a survivor get their life back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Follow @thebergencountygirl on&nbsp;<a class=\"broken_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thebergencountygirl\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s1\">Instagram<\/span><\/a>&nbsp;for the latest Bergen County updates,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thebergencountygirl.myflodesk.com\/uu0mgpgtm0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s1\">sign up for our email list here<\/span><\/a>&nbsp;that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/bergen\/events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s1\">events calendar<\/span><\/a>, which has over 30+ events weekly to peruse.<\/p>\n<div class=\"categories\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/people\/ \/\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">People<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PeopleDogs have been called \u201cman\u2019s best friend\u201d for a reason. They are emotional support and protection for their owners. Non-profit organization Kelly&#8217;s&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":446,"featured_media":239792,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[8833,9788,9823,9802,728,7997,9799,7998,690,8358,9824,9294],"tags":[9705,9855,9785,9702,9678,9784,9812],"class_list":["post-239789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-featured-homepage","category-free","category-greater-new-jersey-new-york","category-health-wellness","category-lifestyle","category-non-profit","category-people","category-pets","category-volunteering","category-wellness","category-women-owned","tag-culture","tag-free","tag-health","tag-lifestyle","tag-new-jersey","tag-people","tag-women-owned"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - 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