You read the title right, your cats and dogs can help survivors of human trafficking. Sometimes in life, amazing opportunities pop up that can not be ignored. Last month, I was approached by the founder of BRANCH: A New Beginning, a non-profit organization that helps survivors of human trafficking, to help promote their cause through social media. They needed a volunteer that is good with social media and… knowledge about cat treats and dog treats! Curious yet?
What is human trafficking?
I helped to run the BRANCH booth at a local fair!
Human trafficking is modern day slavery. In some circumstances, victims of human trafficking are used for their labor (more like our conventional ideas of slavery) and in other cases, they are forced into prostitution. Human trafficking is a problem that affects people all over the world of all races, religions, and socio-economic statuses. Most of the time, victims are not kidnapped but rather groomed carefully over long periods of time by savvy traffickers.
According to Polaris, a leading organization in the fight against human trafficking, and the International Labour Organization, there are more than 20.9 million victims of human trafficking world wide. As for the United States, in 2016 The National Human Trafficking Hotline (run by Polaris) 7,572 cases of human trafficking were reported. Of those cases that were reported, 5,551 were cases of sex trafficking, 6,340 victims were women, and 2,075 victims were citizens of the United States. The full report from Polaris can be viewed here.
The state that I live in, Michigan, has the 6th highest number of reported cases of human trafficking in the United States (246 cases). Unfortunately, we know that the numbers are far under reported. Very few resources are dedicated to alleviating the situation.
How can survivors of human trafficking be helped?
Dexter enjoying a few Mitzi Munchers cat treats!
Being rescued is only the beginning of the story for a survivor of human trafficking. While they were being trafficked, these victims may have been brainwashed into believing they are worthless, branded with tattoos, addicted to drugs, and forced into criminal acts that leave them with potentially lengthy criminal records. Medical and psychological problems remain as well.
Becoming productive, independent adults again is a real challenge. A lot of the old, healthy relationships other people have been damaged. Getting a “normal” job is not easy when you have felonies on your record. “Johns” may recognize survivors from their tattoos while out on the streets. Entrenched networks of traffickers are always looking to draw survivors back into their clutches. Many survivors return to prostitution because they don’t know how else to survive. Making resources available and known to survivors is half the battle!
BRANCH: A New Beginning is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on a mission to help survivors to build a new life. They are building a first-of-its-kind safe house for survivors of human trafficking in Metro Detroit. This safe house will be able to house 12 women as they work toward independence. Survivors will be provided necessary medical treatments, counseling, and help to find a job. BRANCH is working together with survivors of human trafficking to tailor a program to specifically help their unique needs.
Want to know what BRANCH is doing? Follow BRANCH on Facebook! There are a lot of news articles and information about human trafficking in the United States as well as updates on projects and events. Tax-deductible donations can be made to BRANCH through PayPal here.
BRANCH Brings Cats and Dogs to the Rescue!
Manna and Dexter think that eating treats is a great way to help survivors of human trafficking!
How do cats and dogs help survivors of human trafficking? BRANCH intends to use therapy cats and therapy dogs to help survivors of human trafficking cope as they heal from their trauma. Right now, BRANCH is training Brooklyn, a young German Shephard, for helping the survivors. Brooklyn will go out on rescues and calm the survivors while authorities go about the difficult task of collecting information from them. Cats are not yet being trained, but that will come in the future.
Also, BRANCH wants to be able to offer some honest work and wages to the survivors taking part in their program. This work will come in the form of making all natural cat treats (Mitzi Munchers) and dog treats (Brooky Bites)! These treats use high-quality, human grade, ingredients and are perfectly safe for humans to consume (though you might not enjoy eating them yourself). All of the treats have very short lists of ingredients.
You can purchase Mitzi Muchers cat treats and Brooky Bites dog treats online! BRANCH has an Etsy store and a brand new Amazon Handmade store. For your convenience, there are links to all of the products in BRANCH’s Facebook store. Need a customized order? Just ask! Feedback is always appreciated and new and improved products will always be rolling out.
Since BRANCH’s program for survivors is still being built, the treats are currently being baked by generous volunteers. All of the profits from the sale of the treats are going directly to building the safe house for survivors of human trafficking. I have even baked a few dog treats myself! Manna and Dexter gave them a sniff of approval.
Did the cats like the Mitzi Munchers cat treats?
Manna (right) and Dexter would tell you how yummy Mitzi Munchers are, but they are busy eating them.
Manna and Dexter have tried all 3 flavors of Mitzi Munchers cat treats! Mitzi Muchers cat treats currently come in Cheese Crackers, Catnip, and Albacore Tuna. They like them all, but they enjoyed the Albacore Tuna flavor the most. Dexter kept trying to run away with each of the bags of treats! He’s quite the stinker.
The treats are cooked hard to keep them as fresh as possible, so I found that Manna and Dexter liked it when I broke them up into smaller bites. They can’t wait to try the new Mitzi Muncher cat treats as they are created. My cats plan on being instrumental in the process of perfecting Mitzi Munchers cat treats!
The BRANCH Giveaway!
BRANCH would like to your cats and dogs a chance to try BRANCH’s pet treats! We’re giving 5 readers from the United States an opportunity to win a bag of their choice of Mitzi Munchers cat treats or Brooky Bites dog treats from the BRANCH store. You can view the options here.5 readers from the United States an opportunity to win a bag of their choice of Mitzi Munchers cat treats or Brooky Bites dog treats from the BRANCH store. You can view the options here.
Entries can be received until Monday, August 14, 2017, at 11:59 PM EST. Open to residents of the United States of at least 18 years of age. Winners will be notified by email within 48 hours of the end of the giveaway. If a winner does not respond to the notification email within 48 hours, that winner forfeits the prize and a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter!
Hi! My name is Robin. I'm a creative kitty mommy that that loves laughter and education. My cats, Manna and Dexter, inspire all I do on Playful Kitty. 
I am a little teary eyed reading this. I think therapy cats and dogs would be very helpful! I also think it is great that BRANCH is going to be hiring some of the residents of the safe house.
The funny thing is, back around 1980, I attempted to write a research paper about pet therapy for one of my psychology classes. This was before we had internet access and there was virtually no information available. I was very passionate about the subject, though, and using books, professional magazines, and personal experience did come up with a presentable paper. I received an A and my professor told me he had never thought about pets being used as part of a person’s therapy. He was interested in the subject. Here is is, over 35 years later and it’s a proven fact that animals, like dogs, cats, and even other animals, can provide the calming effect people sometimes need. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without my own furbabies, and they are not trained therapy animals. I had thought of getting my deaf hound girl, Ran, involved in being a therapy dog, but unfortunately she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and passed less than four months later (that was over 2 years ago). With her deafness, I wanted to take her to local schools that have deaf students.
I honestly believe that therapy animals are a wonderful way to help individuals who have been through extreme stress, whether it be from being a victim of human trafficking, a victim of violence or other emergency, for individuals suffering from PTSD, and so many other things. Therapy dogs have a very positive effect on autistic children, too.
I think therapy animals are ALWAYS a good thing!
Human trafficking is quite sad! I truly hope that the therapy dogs and cats are able to provide the survivors with the comfort they so desperately deserve.
What a fabulous organization to partner with, Robin! This company sounds so wonderful, they really are helping their community in a critical way. Therapy animals can help so many people who are in need and who are suffering emotional pain. These treats sound delicious! I’m sharing this.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Therapy cats are amazing and somewhat unexpectedly empathetic!
I think animals are a GREAT way to provide therapy to MANY different issues.
That is a wonderful idea. Pets are very therapeutic.
What an amazing organization! If I lived in your area, I would be SO down with being a therapy cat for them!
Yes, I do. I think dogs can be especially comforting.
I sure do! therapy animals in general help those suffering with many ailments.
I think it’s a great idea.
I think it’s a great idea. Animals have a way to heal your soul.
I think therapy animals are a great way to heal people! I think this is an awesome idea. Animals are healing in so many ways
I think it’s so great that our little fur buddies can be helpful in this way. I’m a big animal lover and have always felt that animals have a natural healing power; just being around them does the body good.
Anyone who’s had a rough week knows that having to get your shoes on and go outside and walk your dog makes a huge difference. My husband passed away in July of 2016. Shortly after I fostered and then eventually adopted a shelter dog. He is what kept me going and functioning during that rough time and still sometimes today he is the reason I bother to get up, clean the house, take a shower and function. So, yes I believe animals can help anyone who is suffering from PTSD or depression
I am a huge believer in the fact that pets can help people in all kinds of situations, and for those suffering from any kind of trauma animals can help. Like others have said just being around animals is truly healing, pets are great.
Pets are amazing to help in any kind of healing.
Yes animals can heal anyone
Absolutely they can help! Animals are incredible in that aspect.
This is incredible. Animals have a healing power. They can absolutely help.
For the most part, yes. What this company is doing is truly awesome.
Therapy animals have always been a good thing!
Yes, I think it’s a wonderful idea and will help people heal.
Absolutely. Animals have an incredible way of healing, unconditional love and acceptance. Thank you.
I think therapy dogs/cats are a great thing for anyone suffering from anything! I wish pet therapy was used more often for people!
Human trafficking is such a horrible reality. Branch sounds like a wonderful organization to help people after this horrible ordeal. Paws up to them for using therapy animals.
Yes, I do – I know dogs are traditionally used for pet therapy, but many people are more comfortable with a cat.
Yes I think animals are a great way for many people going through tough times to heal and to relax.
It is so hard to imagine what these women go through, much less trying to adapt back to society! The use of therapy pets is brilliant!!! Kudos to the nonprofit!!!
Absolutely! I think dogs are great support for everything! My lab is my world!
Such a sad situation that needs to be stopped. I love that they are using therapy cats and dogs to help. It’s amazing whtat just being around a cat or dog can do to lift ones spirits!
This is such a great idea! Animals can have such a terapeutic effect, and bring smile on peoples faces. Such a nice cause
I think it is amazing and wonderful that they are using animals as part of their therapy. I know first hand the healing and comforting power animals have.
Branch sounds like such an awesome non-profit! I can’t even imagine how hard it has to be for these victims to assimilate back into “real life.” I love the idea of them using therapy dogs and cats. I can imagine that trusting and opening up to people after being through so much can be hard. The company of a loving, loyal, furry companion sounds like a great idea.
yes i think animals are wonderful for helping people overcome traumatic events and stress in everyday life.
It’s a wonderful thing that cats and dogs can be used to help victims heal. I knew about human trafficking however didn’t realize over 20 million people worldwide are victims. That’s beyond alarming! Thanks for bringing this issue to light and informing us all about how cats and dogs can help.
These poor survivors need therapy as much as any victim of crime and truma. How terrible peopel slip back as it is so hard to find a decent job to make ends meet. I fI lived i the USA I’d but these treats FIRST!!!
Good for Branch, and I hope the safe house really makes a massive difference. You are already by spreading the word. We will share this post lots!!!!
People who have been through a traumatic experience such as human trafficking often suffer from PTSD. Animals are a great tool for helping those who suffer from PTSD. Animals bring a sense of companionship, love, and can reduce stress. I think a dog or cat could definitely help victims of human trafficking.
Animal therapy can be beneficial to many abuse survivors.
Wow, what a wonderful program! It’s scary how common human trafficking is, and a lot of times it’s happening in our cities and towns right under our noses! Thank you for volunteering with BRANCH to help the victims. I love the idea of providing work to survivors by having them make the pet treats. Thanks for spreading the word about this!
What a wonderful idea. The only time we hear about human trafficking is if a boat gets turned back or a factory gets raided. Hope the therapy pets help them
I think animal therapy can be a great support to anyone whose suffered any type of trauma.
I’m always amazed that there is human trafficking in the U.S. Most people think it is limited to very poor countries, especially patriarchal societies, but no it is here, even in the more conservative midwest like Michigan, which is close to my state of Illinois. Pets make great companions and help the healing process. I would like to know how they are going to train a cat!
What an amazing organization! Therapy animals will work wonders to ease their emotional trauma! And using homemade treats to help support the organization and keep the survivors occupied with a positive task is a brilliant idea!
That’s fantastic! Therapy animals, and the healing they bring, are amazing and wonderful. What a terrific organization.
How cool that you’re volunteering for them! Sadly, Oregon is one of the states with a high trafficking rate too. Mr. N would love to help out if we were in the area.
Thank you for bringing this important issue to light, and allowing us to help. I’d love for Sophie to be able to be a comfort dog. It’s amazing how dogs can make us feel calmer and more at ease.
Wow! I had no idea human trafficking was so prevalent. I think it’s a wonderful idea for dogs and cats to be used as therapy animals to help survivors.
I do think they can help, Animals love people unconditionally.
yes, definitely. animals-cats and dogs give you unconditional love. they help soothe you.
Yes, I definitely do think that therapy cats and dogs are a good way to help survivors of human trafficking to heal.
I think it’s a great idea.
Dogs and cats help with many different things. I can only imagine they would comfort victims of this horrible crime, too.
I totally think that cats and dogs can provide therapy! They are so lovable! ❤
My cats are therapeutic to me, I can only imagine how comforting they would be for survivors!
I believe that any animal can be therapeutic. Animals help me all the time.
Absolutely they are good therapists in many ways
Ny kind of animal therapy is beneficial to those traumatized, hurting or lonely. Even if it’s with a chicken or donkey but cats and dogs are easier to train.
Pet therapy is proven to be beneficial. I think people who have been traumatized would identify with animals who have also been through difficulties like so many rescued pets. Shelter animals would be great candidates to help.
Therapy cats and dogs could be a good way to help anyone heal. They can be the most loving and understanding creatures.
I do believe that is a good idea. I’ve seen war vets and mentally disable persons receive so much joy and companionship from their pets.
I think that it is a wonderful idea!
I think that therapy cats and dogs are wonderful for helping anyone heal whether it be a physical or mental injury.
i do think that therapy dogs are a great way to help people heal. i wish that we as humans wouldn’t want to do that to other humans in the first place though, it’s so wrong.
Yes, I think it’s a wonderful thing!
Oh I love this! I think its such an amazing thing!
I think therapy pets can make a difference in any one’s life that has been abused or neglected.
Yes without a doubt. Animals can bring so much joy and peace in our lives.
I think it is a wonderful idea.Pets can be so soothing and love so unconditionally. I can see how they would heal those who have been so wounded and need the love that only a pet can give.
Laurie Emerson
Yes my daughter got a cat and it has helped her with anxiety.
It’s such a great idea! Animals seems to know and sense things when we truly need them!
Yes, I think that therapy cats and dogs are a good way to help survivors of human trafficking to heal, because pets are so loving.
I have a service dog so yes I know animals can help in BIG way. Way more then anyone would ever think.
It’s be a huge help to the survivors. Besides being calming and giving love it’s a big help to have a pet to care for.
Yes, I think it is a wonderful way to help people heal!
I think any cat or dog has the ability to heal almost everyone. I can imagine that survivors of human trafficking could use a little unconditional love. Thanks for sharing, and the chance to win in the giveaway.
Absolutely! I believe that animals can be an excellent source of therapy for a variety of mental and physical ailments.
Definitely!
Yes, I think therapy cats and dogs are a good way to help survivors of human trafficking to heal as well as many others that are suffering with some type of emotional disability.
Pets are just SO amazing and help in any kind of healing!
I think animals are a good support system for anyone.
I Most certainly think that therapy cats and dogs are a good way to help survivors of human trafficking to heal
Yes, the unconditional love and presence of an animal is very healing!