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Velvet Berlin had by no means imagined her life would come to this. As soon as she had a house, household, and stability. However after dropping a cherished one and the place she known as residence, she ended up on the streets of Kannapolis, North Carolina, with nothing however a procuring cart and her greatest buddy on the planet, her 15-year-old canine, Sissy.
Velvet has had Sissy since she was a pet. They’ve been by way of every thing collectively, and she or he refuses to let her go. “I can’t do away with her,” Velvet stated in an interview with WBTV Information. “She’ll die of a damaged coronary heart.” And honestly, Velvet couldn’t bear the considered dwelling with out her both.
For 4 lengthy months, Velvet and Sissy have been surviving outside, sleeping on sidewalks, park benches, and wherever they might discover a little bit shelter. The summer season warmth has been brutal, carrying down on each of them. “It’s exhausting on her, and sure, it’s exhausting on me as effectively,” Velvet stated.
She’s tried many times to get assist. However each homeless shelter she contacted had the identical reply. Canine aren’t allowed. “I’ve known as all people, I’ve tried every thing,” she stated, holding again tears. “It’s the identical story. ‘Folks might have allergy symptoms to your canine.’”
Strolling away from Sissy was by no means an possibility. “She’s my every thing,” Velvet stated. “She’s the explanation I’m nonetheless alive and nonetheless right here.”
That devotion hasn’t gone unnoticed. Donna Taylor, who owns Eat Desserts Bakery in downtown Kannapolis, has watched Velvet and Sissy over the previous few months. She’s seen them huddled collectively within the park, their few belongings packed tightly right into a procuring cart. She’s seen the quiet method Velvet retains going, caring for Sissy at the same time as she struggles herself.
With heavy rainstorms approaching and no secure place for them to go, Donna determined she needed to do one thing. She paid for a motel room in order that they could possibly be secure for just a few nights. “I believe we’re right here to assist one another,” Donna stated. “All of us are actually this near being in the identical state of affairs. If we don’t have anyone to only attain out for us, what are all of us right here for?”
The motel keep isn’t a long-term reply. It’s a short lived break from the worry and exhaustion Velvet and Sissy face daily. However it has saved them collectively, which is all Velvet has ever needed.
With their keep ending quickly, Velvet doesn’t but know the place they’ll go subsequent. However the local people is making an attempt to assist. A GoFundMe has been created in hopes of elevating sufficient to search out Velvet and Sissy a extra everlasting place to remain—someplace they will lastly relaxation and heal, collectively.
