Six years ago when I started my rescue (Katie's Roadside Rescue) I started noticing emails and social media posts asking for help boarding animals so someone could leave an abusive situation. Being a rescue and not a licensed and insured boarding facility I always had to say no. So I started researching to see if this was in fact a problem and if there were any resources available to these women and children (and yes, sometimes men). It was more of a crisis than I expected.

ASPCA, HSA, etc., etc. - they all have articles and statistics. An average of 80% of women will not leave if they have to leave their pets behind. Of those who do leave over 60% reported animal abuse in the home. The recidivism rate is also high because they are going back for the animals. The abusers use the animals as a pawn for control, intimidation and fear showing what harm they can do to the family pet.

There are not enough resources or shelters for the pets in this community. So after 6 years of dreaming, talking, presenting to groups, getting the high fives, we need this here, love the idea but no one actually volunteering to help - I hired an attorney to do all the legal paperwork and file with state and federal to obtain a 501c3 status. This doesn't have to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. With your help this can be done but we will need a lot of volunteers, contractors and architects who will donate some or all their time.

This is my first time attempting a blog so bear with me. I will keep up with updates and status in the weeks ahead.