HomeTop StoriesTwin Cities shelter opens pet-friendly space for victims of domestic violence

Twin Cities shelter opens pet-friendly space for victims of domestic violence

BLAINE, Minn. – A Twin Cities shelter is doing something unique to make help more accessible and comfortable for domestic violence survivors.

One in three women around the world survives physical abuse, according to data from Emory University. In the United States, 1,300 people die every year from domestic violence. Survivors also report 2 million injuries per year. Only one in five people receive professional help.

Candice Amundson is a proud mother and a proud dog lover. She still beams when she talks about her late bulldog, Linus.

“He loved swimming, loved the water, loved playing with other dogs and other kids. He was a really good dog, he loved everyone,” she said.

Linus was a bright spot in a dark time.

“It was probably around 2018. My abuser assaulted me and he got a strangulation charge, so that was the final straw, that was the last time we were together,” Amundson said. “He pinged my phone to get my location, and I was just driving around town with my dog, my cat, and my son.”

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After years of healing, she now volunteers at Alexandra House – a shelter that is now becoming pet-friendly – ​​all in Linus’ name.

“Knowing that we were able to remove a barrier and help them move forward, heal and build a new life is what we want,” said Executive Director Connie Moore.

From the outside of the building to the inside of the rooms, Linus’ Pet Haven is pet ready.

Amundson says her dream is for the project to “save lives, people and pets.”

The Alexandra House in Blaine accepts survivors and their pets. They have a 24/7 crisis line at 888-780-2332. For anyone outside the Twin Cities who needs assistance, please call 1-866-223-1111.

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