When Matty first reached out, he was living in his car with his dog, Freddie, doing everything he could to survive while battling substance use and instability. Through it all, one thing remained constant, their bond. Freddie wasn’t just his dog, he was his companion, his comfort, and the reason Matty kept going.
Through Dogs Matter’s new Recovery Program, Matty was given an opportunity to change the course of his life without losing the one thing that mattered most. Together, Matty and Freddie were able to enter a pet-friendly treatment facility, where Matty received inpatient care, therapy, and the support he needed to begin his recovery with Freddie right by his side.
That decision changed everything.
With structure, stability, and ongoing support, Matty began to rebuild. Day by day, he found strength in his sobriety and purpose in his future. Throughout it all, Freddie remained a constant source of comfort and motivation, reinforcing just how powerful the human animal bond can be in the healing process. Today, Matty and Freddie are no longer just surviving, they are thriving. Their story is a powerful reminder that when people are given the chance to heal without leaving their pets behind, recovery becomes not only possible, but sustainable.
