After many hours of planning and a full day of exhausting work, the HOPE For Paws dog kennel at Steps to HOPE is ready for use.

This kennel will enable pet-owning victims of domestic violence to flee their abusive relationships without fear of harm being inflicted on their family pets when left behind. Sadly, pets are often targeted by abusers in an attempt at control or retaliation.

Dr. DeHaven Batchelor, an veterinarian with an equine specialty who operates the Central Florida Equine Hospital in Sanford, Fla., and his wife Deborah, a breeder of best in show winning Smooth Collies for 30 years, designed the kennel and donated the pen, walls and gates – as well as a full day’s labor erecting the kennel. The Batchelors live in Tryon and Florida where they enjoy gardening and remodeling.