When Christina’s husband passed away, she lost her partner and the love, stability, and support that grounded her life. Soon, Christina found herself without a home; her only companion was the pitbull she had given her husband as a gift before he passed. Now living on the riverbottom, her husband’s dog became her protector, her working partner, and her best friend.
“It’s lonely out there, and sometimes your dog is all you’ve got to talk to.” Christina remembered. Living on the river bottom, Christina’s dog offered her a sense of protection and company that she couldn’t imagine living without.
But as Christina tried to find programs and services to better her circumstances, often, she faced a heartbreaking barrier. Whether due to breed, size, or outright restrictions, many services available to Christina would require her to part ways with her companion.
But that wasn’t going to work for Christina, “My dog will always come before me, because she has been there every step of the way.”
Everything changed when Christina connected with Ventura Housing. For the first time, Christina found a team that helped her find the services and support that she needed, and her dog was able to stay with her for the next step of her journey. Today, Christina and her dog live at Valentine Road Apartments, where they are safe, welcome, and building a new life side by side.