*Beau and *Astra

*Beau and *Astra came to Pet Refuge after *Tessa and her children fled a home filled with abuse. While the pets were never physically harmed, the psychological trauma they experienced was significant.

“The psychological abuse was so bad. He would scream in my face. My dog, Beau, was my protector—he always barked and tried to get in between us to protect me. My pets were never abused, but they saw and heard everything. My cat, Astra, used to run away and not come back for ages because of it. She was stressed and had no confidence. She was really traumatised,” Tessa shared.

Living in this environment took its toll on both animals. Beau, once a boisterous and protective dog, became anxious and reactive, while Astra, a sensitive cat, withdrew and showed signs of severe stress. The condition of the household reflected the chaos and neglect of the abusive environment.

Finding someone to care for Beau and Astra was nearly impossible. Beau’s high energy and exercise needs made it difficult for friends or family to commit to their care. But Tessa refused to give up on her pets. “I’ve had Beau since he was eight weeks old. I’m his mum. I couldn’t just let them go.”

At Pet Refuge, we remove a major barrier for families escaping violence by providing temporary shelter and comprehensive care for their pets. Every animal receives daily health checks and behavioural support to begin healing from trauma. For Beau and Astra, their journey to safety and stability began the moment they arrived.

Our expert team worked quickly to provide what they needed most: a safe bed in a secure, nurturing environment. A bed is more than just a place to sleep—it is the first step in helping a pet feel protected, calm their nervous system, and begin healing from stress and trauma.

From the moment they arrived, Beau and Astra received care tailored to their individual needs. Beau was supported with a structured daily routine and regular exercise, helping him release pent-up energy and feel safe enough to relax. Astra was given gentle enrichment and access to quiet spaces, allowing her confidence to slowly rebuild.

Every pet at Pet Refuge receives an individual care plan, including veterinary monitoring, enrichment, and emotional support. In just one month of 2025, Pet Refuge provided 79 safe beds for pets in need—each one giving families peace of mind that their beloved animals were protected while they escaped violence and rebuilt their lives.

Because Beau and Astra had a safe place to stay, Tessa and her children were able to move forward into a new, secure home. When the time came, the family was reunited.

“The first day Beau came home, he was fed three times because everyone wanted to feed him! Astra is back to her normal self, coming for her food and meowing. Having my babies back with me has been amazing for my mental health,” Tessa shared.

Thanks to Pet Refuge, families escaping violence don’t have to choose between their safety and their pets. Every safe bed makes it possible for families to leave together and begin a new life in safety.