By Sheila Allen
Published: Aug. 25, 2012
Pearl’s Place Transition House has received a grant of $1,450 from the Vancouver Foundation to build a dog run that will house pets of women fleeing abuse.
There is a staggering link between domestic violence and animal abuse; abusers often abuse their partner’s and/or the family’s pet as a way of punishing or threatening their partner.
Often a victim of abuse has a strong bond with their pets as these animals’ offer the victims love and loyalty; this means that victims of abuse can hesitate to leave their beloved pet in the hands of the abuser when attempting to flee and therefore choose to remain in the abusive situation.
Because most small animals could be kept either in the resident’s rooms at HSWC’s transition house, or at the SPCA through their Compassionate Care Program, our main concern was being able to provide a reliable space for the larger animals.
The best solution was for HSWC to be able to house the larger animals (dogs) at our transition house was to construct a dog run.
Project Dog Run saw the construction of a fenced in area within the already fenced back yard of the transition house property, complete with an insulated dog house. With this area available, larger pets could stay with the people who love them.
The animals can stay safe and not be exposed to acts of cruelty at the hands of the abuser.
It is a statistical fact that women would be more encouraged to get themselves and their children safe if this option was available.
With the help of funding from the Vancouver Foundation, Project Dog Run was initiated.
The project consisted of volunteers installing chain link fencing via cemented posts to form an18 sqft by 22 sq ft. area.
Inside, a raised cement block platform was installed to accommodate an insulated dog house.
Shelter over a portion of the dog run was also constructed. The dog house itself is an insulated, pre-made dog house.
The Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society and its program, Pearl’s Place Transition House, would like to thank its amazing volunteers and Rona Home Centre Squamish for their help in making this project possible.
