Rescue Dogs, Save Your Soul

Staten Island organization provides home and support for those in need

In my book, there’s almost nothing better than saving abused and neglected dogs. Then I found out about Mike Favor. Mike, a recovering addict, runs Freedom Home which is BOTH a sanctuary for abused and neglected dogs and home to the ludicrously great “Pitfalls and Addicts” program.

This program pairs recovering addicts with rescue dogs. It only acts as a haven for dogs and men/women who are looking for support, purpose and hope. Mike’s own journey began when he met Honey, a terminally ill puppy who ended up outliving most of her expected timelines and sparked, within Mike, a passion for rescue.

Mike is a son of a cop and was in the midst of weening himself from a cocaine addiction when he first met the puppy with only four months (at the time) to live. Now a visitor to Freedom Home, Mike’s 4,000-square-foot rescue center, encounter a photo of Honey who ultimately passed away last year.

This is Mike with a pup named Elsa (Photo courtesy of NYTimes)

Freedom Home isn't just about dogs; it's about second chances (the organization’s tag line is “Change is Possible.”) Though challenges exist, the impact is undeniable. Take the case of a current dog and co-worker currently at Freedom Home. The former is Arya a once-feared pit bull and alongside her is Rob, a recovering addict, now finding joy and meaning in helping canines.

Arya was found in a Bronx attic, where she had been left behind for days when her owners moved out. Most of the dogs here are rambunctious but friendly. Arya, Mr. Favor’s first dog at Freedom Home, is not. Most employees don’t go near Arya, but Mike does.

“I don’t handle Arya, and I’m the manager, But she’s great with Mike” said Jenn Magrone, who started working for Mr. Favor after a car accident that left her physically and emotionally broken

In Rob’s case he had gone in and out of rehab multiple times. But working at Freedom Home provides him a focus and, more importantly, a motivation. “I wake up every morning, I look forward to coming here,because I know I’m going to get to be in the yard, and I’m going to get to play with the dogs.”

A mounted photo and phrase lies near the entrance of Freedom House, it reads:

“My rescue dog rescued me.”

The need for love and acceptance extends to both in dogs and humans. Seeing it answered is a very good thing.