*Otis was too frightened to trust

When *Otis arrived at Pet Refuge, he curled himself into the corner and shook.

He was frightened, crying out and wouldn’t take food from the people trying to care for him. This once people-friendly dog had shut down.

Otis had come from a home affected by family violence. The fear and trauma he had lived through had left him frightened, overwhelmed and deeply unsure of the people around him.

He was somewhere safe. But Otis didn’t know that yet.

For dogs who have lived surrounded by violence and fear, the emotional impact doesn’t simply disappear when they reach safety.

Shelter staff started slowly, sitting outside Otis’s kennel and allowing him to become familiar with their scent. They offered food without pushing him and followed his body language, giving him the time and space he needed to begin trusting again.

This is why a Safe Bed Night is about so much more than a bed.

Pet Refuge provides temporary shelter and care for pets while families escape family violence. Our nationwide service provides transport, vet care, nutritious food and bespoke enrichment and training to help pets recover from trauma.

In just two weeks, 17 dogs entered Pet Refuge’s shelter, and right now, at least six more are waiting for a safe space. For dogs carrying fear and trauma, every day they wait is another day before they can begin to feel safe again.

We can create more safe spaces through trusted boarding partners, but we need regular support.

Give $30 a month to our Safe Beds for Pets programme and help get dogs like Otis off the waitlist, into safety and on the path to healing.