Hi. My name is “Andy Stewart.”
I’m a 29-year-old indigenous woman, fleeing abuse from my parents. Especially my alcoholic controlling father.
Being the youngest of four sisters, I stayed longer for my mother.
I tried to get her away from the abuse and neglect. But, unfortunately my mom didn’t leave with me.
I left in the middle of the night with two bags, my dog [Jupiter – another pseudonym] and walking on a flared knee, due to my rheumatoid arthritis I was diagnosed with at 12-years-old.
I floated around Edmonton, Alberta for weeks. Planning and asking for help, in fear my parents would find me and drag me back.
I was lucky to have friends give me funds, and find a person to drive me and my dog from Edmonton to Vancouver. I used all those funds to get us here [Steve: To the park, right outside my window. Gotcha, Michael.]
My first few days, in Vancouver. Me and Jupiter, camped out with nothing but a few sweaters and limited clothes to keep warm at the park near English Bay.
Over the next few days I connected with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre and their outreach workers. They provided me with a tent and blankets as the shelters they tried connecting me with were not pet friendly.
A few days later, they were able to provide me with a pet friendly motel room for a week and a half. Then funding fell through and I had to leave and go back to living in a tent.
And on a cold November morning, I had so much stuff as the outreach workers gave me more clothes and blankets.’ It was overwhelming to carry it and Jupiter back to the park where my journey in Vancouver started.
Then I met Steve that morning. He gave me $25 and helped me carry all my bags, blankets and foods. And he came back a few hours later and gave me $225.
Steve has been by my side, helping in every way he can. And has been kind and gentle. He loves my dog Jupiter and is becoming family to me during this journey.
With Steve’s help, knowledge, networking, and blog resources, people have donated funds, for me to gain a fresh start and get stability here in Vancouver.
With the funds building, I’m getting closer and closer to having enough for a damage deposit, rent and pet deposit if needed.
He also created a Go-Fund-Me, and that has also been building. We’re hoping to gain access to the funds soon enough so I can be able to prove to a future landlord I have everything needed financially.
Being the youngest sister, my two sisters got in contact with me for my birthday and secured an air bnb that was pet friendly so I can bring Jupiter.
So, the evening of November 6th. My birthday. I packed up two damped bags from my tent, and Jupiter and got us an uber to the air bnb I’m currently at.
Jupiter and myself are comfortable, warm and safe. Away from the cold and wetness. I have this air bnb until November 13th. If needed, I can extend the stay for a few days as the hosts here are amazing.
And Jupiter, my dog, is my rock, and I’m his. I’ve told people and folks that if Jupiter isn’t welcomed in a shelter or place, neither am I.
Yes, Jupiter is a pitbull, a little bit reactive, not properly trained to be around other dogs. Very hesitant and scared of men. Because Jupiter was my dad’s dog. And my dad was becoming neglectful and training Jupiter to be aggressive and not socialized, locked up inside.
Yelled at and peeing inside. I did my best to take care of Jupiter and do everything in my power and ability to protect him from the hands of my dad.
We left in the middle of the night with two bags because my dad was in a black-out state and he had threatened to kill Jupiter in front of me, and make me watch
And getting here, getting closer to stability and housing security is all because of you. Helping and donating and reading my story. I cannot thank each of you enough. It’s absolutely amazing and beautiful that people are showing up and sending love, support and donations towards me gaining my independence, stability and safety back.
Not only mine but my dog’s, Jupiter . I’m grateful, and I pray to the creator every day for guidance and strength on this journey.
I’ve told Steve, that one day. I’m going to give back what I’ve been given and so much more to someone in need in the future. That’s a promise I’m going to hold and keep.
Thank you for reading a bit of my story, supporting me and Jupiter on this journey and new chapter. I won’t disappoint you all. Your belief in me and my journey is everything I need to succeed and grow.
I have a bright future ahead here in Vancouver [Stev: I agree]. And it’s all thanks to each of your prayers, support, love, and donations. Big and small. Each cent has been counted and is going forward to my success, growth and raising Jupiter . I thank the Creator every day for the support that comes my way.
I promise, I’m going to be successful and strong. I won’t disappoint any of you. I promise to make each of you proud.
I love you all,
“Andy Stewart”
—> Do consider helping Andy get back on her feet: https://tinyurl.com/jdfhhrvt <—