Hallie’s DV Survivor Story

By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –

Hallie* and her two children were safe after escaping an abuser. Her feelings were complicated, but she was relieved that they had been able to bring their three dogs and young kitten with them. They stayed with family at first, but having Digger*, Albie*, Gem*, and Gigi* with them just wasn’t working out.

Gigi the kitten stayed with Hallie’s mom in a non-pet-friendly apartment. She’d be able to hide a kitten, but not the three dogs. Digger was a 3-year-old, 60-pound Australian Shepherd; Albie was a 2-year-old, 60-pound lab mix; and Gem was a 10-month-old, 25-pound terrier mix – all much more conspicuous than their 4-month-old, 6-pound grey tabby sibling. The dogs bounced from a boarding facility to an apartment, then a shed, and another boarding facility. Digger went to a veterinarian’s boarding facility by himself, while Albie and Gem stayed with a stranger, who was threatening to take them to the shelter. Hallie had already been to the shelter; their policy was to put the dogs up for adoption if they stayed longer than a week. Her family lived in rental properties that did not allow pets, and she couldn’t imagine taking them back to stay with the abuser. Seemingly out of options, Hallie and her children went to a domestic violence shelter, hoping for help to keep all four of their pets safe and together.

It was clear to their advocate that Hallie and her children would not heal in the shelter if their pets were not safe. To the children, Digger, Albie, Gem, and Gigi were siblings. Without the comfort of knowing they were okay and they would be together again soon, they couldn’t prioritize the help they were getting at the shelter. Hallie spent days worrying about her family until their advocate had finally found somewhere safe for the four pets to stay together. With a RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant, Hallie didn’t have to worry about Digger, Albie, Gem, Gigi, or her children anymore. Their whole family was finally safe.

Seeing the difference in Hallie and her children before and after receiving a Safe Escape grant, their advocate shared:

“The stress of finding a safe place to keep the dogs while in shelter has been taken off my clients’ shoulders during this difficult time. It has allowed her to know the animals are being well taken care of as she figures out how to get her and her children back on their feet. RedRover has been a blessing. Thank you all so much for what you have done for this family.”

Remember, when an advocate or a survivor themselves thanks RedRover, they’re thanking YOU for protecting families with your generous support. We are grateful for every family like Hallie’s whose healing and new peaceful lives you made possible with a Safe Escape grant. Thank you!

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

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