Domestic violence is something Author Anita Finlay saw first hand growing up and is part of what compelled her to speak up about fair and equal treatment for women and write about the violent undertones of sexism during our last presidential election in her book Dirty Words on Clean Skin. (My review is here.)
Anita is also an animal lover and the recent story of a dog’s heroic actions to save its ownerinspired her to raise funds for the domestic violence shelter that broke its own rules to give the dog and it’s owner shelter. I’ll let Anita explain the rest in her own words, but if you are interested in reading an excellent book on the 2008 presidential election and a moving personal memoir while supporting a worthy cause — this is the book and now is the time. LA
From Author Anita Finlay:
I want to let you know about a fundraiser I am doing. The Rose Brooks Center is a shelter that allows victims of domestic violence to keep their pets. Throughout the month of May, and in honor of Mother’s Day, the profits from all copies sold of my book, DIRTY WORDS ON CLEAN SKIN, will be donated to this facility, which is the first of its kind in the country to sponsor such a pilot program…
I was so moved by the story of a Great Dane who saved a woman’s life when her boyfriend attacked her with a hammer. Her dog covered her, sustaining the body blows and broken bones. Because of this exceptional circumstance, she was able to rescue her pet as she was rescued through the efforts of the Rose Brooks Center. Research shows that at least 40% of women, and often that number is much higher, remain in abusive relationships because of threats made upon the life of a beloved pet.
Please go to my website to find out more about DIRTY WORDS ON CLEAN SKIN. When you purchase the book through Amazon, I will ensure your contribution is sent to Rose Brooks…If you have already done so (thank you!), and I hope you will consider forwarding this information to friends who might be interested.
DIRTY WORDS ON CLEAN SKIN is more than a book on sexism in the political arena. It is about the fair treatment and empowerment of women. Thank you in advance for supporting my work and this wonderful, innovative facility!
All my best to you always,
Anita###
Wow, what a powerful story, Linda. Thank you so much for reprinting Anita’s post here. As someone who has done a lot of work with battered women, and one who loves, loves, loves animals, this story really resonates with me. Thank you. I will be going to make a donation now.
Amy, It resonated with me as well! Since we consider our dogs “our girls” I couldn’t ever leave them behind. And for many people in abusive relationship, their animals (what ever they are) are the only emotional support they have.
Absolutely, Linda – I cannot imagine having to leave my animals behind, either. Especially if I was in an abusive relationship. What a great place this is, and I am thankful to Anita for highlighting this story!
Me too! Go Anita!
I agree.
Julie – I knew you would! How is Doc doing?
Julie – I knew you would! How is Doc doing?
Thank you, Linda, for promoting the Rose Books Center — and my book. Too many still feel it is acceptable to abuse women verbally, emotionally, physically — and politically. Until we have a zero tolerance policy, this will not end.
My pleasure! Well said Anita!
What an absolutely wonderful shelter; my heart broke reading the story of the great dane. Ugh. Abuse in any form should never be tolerated – against animals or women. And, Linda, what a generous way to support this wonderful effort.
Hey Melissa — Yeah the stats on the connections between domestic and pet abuse are staggering! But these two really stood out for me — from the ASPCA (http://www.aspca.org/Fight-Animal-Cruelty/domestic-violence-and-animal-cruelty)
“a history of pet abuse is one of the four most significant indicators of who is at greatest risk of becoming a domestic batterers”
“Children who are exposed to domestic violence were three times more likely to be cruel to animals.”
Go check this out. You are a recipient of these no-strings-attached awards
http://themotherofnine9.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/blog-awards-straight-from-the-heart/