Carmen’s DV Survivor Story

By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –

Carmen’s* son was heartbroken to leave their cats behind when they fled abuse. Sky*, Sully*, and Melvin* were their emotional support animals, and Melvin especially meant the world to their family. He had been with them for more than eight years, always there at the times they needed him the most. Sky and Sully were just six and eight months old, respectively, but they, too, were important members of the family. Once she and her son had found safety, Carmen asked a neighbor to go retrieve the cats from the home.

The domestic violence shelter could not house pets, but their shelter advocate was prepared to help in any way they could. For an entire week, they made calls and checked with colleagues, hoping to find a place to house the cats while Carmen and her son were in the shelter. After all, she felt it was too much for the neighbor to care for three cats for an indefinite amount of time. Finally, they found spots at their local humane society where the cats would be cared for and given attention every day. It seemed to be the perfect solution, except they would only be able to stay for two weeks. After that, the family would be thrown once again into the unknown.

Even though the cats were well taken care of at the humane society, they were struggling. They weren’t eating, and they cried all day and night. With the two weeks coming to an end, and knowing how upset they were, Carmen and her advocate felt the pressure to find another option for Sky, Sully, and Melvin. She and her son had only been at the domestic violence shelter for three weeks at that point, and she knew they had much more healing to do. When they searched for help online, they found the RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant program and applied immediately.

They were approved in a matter of hours. The cats would have a smooth transition from the humane society to a boarding facility, and in another month, the family would be reunited in a new home together. It was the outcome Carmen’s advocate had hoped for.

“She is grateful that her pets were homed, and RedRover was able to assist financially. She was able not to worry and concentrate on her healing process. I am extremely grateful to this program. We received support, empathy, and lots of compassion for my client’s situation. Thank you for the work you do!”

Empathy and compassion are the foundation of the RedRover Relief grant programs – from providing lifesaving veterinary care to making more domestic violence and homeless shelters pet friendly, we are guided by these values. We know you share these values, too. Thank you for the work that you make possible!

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

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