When Jessica Martinez struggled with addiction After losing her husband three years ago, she felt the only connection she had left was with her dog, Little Guy (also known as LG).
The couple adopted the pit bull about a week before her husband died. Even though Martinez was living in her car, she felt she couldn't give up on LG. She said when her therapist told her that in order for her to enter the hospital, she would likely have to surrender the animal. treatment facilityshe immediately opposed the idea.
“I thought, 'If you know anything about me, I wouldn't do that,'” Martinez told CBS News. “I'm not going to give up my dog, especially if it's the dog I had with my husband.”
At the time, Martinez was on probation for drug distribution charges. Her parole officer told her about Pawsitive Recovery, a unique organization run by Selina Sanders, a veterinary technician who trained her. substance use or domestic violence with foster families who can care for them.
For Martinez, it was a ray of hope.
jessica martinez
A few days after meeting with Sanders and making arrangements, Martinez was arrested for violating his probation, but a friend was able to bring LG to Sanders. LG had a history of homelessness and had shown some aggression toward other male dogs, but Ms. Saunders helped him find a foster home for him.Martinez said knowing his beloved pet was in safe hands helped him get through his time in prison. and in inpatient treatment facilities.
“I was able to come clean. When I got bail and was working with a probation officer, I was able to get treatment for sobriety. I graduated[from a treatment program]and Now I’m back to school,” Martinez said. “Everything turned around. I couldn't have done it without Serena. I don't know where I would be today without them.”
Maintaining the bond between people and pets
Sanders, who has been sober for three years, told CBS News that he told his therapist that he wanted to find a way to combine recovery with caring for animals rather than return to veterinary practice. Her therapist suggested she do just that, resulting in her Pawsitive Recovery.
Sanders also drew inspiration from his own experiences. At the time of her addiction, she had a dog named Oscar.
“He was a really nice guy,” Sanders said. “The whole time he was with me, he never criticized me or got angry with me, he always wanted unconditional love and support. And that's what dogs are for, that's why. We have such a strong bond with dogs, that's really why.'' The important thing is that by featuring animals when people are in difficult situations, we can add new trauma to the trauma that already exists. Don't throw trauma at them. ”
Sanders said there was immediate interest in the program. colorado region. She has helped her find homes for dogs, cats, and guinea pigs, and has even cared for 10 tarantulas in her office. The organization also brings animals to local treatment centers for animal therapy. Yoga with pets and a program called “Tall Tails,” where people who have used Pawsitive Recovery's services during their sobriety share their experiences.
Sanders said many foster families have people in recovery. Ben Kotchel, who has worked for the organization since September 2022, has been sober for nearly seven years. When he heard about Pawsitive Recovery, he and his family were eager to participate.
ben kochel
“What was exciting for me was the opportunity to help other people who were going through tough times and trying to get back on their feet… or who were going through really tough times like domestic violence. , may be someone who needs urgent care,” he said. Kosher. “We can give our time, money, experience, care and love, we can temporarily keep a dog, we can foster it, our children can experience it, we can help it. You can' others. ”
Ms Kotchel's young daughter described the experience as “amazing”. The Kochel family has fostered four dogs since 2022. Pets may be adopted multiple times if the owner relapses or needs to return to a treatment facility. That's the situation with Dexter, our current foster parent.
“What's great is that Pawsitive Recovery knows, 'You guys have a connection with (those dogs),'” Kochel said. “I think if something were to happen, we'd be the first people to say, 'Oh my God, we'd do anything for those puppies.'”
ben kochel
An organization that grows to meet the needs of the nation
The program started as an independent nonprofit, but it was difficult to keep it afloat, Sanders said. She hadn't received a paycheck for almost three years, she said. However, in October 2024, Pawsitive Recovery became part of SPCA International, a global animal rescue organization. Now, Saunders doesn't have to worry about fundraising and can focus on people and animals in need.
The goal, she and SPCA International Program Director Lori Karev said, is to expand Pawsitive Recovery. Sanders' dream is for the organization to go national, with chapters in every state. Approximately 29 million people nationwide believe they have a substance use problem, according to statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Overdose deaths also occur in the United States. kept climbing.
Sanders said she sees Pawsitive Recovery as a way to facilitate healing.
“We find that in many cases, people are more concerned about having animals around than their children or family members because that bond is so secure,” Sanders said. “And if we can get that bond intact and allow people to start their lives together, then they start seeing their kids again and start repairing those relationships… and it's kind of a proper thing to do.” It will fit in the correct position.”
jessica martinez
That's exactly what happened to Martinez. She told CBS News she is enrolled in psychology classes at Pikes Peak State University in Colorado and is preparing to move from her sober life to her own apartment. Once she moves, she will be able to bring LG back to her home after being away for about 6 months.
“I just can’t wait to be with him,” Martinez said. “We just want you to live and be happy.”
