Ruby’s DV Survivor Story
September 16th, 2026
By Savannah Verdon, Development Manager –
It surprised Ruby* that the hardest part of enduring abuse was not the abuse itself, but the way it affected her dog, Gambino*. Just from witnessing the abuse, he had grown anxious and distant. He was still a sweet boy, the epitome of an affectionate Shih Tzu, but where he once was open and loving to all, he now took his time warming up to new people. She felt she had to “tough it out” with the abuser for fear of not having a place to go with Gambino. Ruby could never leave him either – even if the abuser didn’t harm him, they would use Gambino to draw her back in.
Gambino was the most important part of Ruby’s plan for fleeing the abuse, but everywhere she turned, she encountered more barriers to them finding safety together. Either she wasn’t a resident of that particular state, or his vaccinations weren’t up to date, or he wasn’t registered as an emotional support or service animal. Ruby found the RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant program before she even found a domestic violence shelter for herself. Before making her final preparations to flee, she called the shelter to request that her advocate apply for a grant so that everything would be ready when she and Gambino left, and he would not suffer being left behind or being put in limbo, however temporary. His well-being was always her number one priority.
The advocate followed through on their promise to help Ruby and Gambino. By the time they arrived at the shelter, they had been awarded a grant that would cover the full cost of boarding Gambino while Ruby was in the domestic violence shelter, and it would also pay for his vaccinations. He would be not only safe but protected, too. With Gambino’s needs addressed, Ruby could focus on her own while she was in the shelter. She could heal emotionally and take practical steps toward their new life free from violence. First and foremost, she would find a new home for them to be together in peace, a safe place for all their dreams and aspirations to grow and where, hopefully, Gambino would once again be the trusting boy he had been before the abuse.
After Ruby and Gambino were reunited, their advocate relayed what a Safe Escape grant had meant for this family. Impressed by its lifesaving ability, they also shared the grant program with their colleagues to help other survivors and consider a RedRover Relief Safe Housing grant so that they could welcome survivors and their pets together. Whoever they go on to help, it will be because of Ruby’s dedication to Gambino.
“She shared with me that she would not have been able to stay in a shelter without the assistance of RedRover. She could not cover the cost of boarding her dog, and she would not leave him with the abuser. This meant everything to her. She was able to focus on her own safety and planning once she knew her dog was safe.”
We have you and your commitment to keeping survivors and their pets safe together to thank for every Survivor Story like Ruby and Gambino’s. We’re so grateful you’re a part of our compassionate community!
*Names have been changed to protect privacy
P.S. Please consider making a Safe Escape possible for every survivor with a generous gift today.
