MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — A dog shelter in Montgomery County is working to help survivors of domestic abuse by fostering their fur-babies while they get back on their feet.
WUSA9 spoke to the rescue and a survivor about why this program was started as well as the difference it will have on families across the DMV. At the beginning of the year, Amy Creel the president of Knine Rescue noticed an increase in domestic violence victims reaching out for help.
"I've had at least 15 dogs come in from a bus once situations. Not just women, men and it's such a heartbreaking thing because you know how much people love their pets," Creel said.
She works with domestic violence shelters across the DMV, fostering dogs of victims while they figure out their next move.
"Sometimes they are running for their lives, and if they know their beloved pets are being cared for they can take the steps necessary to get themselves safe," Aubrey Garner said. "I had to flee. I was threatened to be killed and I took my kids and myself and got in the car and left."
Garner is a survivor of domestic abuse. She had to leave her dogs with her abuser. She says a resource like the one at Knine would have made all the difference.
"There was no program available like this so I'm so grateful Knine has started this," Garner said.
Creel believes this initiative will help victims across the DMV get the help they need. "To know my pet is cared for, we think, allowed for domestic violence victims escape those situations and focus on themselves."
If you're a victim of domestic abuse and you'd like to know more about this initiative, or to make a donation to help fund the program, click here.
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