Survivor’s Best Friend, a nonprofit organization brought to UW-Madison by student Sammy Michaels, aims to sponsor survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse who are interested in adopting a support animal.
The organization was originally founded by Sophie Capshaw-Mack, a survivor of sexual assault and student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
The national organization sponsors survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence by covering the price of adoption of a shelter cat or dog of their choosing.
SBF also funds Emotional Support Animal registration for adopted pets across the country in order to support survivors.
Michaels, a survivor of sexual assault, was the first person to adopt a rescue dog with the financial support of the national organization. Michaels’ own experience connected her to the mission of the organization.
Michaels was assaulted when she was a freshman in college. She is a junior now, and says her dog, Mac, has helped her recover.
“After I got Mac, I became responsible for another living thing,” Michaels said. “I can look forward to coming home at the end of the day, and if my roommates aren’t there I won’t be alone, which is one of the hardest parts for me.”
Michaels hopes to raise enough money this semester to sponsor at least one adoption, which can cost around $500.
The organization also focuses on raising awareness about mental health and sexual assault, two topics which go hand in hand. According to Michaels, the goal of SBF is rooted in a strong community support system.
“I want everyone to feel comfortable in the org,” Michaels said. “I want it to be a community where everyone can bring their ideas to the table and feel completely accepted.”
Michaels hopes that she can help to grow the UW-Madison SBF chapter so that it can continue after she graduates next year.
