Good Morning,
October has arrived and with it the Month of Domestic Violence Awareness. This is a topic that is very close to my heart as I am a proud survivor.
I am one of the lucky ones that managed to get away with my little dog, hid at a friend and then moved to a new city where we were both helped. If I had left her I know my ex would have carried on abusing her so the minute I could run, we ran.
Baby since has passed away, but she was my inspiration, my hero, my trooper and my lifeline through those dark days, and when she passed it was when I was finally in my own home so she knew I was safe, and could then open my doors to a new pup, and Layla arrived to live with me. Layla and now Nili wears a tag that says : Shelter Survivor
Baby R.I.P. She died of IMHA at the age of 6 and missed daily as she was my hero
Today I am not going to talk about me, but “The Power and Control Wheel” of Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence. This gives us a better understanding as to what happens behind closed doors, and why so many victims stay in the relationships.
An abuser will want to control everything, and if he or she does not have that, we, the humans, kids or pets become the victims of his or her anger, although he/she will never admit it.
So when people reach out and talk about wanting to leave a Domestic Violence relationship but cannot leave their pets, these are some of the reasons and I from experience would have rather carried on suffering the abuse to make sure Baby was safe, than left her in a house where she would suffer.
Pets do not understand abuse the way we do and they should not have to suffer at the hands of an abuser of any kind as they give us the unconditional love and loyalty that unfortunately humans do not do.
The Domestic Violence Hotline number is : 1 800 799 SAFE (7233)
Website : https://www.thehotline.org/
October is also the National Month of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month so reach out to a Shelter and give a dog a new home, I am blessed to have been the Mom to Baby, Layla and now Nili.
Nili’s daily routine – never a dull moment LOL
Be safe, have a wonderful week, with a woof of love from
Nili
There is no good excuse for that kind of abuse and violence, never, ever. I’m glad that more domestic violence shelters are including pets these days, they’re starting to get it. I’m so glad you survived that mess. Hugs. Thanks for joining Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
I so agree with you there is no excuse and we need to speak out to remind people that. I am also happy Shelters are opening their doors to victims with their pets as it will make so much easier for those who run. Thank you so much for your Thankful Thursday Blog Hop as alway. Be safe
An excellent post, Ruth! You are a warrior for pets and survivors. I can’t imagine the horrors you and Baby went through on your journey to a safe life. I’m so glad Baby got you settled before crossing the Rainbow Bridge. Layla did a superb job of looking after you and now Nili picks up where Layla left off. This is such critical information for folks to get to know the warning signs and how to get help. I’m sharing this with all my pet parents and hoping those who need help will reach out.
I agree with everyone, there is *no* excuse for abuse. My heart breaks each time I read one of these horrible stories. I’m so sorry you and Baby had to endure it, but you are amazing and strong for speaking out and inspiring others to be aware, know the signs, and not leave the pets behind in such a situation. What important information, and bravo to you for being an ambassador of DV Violence & Abuse awareness for pets and people.
Dorothy there is no excuse but unfortunately in the world there are abuses to both humans and animals and we need to speak out to let the victims know they are not alone. I am very fortunate I was able to get away with Baby and I learnt so much from it also that is has made me want to speak out for others. Thank you for your compliment and you have taught me so much when it comes to being an ambassador for a cause the way you do for K9 Epilepsy. Be safe xxx
This is the most amazing post, thank you so much for sharing it! What a powerful message. I shared on Pinterest, Twitter, & Facebook
Thank you Cathy and we need to speak out as it is so important for victims to know that there is help outside if they need it. Thank you for sharing