LifeLine Helps Fulton, DeKalb Fur Parents In Need Keep Their Pets

ATLANTA, GA — When LaShondria was evicted from her Atlanta home in February, she was worried she'd have to give up her beloved pets: Ben, Nikki and their two puppies. She needed time and resources to find a new home, and couldn't keep her pets on the cold streets.

LifeLine Animal Project created a Safety Net Fostering program a few months ago at both the Fulton and DeKalb shelters to keep these human-animal families together. So when LaShondria called the Fulton County shelter, they knew they had to help her.

Through the program, LaShondria's dogs were placed in two foster homes. She was joyfully reunited with her pets about a month later after she found a new place to live — and LifeLine will be spaying and neutering her dogs free of charge.

“In the past, people would sometimes come in crying because they had to give up their pets due to a hardship,” FCAS Community Programs Manager Kimble Sorrells said. “Through our Safety Net program, people are no longer forced to do that, allowing at least one big stressor to be removed from their lives.”

LaShondria isn't the only person LifeLine has been able to help. After DeKalb resident Jane suffered from a stroke, she was having trouble physically caring for her large dog, Brutus.

She called a community case worker at DeKalb County Animal Services, who found a Safety Net Foster for Brutus for 30 days, giving Jane enough time to heal and create a plan for Brutus' care when he returned home.

The foster parents sent Jane regular photos and videos of Brutus during their time apart, and was thrilled when a LifeLine employee brought him home to her last week.

“People shouldn’t have to give up the pets they love just because they’ve fallen on hard times,” DCAS Community Programs Manager Tori Pedro said. “At LifeLine, we believe it is in everyone’s best interest to keep people and their pets together, and we have a number of programs that do just that.”

But it's not just the pets and pet owners in crisis that benefit. Foster mom Hollie said she loves the program, too.

“I'm so glad I participated in the Safety Net Foster program,” Hollie said. “It was the perfect opportunity for me to have fun with a furry friend for a short while and help someone keep their dog in the long term. I can't wait to foster again!”

To apply for help through the Safety Net Fostering program or to volunteer as a foster, please visit the Safety Net website.