About Us
what we do
About our Foundation
Our mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence to make the life changing decision for themselves and their pets to leave their abuser.
At Praline’s Backyard Foundation (PBF), we’re tackling a critical challenge that often remains unaddressed in the realm of domestic violence support. Our journey began with a simple yet powerful question: How can we eliminate the barriers that prevent survivors from leaving unhealthy living conditions when their beloved pets are involved?
We understand that pets are not just companions; they are sources of comfort, support, and unwavering loyalty. However, the unfortunate truth is that many survivors find themselves trapped in abusive situations because they fear for the safety of their pets. This is where PBF steps in, dedicated to ensuring that no survivor has to make the impossible choice between their safety and the well-being of their furry family members.
Our approach is distinctive and impactful. Unlike traditional models, we do not aspire to build physical shelters. Instead, we leverage the power of partnerships within local communities. PBF collaborates closely with pet boarding facilities and compassionate fosters, extending a lifeline to survivors and their pets during times of crisis.
Our mission is rooted in empowerment. By offering financial support for pet boarding, up to 7 days initially (with ability to extend to 14 days), we equip survivors with the resources needed to make a life-changing decision. This service extends far beyond a temporary shelter; it provides survivors the agency to choose the boarding facility that resonates with them, amplifying their sense of control and reducing the stress of an already challenging situation.
We firmly believe that by addressing the needs of both survivors and their pets, we create a harmonious healing process. Pets, often the silent witnesses of trauma, become catalysts for courage and recovery. Our vision extends beyond short-term solutions; it encompasses long-term support, stability, and resilience.
But we don’t do this alone. We invite pet boarding facilities and individuals across the nation to join our cause. By opening your hearts and homes to temporarily house pets of domestic violence survivors, you become beacons of hope and healing. Together, we ensure that no pet is left behind during the crucial moments of crisis.
At Praline’s Backyard Foundation, inclusivity is woven into our DNA. We pride ourselves on fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and embraces the unique strengths that each individual brings. Our commitment to equity and inclusion extends to our services, ensuring that every survivor and their pet receives the support they deserve, irrespective of background or identity.
We are not just an organization; we are a movement. A movement that envisions a world where survivors are empowered, pets are protected, and no one has to make an impossible choice. Join us in this journey, and together, we’ll create lasting change, one survivor and one pet at a time.
Meet Our Founder
Orazie’s career has been a journey of passion, learning, and a deep desire to make a difference. It began with a foundation in public health, where she spent over two decades understanding the nuances of community health and welfare. Her work in this field opened her eyes to the complex interplay between societal issues and individual well-being. While she was deeply committed to public health, her path took a pivotal turn when she started volunteering at a domestic violence shelter. She witnessed firsthand the myriad challenges survivors faced, heard their stories and saw their resilience. It was heart breaking, eye opening and inspiring all at the same time. Parallel to this, her love for animals had led her to volunteer at the humane society. It was here that she saw the other side of the struggle - pets left behind or given up due to domestic violence. The connection between these two experiences was undeniable and led to an epiphany: survivors often face the harrowing decision of leaving their pets behind in their quest for safety. This realization was the catalyst for founding Praline's Backyard Foundation. Orazie saw a gap in the support system - a lack of safe spaces for the pets of domestic violence survivors. Her career in public health, combined with her volunteer experiences, equipped her with the unique perspective and skills needed to bridge this gap. Today, as the head of Praline's Backyard Foundation, Orazie blends her public health expertise, passion for animal welfare, and dedication to supporting domestic violence survivors. Every day, she is driven by the goal of ensuring no survivor has to make the impossible choice between personal safety and the welfare of their beloved pet. Her career path has not just been a professional journey but a personal mission to create meaningful change in the lives of those who need it most. Orazie has a soft spot for all dogs, but especially Cocker Spaniels. She has shared her life with many over the years, and both the Foundation and her Dog Services business are named in honor of her current, silky soft pup- Praline Pecan. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, traveling, and helping enrich the lives of other people’s pets.
Are you a pet boarding facility or person wanting to join our network? Click Here