Abandoned Puppy Becomes Therapy Dog for Central Illinois Police Officers (Springfield, IL) – A Labrador mix named Ghost has gone from being an abandoned puppy on the streets of Cicero to serving as the newest therapy K9 for Mobile Training Unit (MTU) 7, supporting law enforcement officers across eight Central Illinois counties.
Ghost, now 10 months old, was found with his brother in December 2024 but went unclaimed. His life took a dramatic turn when he entered the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Tails of Redemption program, which pairs abandoned dogs with incarcerated individuals for professional training. The program gives both the animals and the handlers a second chance.
Through the program, Ghost earned certifications from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the American Kennel Club, proving himself to be an ideal therapy dog with a naturally calm and intuitive demeanor.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Ghost to MTU 7 and integrate him into our officer wellness efforts,” said Brian Fengel, MTU 7 director and Ghost’s handler. Fengel, a retired police chief with three decades of experience and a career working with K9s, said Ghost’s impact was immediate. “Ghost is more than just a dog. He’s an ice-breaker, a source of comfort, and a silent supporter for our officers facing daily stressors. Even in these first few days, his presence has already brought smiles and joy to the entire community.”
Ghost will serve officers in Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford counties, helping alleviate stress and providing emotional support during critical incidents. He is also expected to make appearances at schools, community events, and training sessions.
Jennifer Wooldridge, Illinois’s statewide coordinator for Crisis Intervention Training, said Ghost’s addition highlights the state’s commitment to officer wellness. “The inclusion of therapy K9s like Ghost is a critical component of our comprehensive approach to officer wellness across Illinois,” she said. “These programs ensure officers have access to emotional support and underscore our priority to address mental health in law enforcement.”
Described as unflappable, Ghost has already shown his steady temperament—remaining calm during fireworks and patiently allowing children to tug on his ears during a store visit. His handler said those traits make him well suited to the stressful environments officers often face.
Ghost is expected to participate in an upcoming training class at Illinois Central College and will be on call for rapid deployment to assist officers during crises throughout MTU 7’s service area.
Abandoned Puppy Becomes Therapy Dog for Central Illinois Police Officers
