An Enduring Bond - Svetlana and Daisy’s Story

From our interim to permanent supportive housing sites, we understand that the bond between a pet owner and their companion runs deep, helping many of our participants navigate the complexities of life and the lasting trauma of homelessness. Whether it's a dog, cat, fish, hamster, or any beloved companion, pets provide comfort, stability, and protection in some of the most stressful situations imaginable. 

That's why, early on, we made a commitment: if we were going to lead the way home for Angelenos impacted by homelessness, there could be no barriers to entry for those in need… and that includes their pets. You won't find LAFH sites that limit acceptance to only Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) or place restrictions on the types of pets allowed. Because pets are family. And that's especially true for our unhoused neighbors. 

Pet ownership among people experiencing homelessness can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, provide a sense of purpose and routine, and even serve as a motivating factor in seeking and maintaining stable housing. For many of our participants, their pet is what keeps them going.  

That bond is something our team sees firsthand every day. And it's exactly what brought Svetlana and her dog, Daisy, through our doors. 

Svetlana and Daisy are an inseparable duo who found each other while living in Lancaster Park. The two immediately bonded, and wherever Svetlana went, there was Daisy, a spirited three-legged dog full of energy and personality. Svetlana lovingly calls her “Crazy Daisy” as a way of describing her playful, loving, and excited energy she constantly gives off.  

Seeing the two together puts a smile on your face, but there was a period in time when Svetlana was unsure if she would ever see Daisy again.  

Two years ago, Svetlana underwent surgery and had to stay in the hospital for multiple nights. Being a responsible pet owner, she asked a friend who had access to housing to care for Daisy temporarily. But when she was discharged, her friend refused to return Daisy, claiming that because Svetlana was experiencing homelessness, she was unable to properly care for her dog. 

The separation was devastating. 

“Just because I was homeless didn’t mean I couldn’t take care of her - that I didn’t love her,” Svetlana shared. 

Homeless individuals are often judged as unfit or irresponsible when it comes to pet ownership. But the lack of stable housing is not a reflection of someone's capacity to love, care for, or be devoted to an animal. In fact, research shows that people experiencing homelessness often demonstrate remarkably strong bonds with their pets and, in many cases, prioritize their animal's needs above their own.  

Shortly after her time in the hospital, an outreach team connected Svetlana with LA Family Housing, where she was placed at Arroyo, an all-women’s interim housing site in Sylmar. Although she was relieved to have a safe place to stay, Svetlana was heartbroken without Daisy by her side. 

When the staff at Arroyo learned about Daisy, they were determined to help reunite them. 

“She never gave up,” said Anya, a mental health specialist at Arroyo. “She always said, ‘I’m going to get Daisy back no matter what.’” 

For months, staff worked alongside local law enforcement to help recover Daisy. They wrote letters testifying that Svetlana was the rightful owner, documenting her current housing situation, and affirming that she would be fully able to care for Daisy upon her return. It took a lot of persistence, but eventually, police were able to retrieve Daisy and bring her back to Svetlana, leading to an emotional reunion that no one at Arroyo will forget. 

“I think it was powerful for all of us to see how happy and emotional Svetlana was,” Anya said. “It helped us understand what a big deal this was. Homeless or not, anyone can understand the impact and love that comes with having an animal.” 

Having Daisy back transformed Svetlana’s experience at Arroyo. 

“Before Daisy was here, Svetlana was very depressed, and a lot of that depression came out as anger,” Anya explained. “Being separated from Daisy made it difficult for her to adjust to living in a new environment.” 

But once Daisy returned, things began to change. Svetlana became more social, more at ease, and more connected to the community around her. 

“Having Daisy here really helped her, especially with being able to live with other people,” Anya said. “She’s also made a lot more friends now that she has Daisy.” 

It’s stories like Svetlana and Daisy’s that remind us that pets are far more than furry companions. For many people, they are emotional support systems, protectors, and sources of healing. That’s why allowing pets at our housing sites is so important. 

Svetlana's story isn't finished yet. She's still on the path toward permanent housing and navigating challenges so many of our participants face every day. But the woman who arrived at Arroyo heartbroken and isolated is now engaged, hopeful, and clear about what she's working toward: a home for her and Crazy Daisy to thrive in together.