Connecting Communities for People and Pets in Crisis
June 26th, 2026
By Danielle Works, Community Engagement Manager –
On May 20, the Don’t Forget the Pets team gathered service providers from across the Minneapolis area for a Housing People and Pets in Crisis workshop, creating a space where collaboration could spark meaningful change. Co-hosted by My Pitbull is Family at their new North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center, the workshop was facilitated by Gabbie Leister, Greater Good Charities Senior Program Manager, and Katie Campbell, RedRover President and CEO.
In attendance were representatives from organizations across the industries of domestic violence services, homeless services, animal sheltering, and veterinary medicine. Women of Nations, Avivo, Animal Humane Society, Mission Animal Hospital, and many others came together with a shared purpose: finding new ways to support people and pets in crisis.
A highlight of the day was welcoming Candice Amundson, a domestic violence survivor, advocate, and longtime friend of Don’t Forget the Pets. Inspired by her own experience fleeing abuse with her dog, Linus, Candice championed the creation of Linus’ Pet Haven at Alexandra House, a pet-inclusive shelter program that continues to grow. Through Don’t Forget the Pets’ coaching program, she received tailored guidance to help bring that vision to life. Her journey reminded participants that when organizations connect, share ideas, and support one another, they can create lifesaving solutions for people and the pets who stand beside them.
ICYMI: Don’t Forget the Pets Content
- Fundraising and Storytelling For Pet-Safe Shelters
- From Survivor to Advocate: Candice Amundson’s Mission to Keep Pets and Families Together
- Breaking the Silence – The Survivor’s Story that Sparked Linus’ Pet Haven
