Shelter offers security for survivors of domestic abuse, human and animal alike

It’s been seven years since Noah’s Animal House opened its doors to welcome the dogs, cats and any other pets of women and children leaving domestic violence in search of a new life.

The pet sanctuary within the grounds of the Shade Tree, 1 W. Owens Ave., houses dogs, cats and provides foster parents for animals that need special care. The Shade Tree offers shelter to women and children, including boys younger than 18.

“When we built Noah’s, our priority was to eliminate one barrier of leaving (an abusive relationship),” said founder Staci Columbo Alonso. “A lot of women don’t want to leave their pets for fear that their pets might be abused or even killed. Part of the healing component for these women is being able to have their best friend with them.”

Although the animal shelter opened in 2007, Alonso had the idea in 2001 when she was pregnant with her son, Noah (for whom the shelter was named). Noah’s father died when she was three months pregnant, and it was then she realized that her own pets were an important part of the healing process.

Then, in 2005, she met a 19-year-old woman who wanted to check into the Shade Tree but didn’t want to leave her cat behind.

“She couldn’t stay at the shelter with her cat, and she started crying,”Alonso said. “She said the cat was her best friend, and it gave her the strength to come to the shelter. I ended up fostering the cat for her, and she checked in. It was then I knew that that Noah’s had to come to life.”

Alonso continued to foster the pets of survivors until the shelter opened. It has housed more than 800 pets.

The haven continues operating with 36 spots for pets and has added solar panels and other small improvements to the kennels.

“When we first opened, we didn’t know if it would be busy or empty,”Alonso said. “Noah’s was the first of its kind. There’s very little that we would do differently, but if we were to build another shelter, we’d add more units and cuddle rooms. We’re usually at capacity.”

The two cuddle rooms in place are replicated to look like living rooms with a couch and carpet. Women and children can stay inside the room for up to 30 minutes a day to play with their pets and relax.

The shelter also has a back patio where women can take their dogs outside without fear of having their abuser see them.

Alonso said the cuddle rooms offer survivors private time in a comfortable setting, which is an important part of their healing process.

“We strive for daily connection between the pet and victim,”Alonso said.

Survivors can leave their pets at the shelter for as long as they remain residents at the Shade Tree.

Additionally, Stephani Hinkson, manager at the nonprofit, said she has sheltered or found fosters for lizards, turtles, guinea pigs, birds and horses.

Women are in charge of the daily care of their pets, such as taking them on walks and cleaning after them. The shelter provides the financial means for veterinary care and food.

Dogs and cats allowed into the shelter are required to get spayed or neutered to comply with Clark County law.

“We’ve heard many stories when the abuser told the victim they would harm or kill the dog if she left,”Alonso said. “It’s a form of control, but that’s usually the last straw for many women.”

More than 85 percent of women at domestic violence shelters claim there is pet abuse at home, according to the nonprofit’s website. Yet, there are fewer than 2 percent of domestic violence shelters that provide a haven for pets, Alonso said.

“I’ve seen some animals come in here that are nearly beaten to death,” Hinkson said. “It’s so sad.”

In celebration of the shelter’s seventh anniversary, local pet businesses are set to participate in Bark It Up from Oct. 1-14. Customers will be asked to “bark up” or donate money on their bill at time of checkout or donate by purchasing a Noah’s plush pup for $20. All proceeds will benefit operating expenses at the animal shelter.

For a list of participating businesses or more information, visit noahsanimalhouse.org.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.