As many of us females know, dog is not only man’s best friend, but woman’s best friend as well.  Canines have been by our side for decades, taking on the role of a child, sibling, and friend and for one woman, loyal protector.   You may have heard about J. Matthew, the Great Dane who covered his owner’s body with his own when her then boyfriend was attacking her with a hammer.

McKenzie (who’s name has been changed to protect her identity) was in the middle of another assault by her boyfriend who was chasing her and hitting her with both sides of a hammer.  When J. Matthew, her black Great Dane, heard her screams, he came to her rescue and covered her body with his own.  Taking most of the blows, the Great Dane was badly beaten and sustained injuries to his body including broken hip and ribs.  As the beating was happening, the dog started to attack the assaulter, but was thrown to the grown.  McKenzie rushed to her dog’s side, only to be told if she helped him, the dog would be shot.

McKenzie was able to get away from her attacker and found a center for battered women called Rose Brooks.  However, when she spoke to the domestic violence center, she was told her best friend, her guardian angel, and her rescuer J. Matthew would not be able to stay; dogs were not allowed.  Horrified at the thought of J. Matthew going back to the home of the assaulter, McKenzie refused refuge stating she and her fearless dog would instead live in her car.  Anybody reading this can understand, I know you get it.   And thank goodness the two were inseparable, because Rose Brooks Center was so concerned for both McKenzie and J.Matthew’s safety; they finally decided to make an exception to the rule.  Rose Brook opened up their doors for the first time to a four-legged hero, a black Great Dane named J. Matthew.

The story of McKenzie and J. Matthew took place over a year ago, but didn’t end there.  Since the center opened up their doors to the Great Dane, they saw firsthand the benefit of J.Matthew had on McKenzie and the other women at the center.  His presence was playing a significant role in the recovery of these abused women and children.   Knowing this and seeing it firsthand, Rose Brooks decided to change the rules for good and began working to add on a new wing for victims’ pets to stay.  The center broke ground last fall to start building this new retreat for pets to find shelter and a safe place to call home.

The new wing will have four bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a play area.  The new wing will accommodate approximately eight dogs and five cats (depending on the sizes) at one time.  The total estimated cost is $140,00.00 to build the expansion and another estimated $18.00 per animal per night.  Although the center has been successful in raising some funds towards this project, they are far from covering all of the construction costs, let alone the ongoing maintenance once the pet center is up and running.

If you felt as moved as I did when you read this story, then you will not be surprised to hear I immediately picked up the phone and called the center to find out how I could help assure this wing reaches completion and continues on as a safe haven for women, children and their pets.  I was immediately connected to Marla Svoboda, Chief Development Officer who provided me an interview on the spot.  I was thrilled to hear that both Mckenzie and J. Matthews (still together) are no longer living at the center and are doing very well.   Marla and I brainstormed for a bit and I became even more committed to help.  This story is my first step in the process of supporting the Rose Brooks Center and it’s new pet expansion.

Would you like to help?  I am in need of volunteer partners who have skills in social media, blogging, tweeting, twitter parties, tweet-ups and more.  If you are interested in being part of this important cause, please leave a comment with your email, or email me direct at lisa AT kritterkommunity DOT com.  I am putting together a list of volunteers and will be emailing everyone at the same time with details on the next step and our first on line social media fundraising campaign.  There will be many different ways to help, and you can choose your own way, and time commitments.  Please share this with any friends who might be interested in being involved in extremely important initiative.

Purrs and Wags,

Much love

Lisa, Madison and Abigail

Although this specific story is very touching, it is not unique.  Many abused women and children stay with their abusers for fear the animals they leave behind will be hurt or killed.  Many children that have been placed in domestic violent centers are traumatized from the absence of their beloved pet and the fear of what could happen to the pet left behind.

“Over the years, our crisis hotline has received countless calls from women who desire to leave their abuser, but ultimately decide to remain in their dangerous home because they fear their abuser will injure or even kill their beloved dog or cat,” – Susan Miller, CEO of Rose Brooks Center

"We could never learn to be brave & patient, if there were only joys in the world". -Helen Keller