Rob interviewed Samantha Altfest, who is the Community Services Advocate for Ahimsa House .
How did Ahimsa House start?
Emily Christie was a victim of domestic violence. She escaped her situation but could not take her cat with her and left her with someone but never saw her cat again. In 2004 she opened up a shelter to take care of the pets of women who were forced to seek protection in domestic violence shelters. Now it is a decentralized system of foster care and the whereabouts of the animals are kept strictly confidential.
What does Ahimsa House do?
Ahimsa House does many things. Primarily it addresses the link between animal cruelty and domestic abuse. It provides services to people escaping domestic abuse situations. A lot of the time women won't leave the abusive situation they are in because they fear for the well being of their pets if they leave.
Ahimsa House has a 24 hour crisis line: 404-452-6248. People can call if they are thinking of leaving or have left domestic violence. Ahimsa House makes arrangements for their pets and provides 60 days of temporary care in an appropriate place. The animal is free to go back to its owner whenever they are ready. Ahimsa House also provides vet care and training for behavioral issues. Ahimsa House volunteers keep the animals safe and the organization works on many levels to reunite owner and pet including helping to pay pet deposits if needed when the owner is able to start a new life.
What animals do you mostly help with?
Mostly dogs and cats but we take any kind of animals including snakes, birds and rabbits. We have also helped with horses.
What is the weirdest animal that you have taken in?
We took in a rat and snake that were best friends. The snake refused to eat the rat! We also had a call for a zebra - but ultimately we didn't have to take it in.
How many animals do you help every year?
Every year we help more than the previous year. Last year we helped about 300.
Is Ahimsa House only in Georgia, or everywhere?
We serve the whole of Georgia. We don't work outside the State but there are some similar organizations in other states. There is a list on our website.
What is a favorite story you like to tell?
I started as an intern and one of the first things I did was reunify a pet and owner after they spent 2 months apart. That was very special.
What could I do to help you?
Volunteer opportunities are listed on the website and include foster care, donations for vet care, crisis line volunteers who answer the 24 hour crisis line, and outreach volunteers. Getting the word out is critical.
What advice do you have for me?
Model healthy and happy relationships with friends. Be kind to people.
What do you most need from the community?
Volunteers and donations of money, supplies and services. We get a lot of help from vets. We want to try and make sure that everyone who may need us learns about us. Our website is: www.ahimsahouse.org