Today we’d like to introduce you to Timothy Lydon.
Hi Timothy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We started Harmony Dog Rescue in 2023 when we noticed a major gap in services for people with pets in crisis. Our organization provides emergency boarding and foster care for dogs whose families are in crisis. Before we launched our non-profit, we talked to as many people as we could who could provide mentorship and guidance. We called this our “listening tour” and it included meetings with other animal rescue founders, veterinarians, non-profit leaders, etc. Gathering this information and building this network has been essential to our success. We now have a brain trust that we can call on whenever we need advice.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are many challenges when doing this type of work. We are not trained social workers yet we are helping people who are often at the lowest point in their lives. The main groups we serve are domestic violence survivors and those experiencing homelessness, medical emergencies, mental health and substance abuse challenges For any of these situations, pet ownership can be an obstacle, whether it’s leaving an abusive relationship; entering a temporary shelter if you are unhoused; receiving substance abuse or mental health treatment; having a complicated surgery that requires physical therapy. So, we remove the pet as an obstacle so that the person can leave for a safer environment, find temporary housing for themselves, get clean, heal, whatever it may be. Dealing with the animals is easy for us, but making sure we are patient and compassionate with people who are in an emergency can be challenging. We really try to honor what each person is going through and build relationships with these pet owners so we can understand their situation and be a part of their healing. You have to get to know the people a deeper level if you are going to be part of their recovery.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2023, we founded an organization called Harmony Dog Rescue. We exist to make sure that people experiencing a crisis do not lose their pets. We provide relief to families and individuals who need support and help during transitional periods or emergencies.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Pittsburgh is its geographical uniqueness. I’ve lived all over the world but if I am away from Pittsburgh long enough, I eventually miss the trees, parks, rivers, bridges steep hills and deep valleys.
What I like least about Pittsburgh is how it’s become so focused on the car. There is more traffic than there used to be and cars now seem to dominate every neighborhood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.harmonydogrescue.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonydogrescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551914939961
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HarmonyDogRescue-l2g
