About Us
what we do
About the 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.
Keeping Pets & Survivors Together
At Praline’s Backyard Foundation, our mission is simple: no survivor should have to choose between their safety and their pet. We provide safe, temporary housing for pets of domestic violence survivors, ensuring they can escape abuse without fear of leaving their beloved animals behind.
Why It Matters: Over 70% of domestic violence survivors report that concern for their pet’s safety delays or prevents them from leaving an abusive situation. Since most shelters do not allow pets, many survivors are forced to make heartbreaking decisions.
How We Help:
✔ Emergency Pet Foster & Boarding – Providing safe, temporary care for pets while their owners transition to safety.
✔ Support for Survivors – Connecting individuals with pet-friendly resources and assistance.
✔ Awareness & Advocacy – Promoting pet-inclusive domestic violence shelters and policies.
Our Annual Event: Bark & Bond Festival & 3K
Each year, we host Bark & Bond Festival & 3K, a dog-friendly festival and walk/run that raises awareness and funds to support survivors and their pets.
Join Us at Bark & Bond Festival 2025 HERE
Meet Our Founder
Orazie’s career has been all about passion, learning, and making a difference. She started in public health, spending over 20 years learning about community health and helping others. This work showed her how big problems in society can affect people’s well-being. While she loved public health, her life changed when she volunteered at a domestic violence shelter. She heard survivors’ stories, saw their strength, and learned about the many challenges they face. It was heartbreaking, eye-opening, and inspiring. At the same time, Orazie was volunteering at the humane society, helping animals in need. She saw pets being left behind or given up because of domestic violence. This made her realize something important: survivors often have to choose between their safety and their pets’ safety. This realization led Orazie to start Praline's Backyard Foundation. She noticed there weren’t enough safe places for pets of domestic violence survivors. Her background in public health and her volunteer work gave her the tools to fill this gap. Now, as the leader of Praline’s Backyard Foundation, Orazie uses her skills to help survivors and their pets. She wants to make sure no one has to choose between their own safety and their pet’s well-being. Her career is not just a job; it’s her mission to bring real change to those who need it most. Orazie has a special love for dogs, especially Cocker Spaniels. She has cared for many over the years, and both the Foundation and her Dog Services business are named after her current, silky-soft dog, Praline Pecan. In her free time, Orazie enjoys hiking with her dog, traveling, and helping other pets live their best lives.
Are you a pet boarding facility or person wanting to join our network? Click Here