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May 2015

 



Underground Railroad's Paws 4 Hope is Now Open!

Underground Railroad has added space for pets, because pets are family too! The pet accommodations, Paws 4 Hope, opened April 1 and are available to residents of our emergency shelter.  

The project began in 2013, when an anonymous survey of residents showed that 43% of respondents reported that they feared for their pets as a result of their batterer's behavior, 40% reported their abusive partner threatened to harm their pet, and 29% reported that they had delayed leaving their abusive partner because they could not take their pet with them. 

In 2014, URR was awarded $10,000 from the McNally Family Foundation to begin construction on the space. Now our facilities can house dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, rabbits and other small animals. Whenever possible, pets will be housed with their family in designated "pet-friendly" rooms.  Elsewhere in the building, we have three indoor/outdoor dog kennels, and an outdoor dog run for fresh air and exercise.

Four local veterinarians offices - Gratiot Animal Hospital, Riverside Animal Clinic, Mid Michigan Veterinary Hospital, and Animal Alley - will assist URR staff to ensure that pets who enter shelter are healthy, properly vaccinated and licensed.

Did You Know?
  •  71% of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their batterer had threatened to hurt or kill their pet.
     
  • One study found that 87% of batterer-perpetrated incidents of pet abuse are committed in front of the victim for purpose of revenge or control
     
  • Studies show that up to 76% of batterer-perpetrated pat abuse occurs in the presence of children
     
  • 52% of victims were forced to leave their pet with their batterer
     
  • Only 12% of domestic violence shelters nationwide offer safe space for pets

The Role of Pets
  •  55% of  domestic violence victims and their children report that their pets are important sources of emotional support, and view pet abuse as another form of family violence
     
  • Studies show that the vast majority of children who witness pet abuse become distressed and emotionally disturbed
     
  • Women without children are more likely to postpone seeking shelter out of fear for their pet's safety as compared to women with children
URR's Paws 4 Hope Pet Accommodations









For the past 30 years, members of the  Advocacy for Justice Underground Quilts Committee have been donating handmade quilts for adults, teens, children and infants who are residing in URR's emergency shelter. With the opening of URR's Paws 4 Hope Program, family pets will now be added to the beneficiary list. Along with the approximately 200 quilts donated annually, Advocacy for Justice group members will assemble dog beds in several sizes to make a difficult transition a little cozier for animals entering shelter. While it may seem like a luxury, experts suggest dog beds have a big impact on the overall physical and emotional health of man's best friend, including providing protection and comfort, helping set boundaries, regulating temperature, and supporting backs and limbs. Advocacy for Justice is a non-profit organization that relies on donations of money and supplies from civic and business organizations.

Paws 4 Hope Pet Shelter Wish List





Immediate Needs:

Collars & Leashes (all sizes)

Chew toys / dog toys

Cat toys

ID tags for dogs & cats

Litter scoopers

Metal food & water bowls

Grooming tools

Towels & blankets to lay on

Trifectant tablets to clean cages & kennels


Needs as Requested:

Litter Boxes

Crates / transportation kennels

Dry and canned dog & puppy food

Dry and canned cat & kitten food

UPCOMING EVENTS



PAWS 4 HOPE
at Frankenmuth Dog Bowl
May 23-24, 2015

Look for our booth at Frankenmuth Dog Bowl!

Volunteers will have games, prizes, 
and information about our new Paws 4 Hope program, serving victims of 
domestic violence and their pets! 

Pick up a K-9 Scavenger Hunt -
clues and answers for a fun-filled day in Frankenmuth for the whole family.

We need volunteers to staff our booth!
If you're interested in volunteering please contact





SAVE THE DATE!
URR Wine & Fashion Pairing
Thursday, June 4th
Time: TBD

Sample wine and hors d'Oeuvres while viewing 
all the fashionable threads from 
Frankenmuth RiverPlace Shops. 
Come alone or make it a girls' night out! 

More information coming soon!
Keep checking back to
Under the Rainbow Resale Shop
Profits stay in our community!



5647 State Street, Suite B 

Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 7:00 pm

In-kind donations of clothing and household goods first help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking in our community. Revenue from surplus donations provides funding for programs and services provided at URR.





Paper or Plastic

Do you have grocery bags to spare?

Under the Rainbow Resale Store
is in need of paper or plastic grocery bags 
to pack up the treasures purchased 
by shoppers.

If you have extra bags you would like to donate, please drop them off at 
Under the Rainbow Resale Store
5647 State Street, Suite B.