Breaking Free from Domestic Violence and the Mission to Save Lives with Not Just Pets

This is a story I honestly never thought I would have been able to talk about. It’s a torment that I am still healing from and will be for a long time. I feel as if I have reached a point in my journey however, where I needed to finally open up about what I went through, cause let’s face it, we all go through hard times, and I hope that my story will inspire someone or give someone a little hope knowing there are people out there who want to help. For nearly ten years, I endured the nightmare of an abusive relationship. My partner was not only physically abusive but also subjected me to relentless mental and emotional torment. I wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone, work, think or speak until I was spoken to. I was expected to ensure everything was always kept at home and that I remained ready for whatever it was he wanted or needed me for. I was extremely sick during this time and very weak, he took full advantage of this and assured me that I would never be able to make it on my own. I had exhausted my savings by having to pay for half of the rent and utilities, but since I was not able to work, he knew I had no other choice but to stay and rely on him. It was terrifying to live this way every single day. I never knew if one day I would anger him and that would be the last anyone ever heard from me again.

The most agonizing part was his constant threat to harm or kill my pets if I ever tried to escape or call the police. I would have done anything for them and keeping my mouth shut and staying in line was what I did to keep them safe until I could figure out a way to get out. This terror kept me trapped in a cycle of violence and fear, unable to seek help or envision a way out for a very long time. My pets were my lifeline, my source of comfort in the darkest times. They gave me the strength to survive each day, but also tethered me to my abuser. The thought of losing them was unbearable, and this fear was a weapon my abuser wielded to keep me under his control. Desperate for a way out, I searched for shelters that would take me and my pets. Sadly, there were none in my area that could accommodate us together. This lack of options only deepened my sense of hopelessness and entrapment.

It wasn't until law enforcement intervened and removed him due to his own nefarious activities that I finally saw a glimmer of hope. Free from his grip, I could begin to rebuild my life. However, I couldn't shake the haunting reality that countless others were still trapped, just as I had been. I knew there were so many who suffered in silence for their pets, because we know they would have been the next thing in the line of fire if we walked away. You DON’T walk away from family. I knew I had to do something to help them, be the voice for the voiceless. You see, Not Just Pets is more than a nonprofit; it's a lifeline for those who feel trapped and hopeless in abusive situations. Our primary focus is to reimburse veterinary bills for individuals and animal welfare groups, ensuring that pets receive the care they need without financial burden. However, we have also taken on a critical co-mission: to help domestic violence victims escape abusive situations with their pets.

We understand the unique bond between people and their pets and how this bond can be exploited by abusers. Our mission is to provide a safe and discreet way for victims to escape with their pets, ensuring that no one must choose between their safety and the safety of their beloved animals. We are working tirelessly to create a fleet of mobile vet clinics that will serve as a crucial tool in our rescue efforts. These mobile clinics are a way to safely remove the victim along with their pets under the guise of providing veterinary services. They will be used to covertly transport victims and their pets to safe locations, along with providing any medical care the pets may need. Our goal is to have at least one mobile vet clinic in every state, with the ultimate aim of expanding to every county. This network will provide a swift, effective means of escape for those in need.

Your support can make a monumental difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. By donating to Not Just Pets, you're not just contributing to a nonprofit; you're investing in the safety and future of countless individuals and their pets. Your generosity will help us acquire and equip the buses needed to build our mobile vet clinic fleet, providing a beacon of hope for those trapped in abusive situations. Together, we can create a world where no one has to live in fear, and every pet owner can seek safety without leaving their animals behind. Join us in our mission to save lives and restore hope. Donate today, help us bring light to the darkest of circumstances.

By sharing my story and the vision of Not Just Pets, I hope to raise awareness about the critical need for such services and inspire you to support our cause. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to making a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most. Let's work together to ensure that every victim of domestic violence has the opportunity to break free and start anew, with their beloved pets by their side, because here at Not Just Pets, they’re family.