Three Oaks Foundation has announced it has been able to achieve a long-standing goal of being pet-friendly with the addition of a new kennel named The Missing Linc.
The name is in memory of Shannan Hickey and in honour of her dog, Lincoln, known as Linc.
Hickey was killed on May 21, 2024 after an act of domestic violence.
Three Oaks says the name The Missing Linc reflects both its connection to Shannan and Linc, and the gap in service the project was created to address.
You can read the full press release below:
The ability to accommodate pets on-site has been a long-standing goal for Three Oaks Foundation and represents an important step in reducing barriers for women fleeing abuse. Through structural changes to their Shelter, Three Oaks can now safely accommodate pets and remove a barrier that may otherwise prevent or delay a survivor from seeking shelter.
Intimate partner violence and animal abuse are often connected. Research found that 89% of women with pets reported that their partner had mistreated their pet. Within abusive relationships, animals may be threatened, harmed or used as a means of control, and concern for what may happen to them can make leaving even more difficult.
More than half of women, 56%, reported delaying leaving an abusive relationship because of concerns related to their pets. Survivors who report animal maltreatment by a partner are also more likely to experience varied, frequent and severe forms of intimate partner violence.
The barrier can extend to accessing emergency shelter. Research with Canadian domestic violence shelter staff found that 75% were aware of women in their communities who did not access shelter because they could not bring their pets.
Despite this need, access to pet-friendly emergency shelter remains limited across Canada. In 2022–2023, Statistics Canada reported that only 28% of residential facilities for victims of abuse offered pet accommodations.
The kennel is named The Missing Linc in memory of Shannan Hickey and in honour of her beloved dog, Lincoln, known as Linc.
Shannan was a nurse at Belleville General Hospital with a deep commitment to helping others and a love for animals. On May 21, 2024, Shannan was killed in an act of domestic violence.
The Missing Linc is the result of the dedication, care and extensive efforts of Shannan’s family, friends and colleagues. In the two years since her death, Shannan’s family has worked to honour her memory by raising awareness about domestic violence and supporting the work of Three Oaks.
Through the annual Shannan Hickey Memorial Golf Tournament, more than $35,000 has been raised for Three Oaks over two years. Shannan’s aunt and uncle, Joe and Michelle McCaw, have been instrumental in these efforts and in bringing The Missing Linc to life.
“If we can help one person, perhaps save one life and avoid another tragedy like this, then it will be more than worth it,” shared Joe and Michelle McCaw.
The name The Missing Linc reflects both its connection to Shannan and Linc, and the gap in service the project was created to address. For Three Oaks, the ability to safely accommodate pets was a missing link in reducing barriers for women seeking emergency shelter.
About Three Oaks Foundation
Three Oaks Foundation provides free and confidential services to women and their children affected by domestic violence throughout Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Services include a 24/7 Crisis Line, Emergency Shelter, Counselling, Transitional Support, Family Court Support, Children’s Outreach and Second Stage Housing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact Three Oaks 24/7 Crisis Line at 613-966-3074 or toll-free at 1-800-267-0533.
Family of Shannan Hickey outside new The Missing Linc kennel found at Three Oaks. (Photo submitted)
The Missing Linc Plaque (Photo submitted)
