Heather’s DV Survivor Story
October 14th, 2025
By Catharine Mini, Director of Communications –
Our Safe Escape program is overflowing with requests from families, and we need your help: Protect a loving family.
Can you imagine being trapped in a situation where your safety, and the safety of your pets, hangs in the balance?
This was the reality for Heather*, a survivor of domestic violence, and her beloved dog and cats, Angel*, Sunny*, Rainbow*, Cloudy*, Summer*, and Snowy*.
Her pets are her emotional support system. She shared that when the abuser would yell, her dog would growl to defend her, and her cats would cuddle up with her until her elevated blood pressure would drop.
For survivors like Heather who have pets, leaving an abuser can be incredibly challenging. With pets to care for, many survivors often feel trapped and unable to seek help. And thankfully, they are aware there are resources out there and organizations, like RedRover, that can help.
Your kind donation today can and will help more survivors like Heather and their beloved pets. Here are some words of gratitude Heather wanted us to share with you, and hopes you will take into consideration if you can make a donation to help more people like her:
“I appreciate RedRover for helping me keep my pets safe while at the safe shelter. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise. I wanted to leave my ex a long time ago but had nowhere safe to go with all of my animals. I am thankful for places like this safe shelter and RedRover.”
RedRover Relief Safe Escape grants pay for pet boarding so survivors and their pets can break free from abuse and heal together. Your support today shields these loving pet families from experiencing more harm. A $30 gift right now gives a survivor and their pet one night of safety, and brings them one day closer to a brighter future where they can be “FurEver Safe, FurEver by Their Side:” Give survivors and their pets safety.
Thank you for helping us save more lives!
*Names have been changed to protect privacy
P.S. Please consider making a Safe Escape possible for every survivor with a generous gift today.
