Paige’s DV Survivor Story

By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –

Paige* thought it was the sweetest thing to see her cat Ariel* pacing back and forth by the front door when it came close to the time her son would get off the bus. She was only five months old and already the perfect emotional support animal for her son; they played together every day and cuddled together every night. She was grateful they shared that bond. It meant her son would have some comfort in the moments she suffered abuse.

It also meant heartbreak when they had to leave Ariel behind while fleeing from the abuse. She felt she could trust that her cat wouldn’t be harmed. But Ariel was accustomed to daily, one-on-one contact with both Paige and her son. While her basic needs were being met, it was not enough for a young kitten in need of loving attention. Ariel may have been in a calm environment, but she needed to be with her family.

With help from her advocate at the domestic violence shelter, Paige applied for a RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant for Ariel to be boarded. That way, not only would she be safe, but they could visit her as often as they liked while they were getting back on their feet. For Paige’s son, seeing his best friend again made a difficult transition that much easier, giving him something to look forward to when they could finally be reunited. Their Safe Escape grant covered the cost of boarding so Ariel could be with her family, and even helped the little kitten get caught up on all of her vaccinations so she could be healthier in their new life together.

When Paige found housing that would fit her and her son’s needs, her shelter advocate helped her register Ariel as a therapy animal to be approved by the property manager. Soon she would be pacing back and forth at the door waiting for Paige’s son to return from school, and they could cuddle together at the end of every day.

A Safe Escape grant kept this family together through crisis, protecting the bonds between them and making a better life possible. That’s the incredible difference your support makes.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

P.S. Please consider making a Safe Escape possible for every survivor with a generous gift today.