The power of sharing: when a community comes together.

We’re all on our own unique journey, and some of us are going through particularly difficult challenges that few others are aware of. When people bravely open up and share personal stories with their community, it can lead to better outcomes for both them and their pets.

Luna, a sweet and sensitive pooch, found herself in need of a new home due to her owner Anna’s heartbreaking circumstances. This is their story, highlighting how sharing Anna’s personal story played a big role in finding Luna a loving new home in the local community.

I struggled with shame for a long time before rehoming my beloved dog. I’m a single mother with a chronic illness and two small children, but I couldn’t bear the thought of Luna going to the shelter and her new owners not being prepared to handle her needs. - Anna.

Anna, facing the challenges of the sudden onset of a chronic debilitating illness, financial strain, and raising two young children by herself, bravely decided that rehoming Luna was in both their best interests. Acknowledging the unique needs of Luna’s sensitive soul combined with managing her own health, Anna sought to raise awareness about the situation. By sharing her personal story on social media, she created awareness about the difficulties she faced and the importance of finding a suitable home for Luna. It was through this act of openness that the local community became aware of Luna's need for a new home.

Luna's anxiety issues and fear of travel made it a little more difficult when it came to finding her a suitable home. Initially hesitant to share Luna's PetRescue profile on her Facebook page to find her a new home, Anna feared judgement and negativity from her small community. However, Anna’s Home2Home case manager provided understanding, support and assurance. Guided by this support, Anna decided to open up to her friends on Facebook, sharing not only Luna’s profile but also her personal story. To her surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the power of understanding and empathy.

Sharing stories like this creates an opportunity for a community to come together and provide the support needed for both the pet and their guardian. In Luna's case, Anna’s decision to share her personal struggles along with Luna's adoption listing led to an outpouring of support. With a thriving support system, Anna’s quality of life improved significantly. Luna’s potential new family, who learned about Luna through the Facebook post, had the ideal home for her – a two-acre block of land, three children, and even another goofy pooch named Cooper. It was a match made in heaven, all made possible through the power of sharing their personal story.

After a week, Luna’s profile hadn’t received any promising enquiries and I shared my feelings with my Home2Home case manager. She provided validation and compassion. That night I shared with all of my social media friends about my debilitating illness and how it had led me to this decision.
-Anna

Rehoming a pet locally can provide a sense of comfort and ease during the transition. Initially, Anna had concerns about judgement from others in her community and the potential perception of Luna as "badly behaved". However, by sharing their story within their community, Anna was able to find a loving family nearby. This proximity allowed for a smooth transition, offering the opportunity for trial visits and ensuring Luna's new home met her needs.

Home2Home gave me the support and reassurance I needed to feel comfortable in sharing my dog’s profile on social media, which led to her successful adoption 30 minutes away. I found the best family, companion dog and home I could have asked for. If I had known what it would feel like to stand in my beloved dog’s new garden, chatting with her new family while my kids played with the dogs, I would never have hesitated.
-Anna

Anna and Luna’s story shows the incredible impact that community can have on people and pets. By sharing her personal story, while still honoring her boundaries, Anna was able to find a loving new home for Luna, while also creating a network of support.  

Further reading:
When rehoming is the best option