Abbie’s Secure Residence, the state’s largest emergency shelter for pets of victims of home violence in Tennessee, celebrated its one-year anniversary this week.
- Since opening a yr in the past, workers tells Axios the shelter on the YWCA Nashville & Center Tennessee’s Weaver Home Violence Heart has offered greater than 1,200 nights of security to 34 canine and three cats.
Why it issues: Specialists say girls with pets who face home violence typically delay leaving as a result of they’re fearful about their pet’s security. Eradicating that barrier for ladies and households looking for assist may save lives.
Flashback: Earlier than Abbie’s Secure Residence opened, workers on the YWCA’s Weaver Heart, a 65-bed emergency shelter for ladies and kids fleeing home violence, labored to seek out various housing for pets with associates and foster households.
- The YWCA in Nashville had been working towards an on-site pet shelter for a number of years.
What they’re saying: Sharon Roberson, the president and CEO of YWCA Nashville & Center Tennessee, tells Axios that opening Abbie’s was a game-changer.
- “We have had individuals who have stated, ‘However for this, I couldn’t have left,'” Roberson says. “It’s a selection a person mustn’t must make to be able to keep protected.”
Zoom in: An nameless testimonial on the YWCA web site describes one consumer’s seek for a shelter that might let her carry her pet.
- “I prayed and prayed about leaving and once I was lastly in a position to do it, not one of the shelters that I contacted accepted pets. My canine means every thing to me, and I couldn’t depart with out her.”
State of play: Abbie’s Secure House is an 800-square-foot facility with area for eight canine and 6 cats.
- The area consists of an isolation room for injured pets, two outdoors play yards and a protected out of doors area for cats. The pet shelter additionally gives remedy for pets who’ve been abused themselves.
- Roberson says she want to develop the pet shelter sooner or later.
Find out how to assist: The YWCA is celebrating the pet shelter’s milestone with a web-based fundraising drive.
- Donations assist veterinary care and pet provides for households when they’re prepared to depart the shelter.
In case you or somebody you realize is dealing with home violence, you may attain the YWCA’s disaster and assist helpline by calling 1-800-334-4628 or texting 615-983-5170.