Were you aware that many women who need the assistance of a battered women's shelter will not leave their abusers because their animals can't come with them to most shelters? I didn't either until I read this story last week.
This woman and her Great Dane had both been pushed from a second story window (after she was beaten with a hammer) by her boyfriend. She was trying to leave and go to a shelter, but they wouldn't allow her dog too. She refused to leave without him. The shelter chose to make an exception for her.
The executive director said that the shelter realized what a difference it makes in the lives of women to have their pets with them. "40 percent of women will not leave their pets, so they live in their cars or they stay." The shelter, Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City, MO now accepts pets. They are expanding to include 25 more beds, and seven kennels.
Were you aware of these statistics? I didn't know! It makes sense to me. If I were ever in this situation, it would be extremely difficult for me to consider leaving without the cats. I would worry for their safety if I left too! I'm pleased to hear that shelters are realizing this and are now starting to allow women to seek shelter along with their pets! (Full story and image.)
--Tammy
It is so very sad. Mom read an article on about the same thing. One of our local shelters has a Safe Haven program where the shelter will foster animals to allow people to get out of these situations.... but we can understand why someone wouldn't want to leave their pet behind and we hope more places like this start up!!
Posted by: Random Felines | January 26, 2012 at 06:55 AM
This process of helping women and children, along with their animals leave an abusive situation is a dream I have. In a perfect world, I would have this place in my area to allow pets, women and the kids to remain together, until they could get their bearings once again. With many blessings, one day this dream of mine may come true.
Posted by: Midge | January 26, 2012 at 09:36 AM