‘She started a new, safer life’ May 31, 2025
Today’s story comes from Maya, our Community Programs Manager, about Project Pet Safe, something we often – and intentionally – do behind the scenes to help victims of domestic violence.
“In October 2024, “Rose”, a white pitbull, came into the shelter through Project Pet Safe. Her owner decided to leave her abusive relationship after her ex had put her in the hospital with severe head trauma.
Her owner didn’t have much to start over with. She was a barista in her 20s, but her love for Rose kept her going. Rose stayed with us for 3 weeks while her owner sought permanent housing for the two of them.
Every day, the owner – “Ally” – came to visit Rose. She’d get off from her early morning barista shift, come to the shelter and hang out with Rose for 2-3 hours (talk with the community programs manager, take her for walks, take her across the street to get a pup cup, etc.) and then connect with her social worker to get leads on low-income housing. Every single day for 21 days.
Rose and Ally built strong relationships with shelter staff and stole our hearts. Ally’s hard work paid off. She was able to secure housing with two family members long-term and take Rose home. She successfully started a new, safer life for them.”
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