Animal Safehouse Program - pet havens for survivors
Living in an abusive relationship is extremely difficult if not dangerous and can be life threatening. One of the most difficult decisions for the abused individual is to make a decision to leave the abuser. This decision is made more difficult if there is a dog or other pet in the household. Many victims of abuse have exceptionally close bonds with their dogs and will refuse to leave an abusive relationship if they have no place that they can go with their pet. To leave their dog behind with the abuser is almost too much for the victim to bear.
However, there are several (really relatively few) animal safehouses that have emerged that can give care to the family pet while the abuse victim gets their life back together and learns to live on their own either caring for themselves or with children in tow.
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society in San Diego, California began a program in 1997, which at that time was only one of three in the country, known as the Animal Safehouse Program. This program is commited to breaking the cycle of violence. This organization provides temporary shelter to family pets of victims of domestic violence who are trying to escape abuse and seek safety.
In addition to extra tender loving care, the people at Rancho Coastal Humane Society provide boarding, medical and other necessary services. After the abuse survivors have moved out of the shelters and are settling into housing, Rancho Coastal works with the shelters and rental agencies to find housing so that abuse survivors and their pets can be reunited.
I think this is a truly awesome activity and was amazed when I read about this program and their services. I often wish I were independently wealthy so that I could donate to all of these causes that seem so worthy and important. Dogs as family pets are often additional innocent victims of the abusive situation and the services are rarely available to help with their needs and care.
Check out a place where animals always have a home with my fellow blogger!!!
Leave a Reply