Will Co. Drug Court adopts shelter dog to help recovering addicts
Sun-Times Media April 17, 2012 8:09PM
A dog found abandoned in Joliet will now help recovering drug addicts at a Will County Drug Court halfway house facility. / photo from Will County State's Attorney's office
Updated: May 21, 2012 8:27AM
JOLIET — A nameless dog that was left tied to a garbage can has found a new role helping recovering drug addicts as they try to turn their lives around.
The Will County Drug Court has adopted the shelter dog as a companion for recovering drug users at the Miller Taylor House in Joliet, according to a release from the Will County state’s attorney’s office.
The abandoned 1-year-old female pointer/Labrador mix, found tied to a garbage bin in Joliet, was chosen from the Joliet Township Animal Control shelter because of her sweet and gentle nature, the release said.
The five men who live at the Miller Taylor House have kicked their addictions and nearly completed an intensive Drug Court program. They will care for the dog under the close supervision of a resident house manager.
“This wonderful shelter dog will teach these men valuable lessons about personal responsibility, selflessness and kindness that will serve them well when they take the next steps in their lives, State’s Attorney James Glasgow said in a statement.
Within the past 12 years, the Drug Court has helped more than 270 people struggling with addiction avoid criminal convictions, the release said.
Joliet Elks Lodge 296 is partnering with the Drug Court and state’s attorney’s office to sponsor a contest allowing local students to name the dog, the release said. The deadline is May 4.
