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Survivor Portrait Henry's Story

Newsletter Table of Contents

• Survivor Story: For the Love of Henry
• Who's Who: Help Us Help Them and MooShoes
• Knowledge Columns: From cradle to grave and around the world
• Online Picks: Video, cool website, and free stuff
• Resources: Medical, education, legal, inspiration and more

Welcome to your Bravery Project Community Connection Newsletter.  Every quarter we will bring you new information right to your email inbox. 

Remember those heart wrenching TV commercials about animal cruelty, depicting neglected dogs and cats with bloody injuries and matted fur? Almost always those poor creatures were abused by humans. According to americanhuman.org , 71% of women entering shelters claimed thier abusers had hurt or threatened the family pet to control her and the children. The connection between animal and domestic abuse is a strong one.

That's why we include four legged survivors in our portrait series because we know that many people do not see that connection until it's too late. For example, the following survivor story about Rhonda and Henry continues to bring powerful emotions for anyone who pays attention. After reading Henry's Story, we've had numerous young women tell us they realized thier boyfriend was mean to thier pet with the understanding they could be next in this struggle of power and control.

Fortunately, Rhonda took those warning signs and saved Henry and herself from further harm. Not only did she try to hold her ex accountable for what he did to Henry, she has made it her personal mission to amend Utah's animal cruelty laws through her nonprofit organization, Help Us Help Them. Unfortunately, the people in power over our legal lives continue to minimize the connections between animal and human abuse with resistance to adequate accountability of abusers and appropriate support for victim services that cater to family pets. Like any worthwhile change, it takes baby steps--small forward movements that begin with people like you who care enough to learn and do something to stand up for those who can't speak for themselves.

One of the greatest gifts that we can give each other is our story; our stories of overcoming, growing, learning and living. Rhonda shares her experience of saving herself and Henry from abuse.

Briefly describe your survivor story with Henry?

On April 26th, 2006, Marc Vincent, my ex-husband, cornered Henry with a leaf blower. An adorable dachshund/chihuahua mix puppy, Henry was only six months old at the time. Marc's exaggerated delusion of machismo cost Henry his left eye. A month later, on May 25th, Marc escalated his attacks, placing Henry in a 200 degree oven. Marc watched as Henry ran around the inside of the oven until finally he fell through the grates. Five long minutes passed before Marc opened the oven door and let a severely burned Henry out.

I came home that evening to find a tortured and terrified Henry hiding in the corner of his carrier; the smell of burning flesh and fur lingering in the kitchen. The pain that Henry endured that day left him not only severely scarred, with his front toes fused together, but emotionally traumatized, from which he has never fully recovered.

What resources were available at the time you were dealing with the situation?

I left my situation when my now ex-husband was out of town for the weekend. I just packed up everything I could and left with Henry. As I was pulling out of the driveway, I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest. My family was very supportive. I moved in with my sister for 2 months until I found a place to move into on my own.

The local shelter kept Henry for a few days while I was trying to find a place to stay after I left my abusive situation.

How are you a different person today?

I am a stronger person because I took a negative situation and turned it into a positive situation by changing the animal abuse law in Utah to a felony. At the time I left my abusive situation it was a misdemeanor.

What are you doing now in your life?

I re-married to the most patient man and have 3 step-sons. I am the co-founder of Help Us Help Them. I spread awareness on animal torture/abuse and also raise money for local animal shelters by hosting 6 slow pitch softball tournaments a year in the Northern part of Utah.

What advice would you tell people about a victim who is still suffering?

What advice would you tell people about a victim who is still suffering? Be patient, don’t give up because there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take your negative situation and turn it into a positive situation. I know you will live in fear for awhile but don’t let that fear run your life.

A Nonprofit Making a Difference – Help Us Help Them founded by Rhonda Kamper

What service or product does your nonprofit provide?

We follow animal torture/abuse cases in Utah and push for the harshest penalty the law will allow. We also host 6 softball tournaments in Northern Utah a year to raise donations/money for local animal shelters.

When and why did you start it?

Help Us Help Them started in 11/06 after Henry The Dog was tortured by my now ex-husband. We started our organization to upgrade the weak animal cruelty law Utah had at the time.

To date, what results has your nonprofit provided the community?

Help Us Help Them was the main force behind getting the new animal torture law passed in Utah in 5/08. To date 6/20/10 two adults have now been prosecuted under the new felony provisions. Two more adults are currently awaiting trial for animal abuse and are looking at felony sentencing. The public is becoming more aware and we are keeping the public informed and keeping the battle against animal torture and abuse in front of people. We have raised money and donations for various animal shelters in Northern Utah.

How can people get involved with your nonprofit?

To get involved go to www.helpushelpthem.org for more information on how you can help out or to become a volunteer.

A Caring Company - MooShoes Interview with Co-owner Sara Kubersky

What service or product does your company provide?

MooShoes offers the largest variety of non leather shoes and accessories in the world for both men and women. We also offer accessories and apparel such as bags, purses, belts, jackets to name a few. Everything we sell is 100% cruelty free.

When and how did MooShoes begin?

A decade ago there were almost no options for purchasing non-leather shoes. As long time vegans, my sister Erica and I talked about starting a business that offered animal friendly shoes and apparel. We opened MooShoes in Oct 2001 and have seen the many other like minded businesses open since then.

How does MooShoes support domestic violence causes?

We support a variety of organizations that help animals rescued from cruelty and neglect. Recently, we’ve had two successful bake sales events and donated a percentage of our sales to an animal sanctuary. We also have adopted rescued cats. We are also strong advocates in educating the public about the human abuse of farm animals as well as family pets.

How can people get in contact with MooShoes?

Call us at 1-866-598-3426 or send us an email.

Visit our mooshoes.com website

You can also join newsletter to learn about various events that support animals and recieve coupons for our products.

From cradle to grave and around the world. Learn...share...respond.

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Information you can use...

Medical Financial assistance for veterinarian care listed by State. Family violence shelters that allow on-site housing of pets.	Legal Change laws for animals at the Citizen's Lobbyist Center. Domestic Violence and Pets: States that include pets in protective orders.
Education Women's Independence Scholarship Program - nationally offered college support for survivors of abuse.	Finance Free and low cost spay and neuter clinics for your pet.
Work Top 9 ways to make a good impression at work.	Health/Beauty Post Trauamatic Stress Disorder Forum and resources promoting growth through healing.
Disability Handicappedpets.com: Products, services, support for special needs pets.	Inspiration Religion and Animals ~ By Sowmya Ayyar
Relationships How to care for abused pets.	Recreation A FREE and excellent way to relieve stress and anxiety for you and your dog. Dog parks by state.