Compassion in the Details — One Survivor’s Journey with Her Dog by Her Side
Compassion in the Details — One Survivor’s Journey with Her Dog by Her Side
When you think of human trafficking survivors, you might not picture a woman sleeping in her car, driving across state lines in fear—with her beloved dog as her only companion. But for one survivor, that was her reality.
Every situation is different. At Rescue America, no case fits a template. This woman had been on the run for weeks, terrified her traffickers would find her. While her story was heartbreaking, there was one more complication: she refused to seek safety if it meant leaving her dog behind.
For survivors, animals often symbolize safety, comfort, and unconditional love in a world that has offered anything but. Yet many safe homes are unable to accept pets, leaving survivors with an impossible choice.
That’s where Rescue America stepped in.
Through our 24/7 hotline and national network of partners, we quickly located an emergency shelter for her—and a compassionate foster family on a farm that could care for her dog. Our team arranged the logistics, coordinating multiple flights, partner transports, and housing transitions to make sure both made it safely to where they needed to be.
The woman entered long-term recovery, while her dog received regular updates and loving care. Eventually, they were reunited—a beautiful moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter.
“She followed through with every step. She was ready. She never hesitated and was in awe that we would go through all of that just to help her.”
Her story is a reminder that healing is personal. Survivors are whole people—with complex needs, attachments, and dreams. The care we offer must honor that complexity.
Why It Matters
According to Polaris, there were over 16,700 reports of potential human trafficking in the U.S. in 2021 alone. Many survivors are fleeing not just traffickers, but trauma that spans years or even decades. And recovery is not just about removing someone from a situation—it’s about restoring dignity, agency, and hope.
At Rescue America, we recognize that trauma recovery isn’t linear. It requires individualized care, spiritual and emotional support, and yes—even attention to the details matter, like a woman’s bond with her dog.
Because when you meet survivors with compassion in the details, it changes everything.
Call to Action:
Survivors shouldn’t have to choose between their safety and the things they love. Your support helps us remove those barriers. Join us in offering holistic, trauma-informed care that sees each survivor fully.
👉 Donate today and be part of their journey to healing.
If you or someone you know have been sexually exploited and want out of the life, please call Rescue America’s 24/7 Rescue hotline number at 833.599.FREE.
To report a trafficking tip, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888.373.7888.
Save these numbers on your phone for later reference!
