Freedom Tails

Freedom Tails is a WA State Department of Corrections program located at Stafford Creek Correctional Facility. This program is designed to house dogs for up to 12 weeks where they receive one-on-one training with an incarcerated individual.

Timber Tails K9 Rescue is proud to partner with Freedom Tails to provide this amazing service to our community.

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Dog Blog

Success stories

Freedom Tails & Timber Tails K9 Rescue

A partnership to save dogs

Partnering with programs like Freedom Tails is an honor that not all rescues have—and we never take that privilege for granted.

We are incredibly proud of this opportunity. The service Freedom Tails provides to both the dogs and the community is a direct reflection of the core values of Timber Tails K9 Rescue. Partnerships like this strengthen our impact, expand our reach, and help us continue moving toward our mission with purpose and heart.

Click on each of the tabs above

to see how Freedom Tails embodies the values on which Timber Tails K9

Rescue was founded.

Rescue:

Preventing Euthanasia

This partnership provides essential space and support that help reduce the rate of euthanasia in our local shelters.

By allowing inmates to house and care for dogs, we create room for more animals to be rescued from the cold, confining walls of animal control facilities.

Together, we not only save animals who might otherwise be at risk, but also provide inmates with meaningful purpose, responsibility, and emotional growth.

Together, we’re giving dogs a second chance—while empowering people with one too.

Rest:

A Human to show kindness

Inmates give these dogs the chance to decompress and rediscover who they are. Here, they can begin healing from the scars of their past and start a fresh chapter on their journey toward a forever home.

This essential period of rest and recovery—free from fear, shelter walls, and abandonment—is met with genuine love, patience, and commitment. Each dedicated inmate caretaker works to ensure every dog feels safe, valued, and ready to succeed.

Together, they build trust, restore hope, and open the door to a brighter future.

Rehab:

Setting dogs up for success

During each dog’s stay with their assigned caretaker, they receive focused, individualized training designed to build confidence and prepare them for life in a home. Dogs learn essential skills such as basic manners, proper leash walking, housebreaking, and kennel training—and many even pick up a few fun tricks along the way!

Each dog works toward the goal of passing the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test by the end of their stay. Graduating with a CGC ribbon demonstrates that they have mastered the foundations of being a well-mannered companion and a positive member of their new community.

With structure, patience, and consistent guidance, these dogs leave the program ready to succeed in their forever homes.

Adopt:

Building the Community

Dogs who complete the Freedom Tails program don’t just learn commands—they learn confidence, structure, and the skills that help them thrive in a home. With this investment of time and care, they become better canine citizens and are far more likely to enjoy long-term success with their new families.

But the impact doesn’t stop there.

Each adoption represents a win for everyone involved:
✨ A dog who gets a true second chance
✨ An inmate who gains purpose, skills, and pride in guiding that transformation
✨ Timber Tails K9, fulfilling our mission to prepare dogs for the lives they deserve
✨ And a community strengthened by compassion, growth, and partnership

Every match made is more than an adoption—it’s a step toward a better, kinder community for us all.

Freedom Tails Dogs
currently available for adoption

Dogs in this program complete training to prepare them for a successful future. Training includes:

Puppies: 6 weeks training, working toward completing AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification

Adults/Teens: 12 weeks of training, working toward completing the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.

If you are interested in one of the dogs currently in training, you can place an application and a meet/greet can be scheduled while the dog is still in the program. Dogs will be available for final adoption at the completion of their training.

The Dog Blog

Below, you will find regular updates from the dogs currently housed in our program. Each incarcerated individual keeps a journal written from the view of the dog in his care.

So come back often and enjoy reading the updates and sharing in the journey of these amazing dogs!

Hello World! My name is Gretchen, it's a pleasure to meet you, and there there are just a few things you should know about me to fully appreciate how absolutely amazing I am!

Firstly, have I already mentioned how polite and charming I am? No? Well, it's no surprise a sophisticated lady like me has manners of a European diplomat. I never jump on people as I'm very respectful of a human's personal space, and of other dogs when I play with them.

If you can't tell by my gorgeous photo, I'm a German Shepherd with the fabulous hair and strut of a supermodel. And in case you're wondering-the answer's "yes, I woke up like this."

(Continued on next page....)

Gretchen 2/2/2026

Success Stories

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