This post was written in partnership with Purina. Please note that, as always, any personal opinions reflected in this post are my own and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.
I have had at least one pet for just about my entire life. I consider my pets my furry family members and love them very much. They do many things with us, including hang out, snuggle and watch tv. They even sleep with us. One of the many reasons that I love them is because they can be very intuitive. They like to share happiness and can often sense when something is wrong. On occasions where I’ve felt sad or ill, my pets have always seemed to know. It’s comforting.
I cannot imagine not being able to turn to my pets, and the thought of them being harmed taken away from me in order to hurt me is inconceivable. Victims of domestic violence deal with this more often then you may realize.
Studies show 48% of domestic violence victims stay in abusive relationships out of fear of what would happen if they left their pets behind. Studies also show 70% of domestic violence victims report their abuser threatened, injured or killed their pet. These would not be small numbers on any given day. They are particularly poignant today, October 31, because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Raising awareness about domestic violence is important because it helps educate people about situations that often don’t become a topic of public conversation to light. It also provides an opportunity to share resources and support survivors.
We know from the loving bond and attachment that we feel with out pets that people and pets are better together. Five years ago when Hurricane Sandy devestated our area, pets were a huge concern. People didn’t want to evacuate without their pets, and those with no other option stayed in their homes with their pets risking danger from the storm. One of the rawwest moments that I have ever seen is a moment between a man and his dog, which you can see in the photo above. I took that photo the day after Sandy, and it shows a man sitting on the curb at the end of our neighborhood holding only a suitcase and his dog. I have never experienced domestic violence, so I can only imagine how hard the idea of leaving what may be your best source of support and love might feel like.
Purina established a partnership with the Urban Resource Institute (URI) and its People and Animals Living Safely (URIPALS) program several years ago. The goal of this partnership is to develop a long-term relationship to help survivors of domestic violence, and their pets, live in a safe place together as they recover and heal. At its core, this relationship demonstrates Purina’s commitment to the belief that people and pets are better together.
The Urban Resource Institute in New York is one of the very few domestic violence shelters in the United States that is able to accommodate victims and their pets. As of September 2017, URIPALS has assisted 74 families escape and 106 pets escape abusive situations.
You can read more about the partnership with URI on the Purina website. You can keep up with Purina on social media, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). They’re available 24/7/365.
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How wonderful that Purina is doing this. It makes me sad to think that there’s so much domestic violence in our world today.
Wonderful Putin’s helps out domestic violence. Didn’t know people stayed in a violent relationship because of their fur babies.
I just love that Purina does this! There are so many pets out there who can help. Pets can do so much for us!
Domestic violence is not always physical and its scars are permanent.
What a wonderful thing Purina is doing! I can’t imagine how hard it would be to leave a violent situation without your beloved pet. Way to go, Purina! You rock!
I love that Purina is making a difference for these victims of domestic abuse. It’s so important to give back to the community. My friend has three dogs and loves Purina for them!
What a great cause and it’s so true – pets are always such great companions during any time in life. When you’re struggling or not 🙂
This is something that always worries me. Anyone that will hurt humans and animals are scum in my book. I’m so glad there are programs like this that will take care of both humans and their pets that are being abused.
This is awesome. Service animals really do bring comfort to those they serve. I had no idea of this project prior to this post. Thanks for the info.
Before I was a blogger, I was a criminal prosecutor and my job was 100% focused on prosecuting domestic violence offenders. Reading your post brought tears to my eyes as I remembered women who told me about their pets who were killed, and of women who told me how they were beaten “like the dog,” and so many more. There aren’t enough shelters for victims and their kids — but there are even fewer places to escape to safety with pets. I hope this program grows. Fast!
I wouldn’t want to leave my pet(s) either! This is amazing and is quite a thoughtful service for people.
I love my pet and am so glad that pets can be used for something like this. Thanks Purina for supporting this wonderful cause. So heartbreaking.
Purina is an amazing company. I love to support companies that give back like this.
It’s great to see Purina focusing on such an important issue. Their partnership with URI should help a lot of people.
The Shade Tree Shelter in Las Vegas also has a place for pets. It’s called Noah’s Animal House, built in 2007. Soon there will be one in Reno as well. I’m sure they would love the support of Purina.
I love Purina One food for my girl. It’s also good to know hoe much they give back!! I love this post!!
I have a soft heart for animals. I guess I really never knew that this existed. This makes my heart even more sad when thinking of domestic situations. It’s so great that Purina is committed to this.
Pets really do provide comfort. I think it’s important to understand how much we need them in our lives. They really are a blessing!
Wow what a great initiative from Purina. Pets are great companions, especially for those who have gone through something so painful.
I love that Purina has taken an initiative in a cause like this. It will really help a lot of people towards healing.
Thank you to Purina for reaching out and starting this initiative to help victims of violence and domestic abuse heal together with their pets. It is going to give these victims the courage to leave the abusive relationship and they can be assured that their pets would be with them too.