1 week ago
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In Kannapolis, North Carolina, a woman named Velvet Berlin is facing the brutal reality of homelessness, yet she’s unwavering in one decision: she will not abandon her 15-year-old dog, Sissy. Berlin, who has been living on the streets for the past four months, says Sissy is the only family she has left—and she’s willing to endure hardship to keep her by her side.
“I can’t get rid of her,” Berlin said. “She’ll die of a broken heart and abandonment.”
Berlin moved to the area after suffering the loss of a family member, which eventually led to her losing her housing. All she owns now fits inside a shopping cart, but what she treasures most is Sissy, the dog she’s raised since she was a puppy.
As summer heat beats down, life outdoors has grown increasingly difficult for both of them. Berlin reached out to local shelters for help, but none would accept Sissy. Shelter after shelter gave the same reason: pets weren’t allowed, and other guests might have allergies.
“I’ve called everybody, I’ve tried everything,” Berlin said through tears. “It’s the same story.”
But for Berlin, giving up Sissy was never an option. “She’s my everything,” she said. “She’s the reason I’m still alive and still here.”
Her circumstances were growing more desperate—until one local business owner stepped in. Donna Taylor, who owns Eat Cakes Bakery in downtown Kannapolis, had seen Berlin and Sissy struggling for months. With heavy rain forecasted, Taylor decided she couldn’t just stand by. She paid for a motel room so they could get out of the weather and sleep somewhere safe, even if only for a few days.
“All of us are really close to being in the same situation,” Taylor said. “If we don’t have somebody to just reach out for us, what are we all here for?”
The temporary motel stay gave Berlin and Sissy some much-needed relief. But by Friday, their time was up, and Berlin didn’t know what her next move would be.
Community members are now rallying to help find Berlin a place to stay where she can keep Sissy with her. A GoFundMe has been created to support her, with the hope that this act of compassion will lead to lasting change in both their lives.
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
English (US) · 