Colorado Group Aims to Prevent Further Trauma by Allowing Owners to Keep Pets During Rehabilitation

In 2022, Simon Rubick found himself homeless and without a vehicle due to alcoholism and drug addiction, prompting his children to move in with friends. After a hospital stay for cocaine addiction, Rubick realized he needed help. However, the challenge was what to do with his German shepherd rescue, Tonks, as most rehab centers in the U.S. don’t allow pets. This led him to the brink of having to give up Tonks to receive treatment.
Rubick is now two years sober and an addiction recovery coach. He connected with PAWsitive Recovery, an organization that fosters animals while their owners seek treatment for substance abuse, domestic violence, or mental health issues. Serena Saunders, the program manager, highlighted the importance of not making individuals give up their pets when they have lost their support systems.
Founded by Saunders three years ago, PAWsitive Recovery has assisted over 180 people and their pets and plans to expand nationally after joining the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International. Saunders, who has her own history of addiction, tailors the program based on her experiences growing up with addicted parents. She fosters animals like Tonks to support individuals in recovery.
Volunteer foster families, some in recovery themselves, like Ben Cochell from Denver, find fulfillment in fostering animals through the program. Cochell, sober for over seven years, values the opportunity to teach his children about kindness and caring for animals. Rubick credits PAWsitive Recovery for enabling him to keep Tonks and focus on his recovery, highlighting the vital emotional support that pets provide during challenging times.