Kelly Sutliff
Nonprofit Founder and Survivor
“I want every survivor of domestic violence to know that they don't have to settle for merely surviving — they can reclaim their lives and truly thrive."
- Kelly
Kelly Sutliff is a passionate advocate, psychotherapist, and dog trainer, who has turned her personal journey of survival into a mission to empower others. As the founder and executive director of Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, Kelly leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trained protection dogs to survivors of domestic violence. Her organization is a beacon of hope for those who, like her, have faced the terrifying reality of domestic violence and are seeking a path to safety and healing.
Kelly’s passion for this cause stems from her own experience as a survivor. At a time when she felt most vulnerable, Kelly found strength and security in her first protection dog, Stella. This bond not only provided her with a sense of safety but also became a pivotal part of her healing process. Stella’s presence in Kelly’s life sparked a deep interest in dog training, particularly in the area of personal protection and Schutzhund—a sport that tests the dog's tracking, obedience, and protection skills.
In addition to her work with the nonprofit, Kelly has spent 14 years as a psychotherapist in private practice, helping clients navigate their own paths to healing. Her expertise extends beyond therapy sessions; she has also served as an adjunct professor, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of mental health professionals. Kelly’s commitment to her clients and her advocacy work is driven by a deep understanding of trauma and recovery, both personally and professionally.
A true dog lover, Kelly has channeled her passion into mastering the art of dog training. She specializes in training personal protection dogs, ensuring they are both loyal companions and capable protectors. Her dedication to the sport of Schutzhund led her to compete in her first competition in June 2024, where her dog Luca earned his first title, the “BH,” a recognition of his obedience and temperament.
Through Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, Kelly continues to extend her hand to those in need, offering not just protection dogs but a lifeline to survivors seeking to reclaim their lives. Her journey from survivor to advocate is a testament to the power of resilience, the healing bond between humans and dogs, and the courage it takes to turn personal pain into a force for good.
Robert Gierla
Director of Training
“Protection dogs aren't just guardians; they're lifelines. For domestic violence survivors, these dogs offer a sense of security that helps them reclaim their lives and rebuild their confidence."
- Bobby
Robert "Bobby" Gierla, the master dog trainer for Kelly's K9s, Tails of Courage, brings over 35 years of unparalleled expertise in canine training and behavior. As the founder of Metro K9 Academy, a family-owned and operated business based in Randolph, NJ, Bobby has dedicated his life to providing top-quality service in the K9 industry. His facility features a Schutzhund-sized training field, a specialized obstacle/agility course, and immaculate indoor and outdoor kennels, reflecting his commitment to excellence.
A Cornell-certified dog trainer specializing in canine behavior, breeding, and training, Bobby has competed in Schutzhund competitions at various levels, ranging from local trials to National and World Qualifier events. His experience extends beyond competitions; he has played a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining multiple K-9 units across the country. Bobby has also trained countless K9 handlers, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance and safety.
Bobby’s expertise isn't limited to protection work. He has developed numerous service and therapy dogs, tailoring their training to meet the specific needs of individuals and organizations. In addition, he leads a specialized scent detection division at Metro K9, focusing on narcotics, bomb detection, and bed bug detection, which has served law enforcement agencies and other high-profile clients.
Over his extensive career, Bobby has trained thousands of dogs for a global clientele, including law enforcement agencies, celebrities, and business executives. His reputation as an expert in dog behavior is further evidenced by his long-standing provision of dog bite prevention training for companies like PSEG, United Water, and others in the NJ and NY areas. Bobby and Metro K9 Academy uphold the highest standards in dog training and care, proudly affiliating with Schutzhund USA, the American Working Dog Federation (AWDF), and the German Shepherd Dog Club (SV), with all of their dogs registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bobby is deeply committed to helping domestic violence survivors. For many years, he has provided them with trained protection dogs, offering a renewed sense of safety and empowerment. After meeting Kelly Sutliff, the founder of Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, Bobby became even more passionately involved in supporting survivors. His dedication to this cause has made a profound impact on the lives of many, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of the human-canine bond.