This is a partnered post with Purina, but all opinions are my own.
20 people in 60 seconds. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, that’s the average number of people who are abused by an intimate relationship partner. While I have never been a victim of domestic violence, I have friends who have been abused and know it’s hard for anyone to escape from the cycle of abuse. There’s the fear of what the abuser might do to them,their children and their pets. Many people refuse to leave their abuser because they do not want to leave the family pet with the abuser and most shelters across the country will not accept pets. Last year, while in New York City at the Purina Better with Pets Summit, I learned about a remarkable new program sponsored by the Urban Resource Institute and Purina. This program allowed women to bring their children and pets to the shelter. As we listened to a former abuse victim who shared how the URI and Purina had helped her escape an abusive situation and allowed her to keep her three cats, I realized how much it helped the abuse victim keep her family life stable in uncertain times.
This year, Purina and the URI have expanded their outreach, hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 13th for the 1st ever dog park located in a domestic violence shelter. In one year the URIPALS program (urban resource institute people and animals living safely) has helped 43 families and 63 pets, including a mix of dogs, cats, turtles and reptiles. If you’ve ever owned a pet you know how expensive they can be. Women in these situations rarely have the money to spend on pet supplies. Purina helps by donating food for cats and dogs, dog treats and cat litter.
Purina also provides “welcome kits” with necessities such as litter boxes, pet gates, pet watering and feeding bowls, leashes, pet carriers and pet toys. The URI is a model resource I hope more domestic violence shelters around the country will adopt. Domestic Violence is a common problem, but Purina and the URI are becoming part of a solution.
I had no idea this was available. There is such a need for a shelter for pets.
Wow, this was a powerful piece. Being able to leave with your kids is one thing, but I know many folks that would love to bring their pets too. Amazing
Wow, there needs to be so many more of these shelters. This is amazing to see Purina doing this.
This is so heartwarming. I love that Purina is helping out victims and their pets in their time of need.
Well the welcome kits are a good idea too. I really like Purina.
Thanks for sharing about the Urban Resource Institute and Purina’s great work, I love supporting brands that give back and it is initiatives like this that make me want to go out of my way to buy a brand because they are doing so much good!
I am embarrassed to say I never thought about what happens to the pets. This is so great!
I think it is really awesome that Purina provides this service to abuse victims. I know pets are like kids so when people need help, pets need it too.
Wow, so much food for thought. I had never thought through the pet aspect of abusive situations. I also did not realize shelters won’t take pets (maybe that was meaning for a short term situation). What a fantastic and compassionate idea this facility is. I would think it is therapeutic for the abused person to have their pet with them too. What a great story, thank you.
This is amazing! There are a lot of shelters that will not accept pets as well!
It’s important to help victims of domestic violence! They’re escaping such terrible situations!
How wonderful that this cause helps women who are victims of domestic violence and their pets.
What an awesome idea! I had no idea they offered something like this. Good for them.
Wonderful! Any thing that makes it easier for a domestic violence victim to leave is a great thing.
This is such a neat idea. I think a lot of times we forget about our furry friends. Way to go Purina!
This is really great! I love that they are doing this. So many need help and big brands coming thru? Makes me smile!
I have had friends that have been abused before and it’s just awful. How sad :(. Love to read about this cause though to help them (and their pets!)
I think this is so awesome. So many abused have to leave their pets behind to find safety. Love this.
This is so wonderful! I think everyone should be able to keep their pets with them. That’s sad to hear that 20 people are affected within 60 seconds. That’s a lot! I’m glad their are places like this to help those people and animals out.
I think it is wonderful that this is happening. Women should be able to have their pets with them!
Domestic violence is a topic that is difficult to discuss yet so very important. This program sounds amazing and I am sure giving victims the ability to keep their pets gives them an added sense of comfort.
FYI – In Utah, we have the Purple Paw Program for this, they will keep the pets for as long as needed but they also need help so if you have some Utah folks reading this, Nuzzles & Co would also love some help! I’m not trying to take away from your awesome facility in Georgia, but these are important everywhere!
Thanks for sharing! I agree this is important anywhere!
This is such a wonderful idea. I never thought about the pets in situations like this.
Leaving a unhealthy situation can involve so many things. It must be such a relief to know there’s help available for your pets also. Love this!
This is fantastic! So many victims don’t want to leave and leave everything behind that they love. I’ve never heard of any shelter accepting pets, I love that there is an alternative now 🙂
I never thought about the pets in a domestic violence situation. I think this is a great thing!
I’ve never thought about pets in this situation before. But sometimes they might be a person’s only ‘family.’
What a wonderful way to know your animals will be taken care of too, if you are ever subject to domestic abuse. I hope more of the violence shelter agree to adopt this way of thinking.
This is such a wonderful thing. Often times people want to help out, but forget that the victims have pets too! This is so great!
I am SO glad that these places are starting to take animals. I want protection for all who are abused and this is a great step to protect everyone. SO happy to see this.
OMG, this is amazing. So happy to see that they have a place to go to too.
What a great idea! To many people their pets are just like their children, and they’d never want to leave them behind. I think it’s fabulous that Purina is doing this!
I had no idea that Purina did this. What a wonderful way to help the pets.
There needs to be so many more of these shelters, imagine how many more women, children and pets would be helped. I’m glad to see a company like Purina helping so many.
I think this is a wonderful idea. Domestic batterers are equal opportunity monsters. I’m glad to know there’s a place where people and animals in danger can go.
OMG, this is fantastic! I’ve often wondered what happens to pets when victims of abuse have to leave. A man that abuses his wife or girlfriend is sure to take it out on their pet when she’s gone.
Honestly, the sad truth is, I never even considered the pets. Glad there is help for them. too!