Unbound Now is a global organization with a mission to end human trafficking through prevention, professional training, and survivor advocacy. With a presence across Texas, Louisiana, and several other cities worldwide, Unbound Now is committed to fostering collaboration between communities, law enforcement, and government agencies to create lasting change. The organization takes a wholistic approach, offering services like 24/7 crisis response, case management, and a drop-in center for youth survivors, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term recovery.
With an emphasis on survivors, Unbound Now works to ensure that individuals who escape trafficking receive compassionate, trauma-informed care. Their services begin with immediate crisis intervention and safety planning and continue with relationship-based reintegration services to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Critical to increasing victim identification among youth human trafficking victims is the Underground, a 24-7 drop-in center for youth up to age 22. The youth who come to the center are often exiting traumatic situations and are in need of an open door and loving team. One of the beloved members of the Underground team is an emotional support dog, specially trained to provide comfort, affection, and assistance to those in need.
Our Rescue is proud to partner with organizations like Unbound Now to help fund one of these dogs in North Texas named Theo (short for Theophilus).
Theo has already been a critical addition to the team in Texas, assisting several survivors on his first day.
“When it’s difficult to talk to people, it can be easier to warm up to a dog,” said Chris Cage, the Director of the Underground. “Time and again, I’ve seen our survivors bond with our emotional support dog. It’s heart-warming to see them relax and play with Theo… restoring a sense of calm in the midst of a traumatic time.”
Unbound Now’s focus on survivor empowerment, community education, and cross-sector collaboration ensures that those affected by trafficking receive the support they need to heal and thrive.
Theo’s Impact in 2025 and Beyond
Our Rescue has been lucky enough to get updates from Theo’s time at Unbound Now. We are happy to share the incredible impact he has had at their Underground drop-in center.
Theo spending time with a drop-in center staff member!
Theo has become an indispensable part of their survivor support services. His calm and steady demeanor brings immediate comfort to the youth they serve—many of whom arrive at the center in a state of anxiety, fear, or guardedness.
“One of the most remarkable things about Theo is his natural ‘comfort instinct.’ Time and again, we have seen Theo gently place a paw on a survivor unprompted in a spontaneous and authentic demonstration of his intuition and empathy,” stated Chris Cage, the Underground Drop-in Center Director.
Theo not only has an impact on survivors but also on the staff’s morale and self-care. He brings daily moments of levity, encourages the staff to take outdoor breaks, and welcomes snuggles from anyone needing a little emotional boost.
He’s not just a support for clients—he’s family to our team.
Chris Cage, Underground Drop-in Center Director
The Unbound Now team has made it clear that Theo is more than a service dog; he is a trusted partner in the work they do and a source of healing for survivors.
We’re proud to see the incredible work that Emotional Support Dog Theo is doing with Unbound Now. This work, Theo’s role at Unbound Now, was made possible by the donors who give to Our Rescue.
