‘Side by Side’: Formerly homeless woman finds shelter that accepts her canine companion

Este artigo foi originalmente publicado pelo VC Reporter.

A heartwarming tale of a Ventura woman’s love for her dog has a happy ending following fears she and her canine companion might need to be separated.

Ventura Housing leaders shared the story of Christina, who fell on hard times after her husband died. She ended up living in local riverbeds where her only companion was the dog her husband gave her as a gift.

“It’s lonely out there, and sometimes your dog is all you’ve got to talk to,” Christina said of her pit bull who offered her a sense of protection as well as companionship.

When Christina sought programs and services to find a better place to live, she was faced with what Ventura Housing officials called a “heartbreaking barrier.” Many service providers required her to part ways with her dog to obtain shelter, and other housing options imposed size restrictions or didn’t allow certain dog breeds.

“Everything changed when Christina connected with Ventura Housing. For the first time, Christina found a team that helped her find the services and support that she needed, and her dog was able to stay with her for the next step of her journey. Today, Christina and her dog live at Valentine Road Apartments, where they are safe, welcome, and building a new life side by side,” Ventura Housing officials said in a news release.

A new partnership with the Humane Society of Ventura County was also announced which will help keep people and their pets thriving. The new program funded by a Ventura County Community Foundation grant includes quarterly visits from the Humane Society to provide free or low-cost veterinary care at eight Ventura Housing communities.

Officials said nationwide up to 10% of homeless people have a dog or cat and two-thirds report difficulty finding veterinary care. The National Alliance to End Homelessness conducted a study where 22% said they avoided shelters because pets were not allowed and 48% were turned away from shelters because of their pets. For homeless women, the study found “unconditional acceptance and comfort” was their main reason for having a pet and 82% reported deep loss when forced to surrender their pets to access shelter.

After moving into the new Valentine Road Apartments with her dog, Christina was happy they are still together.

“My dog will always come before me, because she has been there every step of the way,” she said.