Lifetime Bonds

 Lifetime Bonds programs provide opportunities for dogs and people who have been impacted by violence or other trauma to help one another, whether they live in communities or are working toward re-entry into their communities from incarceration or from war.

Program participants learn how to care for and socialize and train dogs using science-based, reward-based training techniques based on healthy relationships. They develop confidence and skills by working with Safe-Humane-approved ambassador dogs and extend those skills by training shelter and Court Case dogs. They participate in positive, beneficial activities with dogs, such as dog agility and canine massage.  They are also taught about issues related to animal welfare and safety, such as pet wellness and care and animal abuse, and learn about the many job opportunities available in the pet industry.

• Illinois Youth Center Chicago Program: Young men, ages 13-20, in custody at IYC participate in a ten-week-long curriculum. They work closely with adult volunteers, learning to bond with, socialize and train shelter dogs, saving their lives and helping them be more adoptable. Delivery of this program has been made possible over the years in part by grants from National Canine Research Council, The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation and The Wanda Muntwyler Foundation

• Kane County Programs: Modeled after the IYC-Chicago program, at the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles, juveniles in custody participate in a 10-week program in which they are mentored by adult volunteers and help to improve the quality of life of shelter dogs. At a broader level, these youth are exposed to important messages about compassion, empathy, and the connection between animal violence and human violence. At the Kane County Jail, inmates participate in a 10-week program to help socailize and train shelter dogs from Aurora Animal Control.

• Adult Community Reentry Program: At Chicago Animal Care and Control, participants from community re-entry programs, who clean the dog pavilions 24/7/365, work with our volunteers to bond with, socialize and train Court Case and other shelter dogs for transfer and adoption. They volunteer during their breaks two days each week. Currently on hiatus because of COVID-19 restrictions, we hope to return to this impactful program soon.

• YMCA's Youth Safety & Violence Prevention (YSVP): At Chicago Animal Care and Control, youth learn to bond with, socialize and train shelter dogs for adoption.