Sandi's Story

Growing up, my life was enriched by the unconditional love that a pet provides.  I also knew women who were physically abused and remained with their abusers out of fear of what the abuser would do to their beloved pets if they left these animals behind.  My own first pet, a cat named Saucy, was euthanized by an abuser who felt he was "too much bother". 

I was horrified to discover the interrelationship between the abuse of women and children and that of their pets.  Victims of domestic violence desperately need to get out of abusive homes and into safe shelters, but nearly 50% of women with pets delay leaving because they fear for their pets.  Very few shelters accommodate animals, so these women face a horrifying choice: remain trapped in an abusive relationship, or leave their pets behind and in danger.¹  Statistics show that, if the woman leaves the pet behind, there is an 80% chance that it will be tortured or killed, or used as some sort of revenge by the abuser.²

Information has shown that: 88% of households where children are physically abused also have pets that are abused or neglected; over 71% of women entering domestic violence shelters reported their partner has threatened, injured or killed the family pet; and abusive partners who hurt animals use more violent forms of abuse toward women and children.³

This information, plus my own experience, led me to decide to use my resources to support organizations that work to help battered women, children and animals.  I have chosen two: YWCA Genevra House and Senior Animals in Need Today Society (S.A.I.N.T.S.).

YWCA Genevra House: YWCA Genevra House is an emergency shelter for women escaping abuse from their intimate partners (including same-sex partners), as well as women 50 years and over who are escaping abuse from their live-in caregiver.  Genevra House provides a safe environment for women and their children at critical turning points in their lives.  They also provide support services which include crisis intervention, assessment, support, safety planning, referrals and counselling to both women and children affected by an intimate partner and live-in caregiver abuse.  Women and children are provided with a secure and welcoming environment at any time, day or night.

YWCA Genevra House coordinates with local pet foster families to ensure that fear for a pet doesn't cause anyone to stay in an abusive situation.

Senior Animals in Need Today Society (S.A.I.N.T.S.): This sanctuary was founded to provide a safe haven for senior, palliative and special needs animals, many of whose previous owners were unwilling or unable to provide the needed care or were abusive.  It has grown to provide community outreach and education regarding the needs and value of senior animals.  I have supported this sanctuary for many years as its purpose reflects my feeling about the value of our companion animals as they age.

This fund is in memory of Saucy, and all my beloved pets over the years.

—Sandi Hutty

1. GreaterGood.org: https://store.greatergood.com/collections/all/products/71667-build-a-sa…

2. Bill Graveland. 'My Only Wish'. https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/my-only-wish-children-asking-pet-charity-to-…

3. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Pets and Domestic Violence; www.sheriffs.org/publications/NCADV-pets-dv.pdf