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thecenternow
Safe Pet Program
In a Violent Home, EVERYONE is a victim
Meet Bubba and Shiloh – two survivors of domestic violence. Bubba, a loving 100 pound Saint Bernard mix, was badly hurt and even shot by the abuser in the family. The victim stated, “My husband wanted to hurt me and he knew the best way was through the kids and animals.” Bubba even lost a canine tooth at the hands of his abuser.
Shiloh, a very shy ten-year-old black lab mix, became a client in our Safe Pet Program when her owner went into our safe house. There is an amazing parallel between the violent home and the behavior of the animal. In fact, we can tell how bad the violence was by how the animal acts. Shiloh, whose owner escaped the violence by living in her car with her dog before coming to The Center, was so scared when she entered the Safe Pet Program, she tore a hole through a garage door. The only thing that made her feel comfortable was being inside a car, so that is where she “lived”. The staff person let her stay in her car and first worked with her there until she trusted the new human in her life. It took several weeks before she “acted like a dog” again.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, one-third of children who experience family violence in pet-owning homes will act out against pets in the home or elsewhere. We allow visitation between owner and pet not only to keep their bond strong, but to retrain and educate the owner on how domestic violence affects children and animals.
Animals, like humans, need routine, consistency, and love. That is exactly what we are accomplishing through our Safe Pet Program. If someone you know is staying in a violent relationship because they cannot find a safe place for their pets have them call our 24 hour helpline.
Got some spare change? Consider making a donation to help with food, medicine or light bulbs to keep our slithery friends warm! Click below to make your tax-deductible contribution to The Center’s Safe Pet Program. THANK YOU!
