This Dog’s Reaction to Seeing His Owner After 60 Days in Rehab Will Melt Your Heart
For many struggling with addiction, the fear of losing their pets is a major barrier to seeking in-patient treatment. Leaving a pet for weeks or months isn’t always possible, especially when no one can provide temporary care. Faced with the heartbreaking prospect of surrendering their pet to a shelter, some people forgo treatment to keep their pets safe.
Dogs Matter, a Dallas, Texas-based non-profit, fills a much-needed role for its community by offering temporary foster care for the dogs of recovering addicts while they seek addiction treatment. Supported by a network of dedicated and experienced foster families, Dogs Matter doesn’t just house dogs while their owners are in treatment—Dogs Matter ensures their clients receive videos and pictures, they provide love and fun for their foster dogs, and they do it for free.
@dogsmatter2.org Chris & Chester reunited after 60 days apart! Thank you @hautedogpetphotography for captuing this very special moment. 💕 📷 🐕 #dogreunion #reunited #dogsmatter #hautedog #dogsofinsta ♬ som original – 🇱 🇺 🇭 Show Music 🎧
Reuniting After Months Apart: Dogs Show Unconditional Love
Dogs Matter prioritizes clients who are seeking 30 to 90-day inpatient programs—you can’t rush recovery, and the founders of Dogs Matter understand that fact intimately. Founding Executive Director of Dogs Matter, Stephen Knight, is a Substance Abuse Counselor, Program Director of an intensive outpatient program for clients with HIV and substance abuse, and is in recovery himself, celebrating 14 years of sobriety. For everyone, including Stephen, the best part of the job is reunion day.
@dogsmatter2.org Daisy reunited with owners after completing their addiction treatment. #recovery #dog #dogs #dogreunion #dogreunited #reunited #fosteringsaveslives ♬ original sound – Dogs Matter
“You see yourself there, and you see hope again. Dogs are like, love, you know, this unconditional love—and it’s beautiful,” says Dogs Matter Founding Executive Director Stephen Knight. “There’s a need for this, you know? And that’s what I do what I do.”
While being away from their humans can be confusing, the dogs fostered by Dogs Matter never have to experience the stress and trauma of being in a shelter. Rather than being surrendered to an uncertain fate, these dogs get to take a little vacation before reuniting with their now healthier, happier, more well-equipped owners. The service Dogs Matter offers is invaluable for the client in recovery, the dog that avoids the shelter, and the shelter system which is constantly battling overcrowding and high euthanasia rates.
After Care: Providing Support After Treatment Ends
Returning to the “real world” after addiction treatment is a reason to celebrate, but it can also be daunting. Most people aren’t ready to jump right back into their usual routines once they return from inpatient treatment, and you shouldn’t rush yourself—slow and steady truly wins the race. Dogs Matter offers continued care after clients return from treatment and until they are healthy and stable enough to care for themselves and their dogs.
@dogsmatter2.org Dogs Matter is making an impact everyday on the lives of part families in recovery. Sharing our story brings more awareness to the challenges faced by those battling addiction and their pets. The more people who know about Dogs Matter, the more we can help those in need. Here’s how you can help! 🗳️ VOTE DAILY https://www.cnn.com/world/heroes/vote (link in bio) Tap Stephen Knight and vote 10x. Share to increase 10x! 🔗 SHARE THE LINK with everyone you know and encourage them to vote and share in Dogs Matter’s mission. 🌟 Follow Our Journey 🌟 @CNN Heroes 💸Donate to our GoFundMe💸 https://gofund.me/8db0d530 #cnnheroes #dogsmatter #stephenknight #fosteringrecovery #fosteringsaveslives #recovery ♬ original sound – Dogs Matter
Even after the reunion, Dogs Matter continues offering resources to their clients for up to a year. Dogs Matter offers services like counseling from a peer recovery coach, holistic recovery resources, training for pets, emotional support dogs, and service animals, assistance with medical care, pet deposits, food, etc., and community resource guidance. Dogs Matter is committed to helping their clients recover and keeping them with their pets.
With the peace of mind knowing their dogs are safe and happy, Dogs Matter clients can focus on recovery and creating a better life for themselves and their dogs. Any dog owner will tell you that their dog is a family member, and no one should have to choose between family and their health.
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