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PHOENIX -- In the parking lot of the Villa La Paws Pet Resort in Phoenix sits a blue Ford Taurus. For most of 2009, the car is what Brett Getrost has called home.
“It got pretty scary,” Getrost said. “I just knew I needed (another) place fast and soon.”
Getrost was forced to live in the car after he lost his job and was evicted earlier this year. But the worst part about living in his car, Getrost said, was the fact that he was separated from his two cats, Bailey and Tigger.
Getrost knew the cats couldn’t stay with him in the car. So, with the help of Jodi Polanski at Lost Our Home Pet Foundation, he arranged to have the cats stay at the Villa La Paws Resort.
For a couple of months, Getrost struggled to survive in his vehicle, upset that he couldn’t see the cats beyond a daily visit at the resort. He was also concerned about what would happen living in his car during the blistering Arizona summer.
“It was really imperative that my prayers get answered,” Getrost said.
They were.
The owner of Villa La Paws, Tom Murray, said he noticed how dedicated and passionate Getrost was about his cats.
That prompted him to offer Getrost a job as an overnight counselor at Villa La Paws. Now, Getrost takes care of the dogs staying at the resort overnight and has a roof over his head.
Most importantly, he is reunited with his cats, who are staying at the resort.
“This is not charity that I’m doing with him,” Murray said. “He’s working for his money, his opportunity and everything else.”
Getrost said he “loves” the new opportunity but is hoping it’s a temporary solution. He is also working during the day and hopes to get enough money together so he can get back into a full-time place to live.
“There are resources and people that can help you,” Getrost said. “You just have to ask for help.”
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