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Victims of domestic violence often stay in abusive relationships out of fear for the safety of others, including their pets. On today’s segment of Around Atlanta, Myra Rasnick with Ahimsa House joins co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick to describe how her agency and their Walk, Wag, N’ Run support unseen victims of domestic violence.
Rasnick says the mission of Ahimsa House is to address the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. According to her, 72 percent of victims will stay in an unsafe situation because of their pets, which are often used by abusers as ways to exert power and control. Further, half of victims will delay seeking help because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets if they leave. Ahimsa House bridges this gap by providing temporary shelter and care to the house pets of domestic violence victims. When stable and safe housing is secured, the pet and its owner are reunited.
Last year, Rasnick says they helped 137 people and 255 pets break free from violence with a wide ranging network of foster families who can take in pets often within an hour of initial contact. Ahimsa House has 40 active foster homes as well as boarding and vet providers who either donate or steeply discount their services.
The number of people needing help continues to rise. To help fund their efforts, the Walk, Wag, N’ Run, a 5k race will take place on Saturday August 26 at 7:30 am and a fun run at 8:45. The 5k is a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race and will be at Lennox Park in Brookhaven.
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