In 2025 Instant Detroit's founder, Craig, had an idea to help other pet families who are struggling financially. Born out of his own struggles after being sick and unable to find full-time employment, he was at risk of not only losing his home but the dogs he rescued in 2019 from the side of the road. Those dogs who he named, Bonnie & Clyde, became his world after finding them one frigid night near the Woodbridge neighborhood in Detroit. He had to move mountains then to keep them and the thought of losing them was beyond painful. They had became his "kids", like with most pet owners the bond of their unconditional love was strong. Each employment rejection took it's toll though on his Mental Health. That constant rejection had him contemplating suicide daily because he saw no way out. With weeks left before eviction, he started a GoFundMe and began selling possessions in the hopes of raising enough money to avoid losing everything. Those funds helped pay medical bills, other bills, back rent and most importantly bought more time to turn things around. The biggest thing he still needed for long-term stability though was a full-time job and that was the one thing that kept eluding him.
Through this journey he learned he was not alone and many before him had to surrender their pets because of hardships. This often puts an unrecoverable strain on the pet owner, but also the pet which is often taken to overcrowded shelters and rescues. To help pet owners experiencing life changing hardships and avoid the heartbreak Craig was experiencing Instant Detroit is now selling goods and services to raise funds to support those in need .
If you would like to help there are a few ways to do so. The first would be a straight donation through our GoFundMe, Venmo or CashApp which are linked below. The second opportunity would be to purchase merch here on the Instant Detroit Store where all proceeds will go to help pet owners in need. The third opportunity would be collaborating with Craig and Instant Detroit. A collab could be anything from designing merch that can be sold in the sotre to raise funds and awareness or helping those in need that are able to work with opportunities, or providing mental health support. The possibilities are endless in how we can help, to not only save a pet but a human in need.
Also as ID grows we plan on throwing exclusive events for pet owners and pet lovers. Stay tuned for out First event in 2026.