This post is sponsored by Purina. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about this important shelter, but DogTipper only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.
It’s difficult to imagine the heartbreaking decision that many women have to face in choosing between seeking safety from an abusive relationship and abandoning their pet to live with their abuser. Fortunately, more domestic violence shelters are now beginning to see the importance of welcoming both families and their pets, recognizing that not only is the pet’s safety at stake but often the decision of whether to leave an abusive relationship or not hinges upon the ability of women to take their entire family with them to safety — including furry, feathered and finned family members.
Recently the Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Nestlé Purina PetCare (Purina) celebrated the creation of Manhattan’s first-ever dog park located in a domestic violence shelter. This innovative new dog park is located at Urban Women’s Retreat (UWR), a emergency shelter that is part of the URIPALS (People and Animals Living Safely) program.
URIPALS is the only New York City domestic violence shelter and one of only a few in the United States that welcomes not only the human survivors of domestic violence but also their pets. The shelter has assisted 43 families with 63 pets, including 38 cats and 18 dogs as well as reptiles and fish.
Now the shelter also features a dog park, a place for families and their pets to enjoy as they begin the process of healing — together.
“Through the URIPALS program we have witnessed first-hand how important it is for survivors to have their beloved pets by their side while they heal,” said Nathaniel Fields (third from left in top photo), President and CEO of URI. “From early on in the URIPALS program, Purina has been committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their pets. We know that the new dog park will play an integral part in helping our clients heal, and for that we are extremely grateful to Purina.”
This important collaboration continues beyond the support of the shelter and dog park to also include the donation of Purina ONE brand dog food, Purina Cat Chow brand cat food, dog treats and cat litter. Purina and URI are also working to provide welcome kits to the families with products ranging from pet travel carriers to pet beds, safety gates, bowls, cat scratching posts, leashes, and more–an important step in putting a positive paw forward on the road to a new life.
“For most pet owners, the bond with their pet is incredibly strong, and for people in abusive relationships their pet can be an important source of comfort,” said Dr. Kurt Venator (fourth from the left in top photo), Purina veterinarian. “Purina is very proud to support the Urban Resource Institute in its efforts to keep families and their pets together during this time of healing.”
For More Information:
- visit www.urinyc.org
Photos courtesy Purina
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