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.
At Praline’s Backyard Foundation (PBF), we solve a big problem that many people don’t talk about. When someone is in an unsafe home and wants to leave, their pets can make it hard. Pets are like family, and leaving them behind is not an option for many. This can trap survivors in harmful situations.
We believe pets are more than just animals—they are friends who give love and comfort. Sadly, many people stay in unsafe homes because they’re worried their pets might not be safe if they leave. That’s where PBF comes in. We make sure no one has to choose between their own safety and the safety of their furry family members.
PBF does things differently. We don’t build shelters. Instead, we work with pet boarding businesses and caring foster families to find safe places for pets. This teamwork helps both survivors and their pets during tough times.
We also help by paying for up to 7 days of pet boarding. Survivors can pick a place they trust, giving them control and peace of mind when making big changes in their lives. This isn’t just about finding a safe spot for pets; it’s about giving survivors the power to make decisions that help them move forward.
We know pets play an important role in healing. Pets, who also experience the hard times, can help survivors feel brave and strong again. Our work is about more than quick fixes—we want to offer long-lasting help so survivors and their pets can find stability and peace.
We can’t do this alone. Pet boarding businesses and fosters across the country are a big part of our mission. By giving pets a safe place, you’re giving survivors hope and showing them they’re not alone. Together, we can make sure every pet is cared for when it matters most.
At PBF, we believe everyone matters. We celebrate different backgrounds and make sure all survivors and pets get the help they need, no matter who they are.
We’re not just an organization; we’re a movement. A movement to create a world where survivors feel strong, pets are safe, and no one has to make a heartbreaking choice. Join us, and together, we can change lives—one survivor and one pet at a time.

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.
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