From Survivor, to Survivor Lifeline: An Inspiring Story of One On-Call Angel’s Journey
October 7th, 2026
By Olivia Carpenter, Membership Coordinator –
The RedRover On-Call Angels are a special group of animal lovers who pledge larger gift amounts ($150+) on a regular basis to help individual animals in need of urgent veterinary care or temporary boarding for the pets of people escaping domestic violence. Members have the option of funding cases that speak to their hearts the most. The majority of On-Call Angels help Urgent Care cases or both Safe Escape and Urgent Care cases. But there are a handful of members dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence and their pets specifically: members like Julie*, a survivor of domestic violence who joined the program last month and received the details of her first case only a few weeks ago.
No one expects to find themselves in an abusive situation, but it can and does happen to people from all walks of life. Fifteen years ago, On-Call Angel Julie* found herself in such a situation – and she was not alone.
“My dog at the time was about seven years old. Bambi* was a border collie mix with quite a few health issues…when I found her, she was homeless and on the street.”
Julie knew the abuse was only going to escalate, and knew she had to find a way out for herself and her dog, Bambi, but she delayed leaving to formulate a plan that included a safe relocation for both of them. “I refused to leave her in the situation I found myself in at the time,” Julie said.
Statistics show an estimated one in three women and one in four men experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetimes – but currently only just over 20% of domestic violence shelters accept pets. Fifteen years ago, that number was even more abysmal.
Julie was lucky; she was able to find temporary safe housing with a family member before eventually finding a suitable home that worked for her and Bambi. It took time, but Julie’s in a much better place now.
“My life now is infinitely better. I’m relocating to [a different state] in the next few months to start my life with my (future) husband and our new dog. Bambi passed away about two years after I moved out with her – she was very happy and loved our family and friends. It is amazing to have survived – and now be in a much better place and able to help someone else, particularly someone who also needs to relocate with a loving pet.”
Julie’s desire to help people currently experiencing abuse is what led her to join the On-Call Angels, one of the most personal and direct ways animal lovers can be a lifeline for pets in need.
“RedRover is an incredible organization that…saves the entire pack, as I would. I want to encourage everyone involved – and people considering helping – to please do so. People and pets suffering through domestic violence don’t have the luxury of time and they need you!”
The families who reach out to RedRover for help have Julie in their corner, and we’re incredibly grateful for Julie’s willingness to not only help these families, but also share her story with us and with you. It’s because of caring, animal-loving people like Julie that we can keep bonded families together in times of crisis.
If Julie’s message about “saving the entire pack” means something to you, we invite you to learn more about the On-Call Angels program at RedRover.org/On-Call-Angels. If you have any questions or want to connect with our team, reach out to program coordinator Olivia Carpenter at Olivia@RedRover.org.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy
