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'Safe space for all:' Harbor House walk supports pets of domestic violence survivors

Paws for Peace will be Saturday, April 27, at Blue Jacket Park in Baldwin Park.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Each morning on “Breakfast with Bridgett” there are interesting stories and interviews, plus weather and traffic to plan your day.

On Wednesday, Harbor House CEO Michelle Sperzel joined Bridgett Ellison to talk about the 13th Annual Paws for Peace Walk.

This is the signature event to support survivors of domestic violence with family pets.

Sperzel explained that many times families are forced to flee without their pets or stay in abusive situations because they can’t bear to leave their pets behind. She also touched on the fact that pets are commonly the first victims of abuse in families experiencing domestic violence.

This year’s theme is “A Safe Space for All,” so Sci-fi & space costumes are encouraged, and Sperzel explained, there’s also a double meaning.

“We’re really hoping we get the Trekkies out, getting the Star Wars people out, hoping we get a good battle going on with people (to see) who’s their favorite. So we’re really talking about that it is a “safe space for all” and we really want to create a safe space for individuals who are experiencing domestic violence in their home. And when they come into our emergency shelter, there is a safe space for their pet,” she said.

Paws for Peace will be Saturday, April 27, at Blue Jacket Park in Baldwin Park.

This year, Trooper Steve and News 6 Investigator Eric Sandoval, along with their dogs, are serving as co-ambassadors.

For more information on registration, head to the Harbor House of Central Florida website.

Coming up Thursday, April 18, on Breakfast with Bridgett, support and self-care strategies for new moms with an expert.

It all starts at 7:30 a.m., then there’s Weather Wise with Jonathan Kegges at 8 and Trooper Steve on Patrol at 8:30.

Watch it all on the News 6 Plus streaming app or ClickOrlando.com.

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About the Author
Bridgett Ellison headshot

You can catch Emmy Award-winning anchor, Bridgett Ellison, on News 6 Mornings, News 6 at Nine and News 6 at Noon.

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