According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds. Many of these victims have pets who are also threatened and/or injured by their abuser.
Amanda knows the pain and trauma associated with domestic abuse firsthand. Several years ago, she was involved in an abusive relationship with a boyfriend who controlled and beat her. During the relationship — which began when she was a teenager — Amanda was forced to distance herself from her loved ones. Then came the physical abuse, which left her bruised and bloody. She says she was his personal "punching bag."
Three years ago, Amanda volunteered to help provide care for a litter of abandoned husky puppies. She formed an instant connection with one pup in particular named Kyro. After taking in Kyro as her own, the puppy became the only thing that could make Amanda smile and feel safe as she remained trapped in her nightmarish relationship.
One fateful day, Amanda's boyfriend spiraled into another violent fit of rage — but this time, he took it out on poor Kyro. Wait until you see what Amanda did next…
H/T: KIRO
For years, Amanda Trop was trapped in an abusive relationship. She was controlled and beaten.
Like many victims of domestic violence, Amanda was too afraid to leave.
Three years ago, Amanda took in an abandoned husky puppy named Kyro after seeing an ad on Craigslist. They formed an instant kinship.
Kyro became Amanda's safe haven whenever her boyfriend would abuse her.
But one day, Amanda's boyfriend took his anger out on Kyro. It was the first time the dog, not Amanda, physically suffered at the hands of her boyfriend. This was the final straw.
Amanda and Kyro took off together.
With Kyro by her side, Amanda found the strength to leave her boyfriend for good. The bonded duo started going off on adventures across the Pacific Northwest.
Soon, Amanda realized that taking photos of their travels — and specifically, Kyro — unlocked her passion and God-given talent for photography.
Their adventures became Amanda's salvation. As for Kyro, he grew up to become a gorgeous 92-pound husky and the main subject of his mom's stunning work.
"To this day, when I look in his big blue eyes, I know he knows I saved him and he saved me," she writes on Buzzfeed.
Amanda now uses social media to keep her followers and loved ones up-to-date with her travels.
Her inspiring story is spreading a message of hope to others who are suffering from domestic violence.
"It has not be easy to relive the memories of the past abuse, but my goal is to help inspire others that are in (or were in) situations like mine," Amanda writes. "You will find yourself again. I found my four-legged knight — who knows where yours is waiting?"
