No. 033 | January 2026 by Drax Digest

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FROM THE EDITOR

Other girls my age in high school would talk about how cute babies were, how they had baby fever after interacting with a newborn a teacher brought in, and how they couldn’t wait to be mothers I have never been able to relate to that feeling Ever

I have never fallen victim to the baby fever epidemic but puppy fever? A daily, if not hourly, occurrence And let me tell you, interacting with people who work with dogs professionally and creating this digest all about dogs is not helping one bit

And there is no cure I checked For even after you get a dog, you will want another, and another, and another So there truly is no hope for me Might as well, haul me to the hospital on a gurney already, because the fever is spiking dangerously after compiling all the photos, ads, and doggy photos in addition to interviewing the incredible winner of our 5th annual von Liebig Prize

The William J von Liebig Foundation proudly named Kelly Sutliff founder of Kelly’s K9s Tails of Cour as the 5th winner of the annual, $25k von Li Prize, and celebrated her win on December 10th

To say that Kelly has been through hell and back, somehow managed to turn it into a source of l would be an understatement In researching issue, I became intimately familiar with every f of her story which is available online Most asp of it are too dark to share in our light-hearted publication, but to truly understand the extent of her resilience, watch her courageously share her story on Episode 1 of Toxic on HBO Max

She turned her horrific domestic violence case into an opportunity to not only reclaim her power and strength but also help many other survivors do the same She is the first prize recipient whose work significantly impacts and focuses not only on animals but also on people

Publisher Michael Ennis

I cannot be more thrilled to introduce you to this issue focused entirely on Kelly, her story, her nonprofit, and her work In these pages, you will also find a QR code allowing you to donate to Kelly’s organization, Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, which is always in need of donations

Thank you for being here and being a part of our story Until next month!

With love, light, and gratitude,

Eleonora Fogg EDITOR-IN-CHIEF eleonora@svvl net

Editor-In-Chief

Eleonora Fogg

KELLY’S STORY

Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence and Abuse

“I can still vividly remember thinking and feeling... I am going to die.”

December 16, 2019 The house we shared, my home, was ransacked and vandalized I remember the dread settling in as I realized he could kill my dog right in front of me Irreplaceable belongings tied to the memory of both my parents were destroyed before my eyes I was beaten, thrown, and strangled, consumed by fear and horror unlike anything I had ever known When it was over, there were blood-stained walls and a hole in the sheetrock from where my head had hit

But the truth is, the possibility of death had been there all along, hidden beneath lies, deceit and manipulation that I didn’t yet see What remained afterward revealed everything I hadn’t wanted to believe I now know he pursued me with the intent to abuse me He married me with the intent to control me And I believe he drugged me, to make me sick, to render me unconscious, to violate me

Even after the violence ended, the terror did not Once legal proceedings began, the stalking followed, both physical and virtual I lived in constant fear Powerless Hopeless Isolated Out of control Terrified all the time

The abuse I endured didn’t end with him It was magnified by the criminal justice and family court systems that failed to protect me I reached out repeatedly, desperate for help, only to be told there was nothing anyone could do I experienced firsthand what so many survivors know too well: a system that is deeply broken It was at that lowest point when I felt I had lost every ounce of safety and control that I decided: I would find a way to take my life back

Stella came into my life on August 6, 2020

My first German Shepherd My first trained protection dog I remember the exact moment I met her The trainer brought her out, and she sat down right beside me, calm, steady, and watchful As I gently ran my hand along her back, a stranger began to approach Without hesitation, Stella placed her paw across my ankle It was subtle, protective, certain, as if she was telling me, I’ve got you now

In that moment, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: safety Real safety Not just from danger, but from the fear that had been living inside me I knew instantly that I needed her, not only for physical protection, but for my emotional healing

This is the reason Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage exists. I know what it feels like to live in constant fear, and I know what it feels like to finally breathe again I want every survivor to know that feeling Through this nonprofit I hope to give other survivors the same chance I was given: A chance to stand tall again To feel safe again To reclaim control confidence and courage To find themselves again through the love loyalty, and protection of a dog who will stand by them, no matter what

Excerpt from Kelly’s K9s website; photos from Kelly’s K9s socials.

ABOUT KELLY AND KELLY’S K9S (WINNER OF THE 2025 VON LIEBIG PRIZE):

With its mission to restore safety, healing, and empowerment to survivors of domestic violence, Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage provides trained protection dogs that offer both physical security and emotional support to individuals rebuilding their lives.

Since founding Kelly’s K9s, Sutliff has turned her own experience as a survivor into a powerful movement: she is committed to offering survivors of domestic violence a chance to reclaim control, confidence, and independence through the human-canine bond.

FINDING SAFETY, HEALING, AND PURPOSE

An Interview with the Founder of Kelly’s K9s Tails of Courage

Eleonora Fogg, Editor (E): It is an absolute pleasure for us to interview you! Congratulations To get to this point, you ’ ve gone through an extremely traumatic journey. Trauma healing doesn’t really stop it’s something you continue working on for life. How has your work with Kelly’s K9s impacted your own healing, in addition to helping other survivors?

Kelly Sutliff (K): Thank you! This has been one of the greatest honors of my life I am so excited!

Helping other victims and survivors has absolutely helped my own healing journey in many ways Being an advocate for survivors who are currently navigating the court system and serving as an example of someone who has lived through it has been incredibly healing for me

Watching survivors go through their own healing journeys and being able to relate to one another creates a powerful sense of connection And ultimately, working with the animals is healing for me every single day The dogs gave me my passion for life back. Seeing what they do for other survivors knowing that’s what they once did for me is incredibly meaningful.

E: Do you get to work directly with the animals every day?

K: Yes. I have three personal protection dogs that I work with daily to maintain their training. I’m also very involved in the training for Kelly’s K9s alongside our master trainer, Bobby Gierla I assist him directly, which means I work hands-on with survivors not only as another survivor, but also by helping train their dogs.

E: One exciting development is the new program where survivors can train their own dogs instead of receiving a fully trained one Can you tell us about that?

K: Absolutely! In January 2026, we’ll be officially announcing this expansion Until now, we ’ ve provided survivors with fully trained protection dogs that we breed, raise, and train through Metro K9 Academy But many survivors already have deep bonds with their own dogs, and we wanted to honor and foster those relationships

We’re currently piloting the program with two survivors, and it’s going incredibly well. Starting in January, we’ll evaluate survivors’ dogs to determine if they have the potential for protection work If Bobby determines a dog is suitable, Kelly’s K9s will fully cover the cost of that training, which I also help facilitate.

E: What qualities do you look for when determining if a dog can be trained as a protection dog?

K: Every dog is different, but there are key indicators. We look for strong food drive and high play drive especially play drive. Those are signs a dog wants to work and engage

We also look for a dog that enjoys learning and can be trained in obedience The survivor doesn’t need to have already done extensive obedience training, but the dog needs to be receptive and motivated. Those qualities are critical for protection work.

E: How involved is it to maintain a protection dog’s training long-term?

K: It really varies. I train weekly with my dogs because one of them, Luca, competes in Schutzhund competitions, so ongoing training is essential For survivors, weekly training isn’t required after the dog is fully trained but periodic refreshers are important. Dogs are like people: if you stop practicing a skill, you may remember it, but you ’ re not at your best. Refresher sessions help maintain sharpness

What’s been amazing is that many survivors fall in love with the training itself It becomes their passion They show up not just for the dog, but for themselves And the community we ’ ve built around that is incredibly powerful

E: Many people don’t really understand what “protection” means What does a protection dog actually do?

K: There’s a massive misconception that protection dogs are aggressive They’re not at all These dogs have excellent obedience and are entirely under their handler’s control. They’re trained to protect their person, not themselves. They can bite on command, assess threats, and act if their handler is in danger even if the handler can’t give a command

They’re also highly social and stable For example, my dogs won’t approach strangers on their own But if I give permission, they’ll greet someone warmly. If I call them back, they immediately return. And if I were to issue a protection command, they would respond instantly even if they had been friendly just seconds earlier

E: That contrast is incredible How do you train dogs to switch so seamlessly?

K: Training starts very early, often in puppyhood, and it’s built through prey drive At first, it’s a game fun and engaging We use toys, tugs, and balls to build motivation

As training progresses, we introduce a decoy to test the dog’s nerves and teach controlled biting using bite sleeves and suits We also teach barking on command and alert barking Often, barking alone is enough to deter a threat without ever needing a bite Everything is structured, controlled, and rooted in play and positive engagement

E: Can you tell us about your transition from survivor to founder and trainer?

K: When I got my first protection dog, Stella, my life changed Before her, I barely left my house for a year and a half I was terrified. When Stella came home, I started walking around the block again. I went to stores. I began living. Training gave me confidence, empowerment, and purpose I knew this was my life’s work I fell in love with the training, the bond, and watching Stella grow.

Later, I raised my second dog, Luca, from eight weeks old and began competing. After years of healing and training, I realized that every survivor I spoke to shared the same fear we don’t feel safe after leaving And the system doesn’t protect us That’s when I knew I wanted to give back Helping survivors feel safe became my mission That’s how Kelly’s K9s was born, which officially launched in October 2024

E: Happy belated one-year anniversary! What does the future hold for Kelly’s K9s? What are some things you are looking for?

K: Thank you! Well, we ’ re always in need of donations that’s how we fund this work. But my biggest dream is national expansion We receive applications from survivors across the country, and the need is absolutely there

Another major goal is spreading awareness The more people know about Kelly’s K9s, the more survivors we can help and the more support we can build.

Long-term, I’d also love to explore advocacy around public access or certification for protection dogs. It may require legislative work, but it’s important to change how society views protection dogs They are some of the most well-trained, stable dogs you’ll ever meet.

E: Your work is truly inspiring Thank you for everything you do for survivors, for safety, and for redefining what healing can look like

K: Thank you It truly means everything

THE BUSINESSES

Bread Story

Gingerbread? Panetonne? Bûches de Noël? Oh my! Bread Story did not hold back with wintery treats and masterpieces this year Miss out? Well, this is why following Bread Story on social media is so critical! How else will you learn about all the limited-edition seasonal goodies? Don’t fret too much, though; King’s Cake season is around the corner! Grab a luxuriously delicious Galette des Rois, find the surprise hidden inside, and be a royal for the day Let’s not forget that Valentine’s Day is coming too ;)

Burr Hall Farm

The farm team is hard at work preparing for a season of new opportunities and possibilities! Summer will bring a small batch of produce which we are already planning as we winter We are also exploring building a beautiful farm store and partnering with local bakeries and coffee shops to supply them with the best honey in Middlebury CT Soon the farm will boast beautiful paths through its woods for peaceful nature walks in spring, summer, and fall Be prepared to visit!

Drax Productions

Dreadful things have been finished! Yup You heard that right: our feature film has been completed and will soon be on a cinema screen near you! Keep your eyes peeled, and lights on

Wellness+ Studio

New year, new resolutions! Have you been thinking about hitting the gym but just haven’t gotten to it yet? Well, this is a wellness sanctuary like no other Personal training, acupuncture, recovery sessions, massage, flexibility and mobility training, skincare, IV drips, and Botox treatments all in one place? Yes And it’s all personalized and tailored to you and your specific needs So, come in for your complimentary assessment! We will help you hit those resolutions out of the park in no time

The William J. von Liebig Foundation

In case you haven’t guessed (or read) the William J von Liebig Foundation has selected its fifth prize recipient: Kelly Sutliff!

We honored Kelly and her extraordinary work (highlighted in this issue) with a prize reception on December 10 in the Trianon room at the esteemed and reputable Carlyle Hotel in New York City The evening was filled with beautiful jazz music, tasty hors d'oeuvres, vibrant laughs, and stunning gowns th

Kelly attended with Robert (Bobby) Gierla, Director of Training at Kelly’s K9s We had the honor of welcoming them both to the von Liebig Prize community Congratulations again on your win, Kelly You are a massive inspiration to us all

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