(COLORADO SPRINGS) — For most of us, pets are family, so leaving them behind is an impossible request, that's why the Springs Rescue Mission is sharing its focus on keeping pets and their families united. "She's family, she goes anywhere we go," said Betty Burketta about her dog Minnie. Burketta further explained, that leaving Minnie behind to seek shelter and resources was not an option. "We were staying in a tent at a lake in Fowler... Lake Henry, I think it was," she said.However, thanks to the Springs Rescue Mission, she and Minnie were able to stay together. The organization offers kennels for those staying at the Mission to utilize during their stay. Burketta said she learned of the service just before the cold took hold of Colorado. "We were jumping for joy," she said. "We were getting pretty cold in that tent, and the next three days it snowed, so we were glad we were all dry.""It's very rare that a rescue mission across the nation takes pets," said Springs Rescue Mission Interim CEO Travis Williams. "Many people who are struggling with homelessness struggle to seek the services they need because they are concerned that their pets won't be able to be let in.""Our biggest motivation is that we really care for and love our guests that are experiencing homelessness because we believe so much in them," Williams said. "That's why we have a pet resource right here on campus that allows people to take care of their pets, but more importantly, so that the guests can take care of themselves."