ORLANDO, Fla. – At first glance, Samwise looks like any other happy rescue dog, playful, affectionate, and completely at ease.
But for Harbor House of Central Florida CEO Michelle Sperzel, he represents something much deeper: healing.
“He is a rescue, and I got him back in September, and he’s just amazing,” Sperzel said. When asked if Samwise had, in some ways, rescued her too, she didn’t hesitate: “100%.”
That same sense of healing and second chances is at the heart of Harbor House of Central Florida, Orange County’s certified domestic violence center, which is transforming how survivors escape dangerous situations by ensuring they don’t have to leave their pets behind.
Breaking barriers to safety
Harbor House operates a 136-bed emergency shelter, serving at least 1,000 individuals each year. But one of its most impactful programs may be its on-site kennel, Paws for Peace.
The idea is simple but powerful: survivors can bring their pets with them when they leave abusive environments.
“We want to remove as many barriers as possible,” Sperzel explained. “We don’t want someone to leave their furry companions behind.”
The kennel accommodates a wide range of animals, from dogs and cats to other pets, and includes dedicated advocates who help survivors navigate challenges such as prior neglect or abuse involving their animals.
“I wouldn’t have left without my pet”
For many survivors, that option is life-changing.
Amanda Mann, Paws for Peace Kennel advocate, says she’s heard it time and time again.
“I’ve had quite a few survivors tell me they likely would have never sought safety if it meant leaving their pet behind,” Mann said. “For many, their pets are family.”
That bond is critical. Without a safe place for pets, many survivors feel trapped.
The moment that changed everything
For Sperzel, the mission to build a kennel became personal after a devastating experience earlier in her career.
A survivor, who was a breeder, was staying at a non-pet-friendly shelter and had called home to check on her dogs. During the call, her abuser shot both animals.
“That was the game changer for me to say this is life changing,” Sperzel said. “She left our shelter because she didn’t want him to kill any of the other animals that they had there.”
That moment underscored the urgent need for change and helped inspire programs like Paws for Peace.
More than shelter—a full circle of care
The kennel doesn’t just house animals. It provides comprehensive care with the help of community partners:
- Vaccinations
- Spay and neuter services
- Emergency medical treatment
- Daily attention and affection
Mann recalls multiple cases where dogs’ lives were saved through heartworm treatment. In one instance, staff even coordinated an emergency C-section for a dog, saving both the mother and her puppies.
At the same time, survivors receive counseling, legal assistance, and support services, while children, who make up about half of Harbor House residents, benefit from programs designed to restore a sense of normalcy.
How to get help
Access to Harbor House of Central Florida begins with a crisis hotline, where trained advocates assess each person’s situation and guide them to the right services.
Support options include:
- Emergency shelter
- Legal advocacy and court assistance
- Safety planning
- Community outreach services
Importantly, having a pet is not required to receive help, but for those who do, the message is clear: you don’t have to choose.
“We welcome both of you,” Sperzel said.
For information and ways to contact Harbor House of Central Florida, click here or call the 24-hour crisis hotline at (407)886-2856.
A mission driven by compassion
For Mann, the work is both challenging and deeply meaningful.
“These women have been through some of the most traumatic times in their lives,” she said. “To be part of their journey… it really means a lot.”
Through programs like the Paws for Peace Kennel, Harbor House is proving that safety, healing, and hope can extend to every member of the family—two-legged and four-legged alike.