From Homelessness to Hope: How This Woman Saves Families and Their Pets

There has to be a better way to help, thought Kristina Pulsipher, 46. Her heart became heavy as she heard yet another story about a family losing their pet when struggling to find a home for themselves. After all, she had spent more than half her life as a social worker, assisting distraught families facing homelessness. And if there was one thing her experience had taught her, it’s that when a family loses the place they call home, there is often a particular member who is overlooked and struggling. And that family member turns out to be a pet—or two.

I know I can find a way to blend my social work training with my compassion for animals, Kristina thought as she realized the need for an emergency crisis shelter for pets. Her heart went out to people experiencing homelessness who faced situations such as going to court or therapy or who were dealing with domestic violence or eviction. She knew they needed the peace of mind that their furry loved one would be safe. 

I could serve “both ends of the leash,” she thought as she cheerfully dreamed up a plan. 

Fur-ever homes 

Soon, Kristina reached out to three longtime friends, Kimo Pokini, Marisa Hernandez and Stan Stensrud, and told them her plan. “We can combine my social work skills with our love for dogs,” she said as she explained her idea for the nonprofit. “We’ll call it Ruff Haven Crisis Shelter!”

The four friends soon had everything lined up to start Ruff Haven—a shelter designed to provide a temporary home for pets to stay until they’re finally able to live with their owners once again. 

“And we’ll have a space for all animals!” Kristina excitedly decided with her friends. Soon enough, they were welcoming cats, hamsters, rabbits—even a ferret—ranging from under 6 months old to seniors. They’re set up to care for animals for up to 90 days, but there’s always room for exceptions if it means saving an animal’s life.

All their hard work became worth it as they quickly began realizing the impact Kristina’s idea was having. 

When cat owner Lexey Payne came home from work one day, she found her boyfriend had packed up all of his belongings and left for good. On top of everything else, he had refused to sign over the lease, so, in the blink of an eye, a devastated Lexey found herself completely homeless.

While her family was able to provide a temporary refuge, her relatives had cat allergies that made it impossible to also bring along her pets. But just one day before her circumstances were going to force her to give away her beloved cats to a shelter—perhaps to be eventually euthanized—Lexey discovered the work of Ruff Haven.

Before she knew it, Kristina and her team had cheerfully welcomed Lexey’s kitties into their temporary fostering program.

While at Ruff Haven, a wonderful foster sitter cared for Lexey’s two cats and she received weekly pictures and chatty updates. 

“It meant so much to me to know that they were safe and cared for so well,” Lexey says.

Still working full-time as a social worker, Kristina and other volunteers poured energy and passion into helping animals at Ruff Haven. 

Their hard work was greatly rewarded when a special “fairy godmother” stopped by last May to offer Ruff Haven a large grant. “Now I can focus solely on caring for the animals,” Kristina announced to the team. “And we can hire even more paid staff!”

As for Kristina, these days, even as she works full-time as director of Ruff Haven, she is first a dog-loving pet owner. She and her husband bought a bigger home to accommodate their first bulldog, T.J., and four more dogs. 

“We have adopted some of our foster dogs. I just love all the animals we get to care for,” says Kristina. “I’m eager to start each day because I know there are always families—and pets—who are in need, and I want to be there for them!”