Texas charity takes care of dogs for free while their owners go through rehab

• Bernard suffered from drug addiction and had to return to treatment.
• Fortunately, he found Dogs Matter to care for his dog Blu while he was away.
• After almost three months, Bernard and Blu reunited, and Bernard was so grateful for the nonprofit’s help.

There’s this one charity in Dallas, Texas, and they recognized that not so many nonprofits offer this kind of help, so they did.

Dogs Matter aims to provide a support system to people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs, who oftentimes resist entering rehab programs because no one would look after their pets.

The organization gives “temporary dog foster care placement and supportive services specifically for addicts and alcoholics in treatment and transitioning soon into recovery,” and it’s for free!

Bernard is one of the people Dogs Matter helped recently.

In February 2020, Bernard was “blessed” with his dog Blu. Blu came at the perfect time, right before the pandemic that required lockdowns, and so Bernard didn’t have to endure it all alone. Blu was right there with him, giving him comfort, love, affection and support — basically everything he needed.

Unfortunately, Bernard struggled with addiction. In October of the same year, his case worsened.

“Of course, due to COVID [returning to treatment] was not possible,” Bernard said. “Thus, Blu and I had to deal with it all on our own for a while. During the winter freeze we kept each other warm when my power was out for a week. The isolation from the world was only bearable because of my boy Blu.”

Eventually, Bernard knew he needed to return to treatment. He searched for in-patient rehabilitation services, but worried about Blu’s care while he was under rehabilitation. Good thing a friend told the fur dad about Dogs Matter. As son as they connected, the organization started finding a temporary foster home for Blu.

“They called me and within a week they had a foster family in place… absolutely amazing!!!” Bernard said. “And it didn’t cost me anything. They are a nonprofit and took care of all expenses. This lessened my stress and eased my mind that Blu was going to a safe place for the next three months.”

After almost three months of recovering, Bernard got reunited with his dog, and it was the sweetest thing! It was obvious how much they missed each other and wanted to be with each other’s arms again.

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Even after the deal was done, Dogs Matter still kept in touch with Bernard when he left the treatment facility. They have an aftercare program providing plenty of free services, such as counseling, peer support, housing resources, and even help with a pet deposit for Bernard’s new place.

“These guys are fantastic! Never judging and super supportive,” Bernard said. “I am forever grateful and will tell anyone who is going through similar struggles that Dogs Matter is the way to go.”

Source: Inspire More