03/06/2026
In an instant, Claudia’s stable world was shattered. 💔
Thirty-two years ago, Claudia moved to Australia from Mexico for love. She and her husband built a beautiful life together. They married, had two wonderful sons, and Claudia was embraced by her husband’s family.
Until suddenly, she was fighting to keep her head above water.
Claudia never imagined the person she trusted most in the world would betray her. But just like that, everything changed. She was left carrying the weight of it all alone — caring for her two sons and her two beloved dogs while trying to hold her life together.
When life is stable, it’s easy to take everyday things for granted. Paying bills on time. Filling the fridge for the week ahead. Knowing there’s enough to get by. We rarely realise how fragile that security can be until it disappears.
Claudia did everything she could to keep pushing forward. She stretched every dollar, put her family first. But eventually, the pressure became too much to carry alone.
“You never think you’re going to end up in this place. I never imagined it,” she shared. “I actually was living life very comfortably. And it’s really hard not being able to provide for your loved ones.”
Claudia had built a career as a photographer, but as technology advanced, work became limited. Determined to adapt, she retrained in bookkeeping, but a steady job has remained out of reach. Her hearing challenges also add another barrier to employment.
“I don’t know if it’s my age or what it is, but I just haven’t been able to get a job in the last year,” she said. “I get interviews, I’ve had one or two jobs, but it’s so unpredictable. It’s been very tough.”
Despite everything, Claudia is incredibly proud of her sons who are now out in the world chasing their dreams. Her eldest serves in the army, and her youngest is studying criminology in Queensland, hoping to become a detective.
The divorce meant losing not only her partner, but the family and community Claudia had built in Australia. And now with her sons gone, she is alone for the first time in her life.
“My only companions are my two dogs,” she said. “I adore them. They give me great company. Yeah, I’d be crazy without them. Oh God, I couldn’t imagine a life without them actually.”
Bella and Jessie have been by her side through it all.
Bella, thirteen-years-old, is calm and gentle, always ready for a cuddle. Cheeky Jessie on the other hand is twelve-years-young, still acting like a mischievous puppy who loves to be the centre of attention. They’re more than just pets - they are Claudia’s family, her comfort, her world.
But caring for two senior dogs comes at a cost.
Living on a disability pension, Claudia has been forced to withdraw from her superannuation and borrow money just to cover essentials.
“I do need help,” Claudia told us through tears. “I love them so I don’t want to get rid of them. They’re my life, my only companions.”
Already relying on food support for herself, the cost of feeding her dogs became overwhelming. But the alternative - surrendering them - was never an option.
So when she found Pets Of The Homeless, everything changed.
“They need good, nutritious food, which I was not able to afford,” Claudia said. “I came to you, and I just couldn’t believe it. It was the best quality food, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the support. Without it, I don’t think the dogs would be as healthy.”
For the past year, Claudia has been receiving our pet food support, along with assistance for vet care and vaccinations. It’s saving her around $200 each month - money she can now put towards keeping a roof over their heads.
“I would like to give you a big thank you from my heart. It means a lot to me and I imagine everybody that is getting your help.” She said, “They’re my life, they mean everything to me.”
Right now, as the cost of living continues to rise, people and their beloved pets, like Claudia, Bella and Jessie are at real risk of going without.
That’s why we’ve launched our Virtual Pet Food Drive, and we urgently need your help.
By filling your virtual cart today with nutritious pet food, you can make an immediate difference. Your tax-deductible gift will help feed hungry pets across Victoria, ensuring we can reach those who need it most this winter.
But we can’t do it without you. 🤝
Please give now and help keep best friends together: https://petsofthehomeless.au/FillHungryBellies
Proudly supported by The Petstock Foundation, Petstock.
Image description: A woman sits on a park bench between two curly-haired black dogs, smiling at the camera. Beside her is an orange Pets Of The Homeless tote bag filled with pet food and toys.
