ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 At first glance, Samwise looks like any other happy rescue dog, playful, affectionate, and completely at ease. <\/p>\n
But for Harbor House of Central Florida CEO Michelle Sperzel, he represents something much deeper: healing.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a rescue, and I got him back in September, and he\u2019s just amazing,\u201d Sperzel said. When asked if Samwise had, in some ways, rescued her too, she didn\u2019t hesitate: \u201c100%.\u201d<\/p>\n
That same sense of healing and second chances is at the heart of Harbor House of Central Florida, Orange County\u2019s certified domestic violence center, which is transforming how survivors escape dangerous situations by ensuring they don\u2019t have to leave their pets behind.<\/p>\n
Breaking barriers to safety<\/p>\n
Harbor House operates a 136-bed emergency shelter, serving at least 1,000 individuals each year. But one of its most impactful programs may be its on-site kennel, Paws for Peace.<\/p>\n
The idea is simple but powerful: survivors can bring their pets with them when they leave abusive environments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to remove as many barriers as possible,\u201d Sperzel explained. \u201cWe don\u2019t want someone to leave their furry companions behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
The kennel accommodates a wide range of animals, from dogs and cats to other pets, and includes dedicated advocates who help survivors navigate challenges such as prior neglect or abuse involving their animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have left without my pet\u201d<\/p>\n
For many survivors, that option is life-changing.<\/p>\n
Amanda Mann, Paws for Peace Kennel advocate, says she\u2019s heard it time and time again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had quite a few survivors tell me they likely would have never sought safety if it meant leaving their pet behind,\u201d Mann said. \u201cFor many, their pets are family.\u201d<\/p>\n
That bond is critical. Without a safe place for pets, many survivors feel trapped.<\/p>\n
The moment that changed everything<\/p>\n
For Sperzel, the mission to build a kennel became personal after a devastating experience earlier in her career.<\/p>\n
A survivor, who was a breeder, was staying at a non-pet-friendly shelter and had called home to check on her dogs. During the call, her abuser shot both animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was the game changer for me to say this is life changing,\u201d Sperzel said. \u201cShe left our shelter because she didn\u2019t want him to kill any of the other animals that they had there.\u201d<\/p>\n
That moment underscored the urgent need for change and helped inspire programs like Paws for Peace.<\/p>\n
More than shelter\u2014a full circle of care<\/p>\n
The kennel doesn\u2019t just house animals. It provides comprehensive care with the help of community partners:<\/p>\n
Vaccinations<\/p>\n
Spay and neuter services<\/p>\n
Emergency medical treatment<\/p>\n
Daily attention and affection<\/p>\n
Mann recalls multiple cases where dogs\u2019 lives were saved through heartworm treatment. In one instance, staff even coordinated an emergency C-section for a dog, saving both the mother and her puppies.<\/p>\n
At the same time, survivors receive counseling, legal assistance, and support services, while children, who make up about half of Harbor House residents, benefit from programs designed to restore a sense of normalcy.<\/p>\n
How to get help<\/p>\n
Access to Harbor House of Central Florida begins with a crisis hotline, where trained advocates assess each person\u2019s situation and guide them to the right services.<\/p>\n
Support options include:<\/p>\n
Emergency shelter<\/p>\n
Legal advocacy and court assistance<\/p>\n
Safety planning<\/p>\n
Community outreach services<\/p>\n
Importantly, having a pet is not required to receive help, but for those who do, the message is clear: you don\u2019t have to choose.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcome both of you,\u201d Sperzel said.<\/p>\n