ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 \u201cHappy pets make happy owners, and we want to make these gals happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
That idea is guiding a community effort to support domestic violence survivors by caring for the animals they love most.<\/p>\n
For many survivors, pets provide comfort, stability, and unconditional love during a difficult time. Fear of leaving those pets behind can prevent people from escaping abusive situations.<\/p>\n
VCA Piedmont Animal Hospital has partnered with Harbor House of Central Florida since 2017 to care for pets staying at the organization\u2019s Paws for Peace Kennel. <\/p>\n
The goal is to provide medical care without judgment or financial burden.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like us helping the pets gives these women one less thing to worry about,\u201d said Dr. Maureen Burton with VCA Piedmont Animal Hospital.<\/p>\n
The hospital provides routine and preventive care, including heartworm treatment, parasite control, and physical exams, helping ensure pets remain healthy while their owners focus on rebuilding their lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese pets are their only comfort in this difficult situation,\u201d Burton said. \u201cTo be able to take that pet with them is key for them to continue on.\u201d<\/p>\n
When pets need urgent care, the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida steps in. The 24\/7 emergency facility provides services such as X-rays, bloodwork, and surgery, treating conditions ranging from pneumonia to emergency cesarean sections.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re here for the community to help those cases that the regular vet can\u2019t handle,\u201d said Megan Devoe, the clinic\u2019s public relations director.<\/p>\n
Devoe said the work is rooted in the human-animal bond.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot to be able to take the one thing, one loving thing that\u2019s been with them through thick and thin, that is devastating,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Once pets recover, Mother Fluffers, a mobile dog grooming service, offers free grooming to help them look and feel their best.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur logo is \u2018we give a fluff,\u2019 so we care about the animals. We care about the pet parents,\u201d said owner Amy Makris.<\/p>\n
Makris said the service often creates opportunities to build trust with survivors.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really special that they trust us and that they\u2019re willing to open up to us,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
A fresh cut and clean coat can provide a sense of renewal for both pets and their owners.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if it\u2019s just for one day, they\u2019re going to be OK,\u201d Makris said.<\/p>\n
The Paws for Peace Kennel provides a safe place for pets while survivors work to rebuild their lives. Through partnerships with veterinary and grooming services, the program ensures animals receive the care they need.<\/p>\n
Organizers said the goal is to make sure survivors do not have to choose between their safety and their pets, helping both move forward together.<\/p>\n
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