Unlike many of our recipients, beautiful Mocha already has a home. Our incredible partner Pet Unity Project is based in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where there is breed-specific legislation banning pit bull-type dogs. If a dog deemed to be a pit ends up at the shelter, they have a harder time making it out because they can only be fostered or adopted outside the county. In addition to working to repeal the ban, Pet Unity Project supports pet parents in the community to help them keep their pets or find new homes when needed to avoid more dogs ending up at the shelter.

In Mocha’s case, her guardian is in a mental health facility and Mocha is being cared for by her previous guardian’s sister. Pet Unity used some of their Hansel Help funding to support the sister’s family with having a pup for the first time, providing a crate, bed, and enrichment items and guidance on crate training. Now, they’re planning to keep Mocha instead of rehome her! Sometimes, it’s the simplest things like supplies and education that make all the difference. Generosity, understanding, and community support are crucial to ending the shelter crisis. With the smallest acts of kindness, things can be so different!