THE EARLY YEARS
Tails of Redemption was created in 2018 by Sheriff Tom Dart. It was an innovative program aimed at uniting shelter dogs and individuals in custody (IICs) at the Cook County Department of Corrections in a journey of hope and rehabilitation.
The program began with 5 shelter dogs, 5 individuals in custody, and took place in the basement of Division 9. Participants learned to train dogs in basic obedience in an 8-week program and acquired life skills like patience, compassion, and problem-solving.
PRESENT DAY
In November 2023, Tails of Redemption relocated to Cook County Sheriff’s Mental Health Transition Center (MHTC), where the program had more space to grow. Since moving, 23 indoor kennels have been donated, and fencing was added to the outdoor space to allow the dogs safe, off-leash playtime.
Since our humble beginnings, we’ve helped over 190 shelter dogs find their fur-ever homes, freeing up valuable kennel space at our three partner shelters. More than 250 IICs have participated in the program, and we’re continuing to expand. Most recently, the program has grown to include the female IICs of 3 Annex.
