pets
PURINA AND REDROVER BROADEN SUPPORT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WITH PETS WITH A NEW VOICE CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE
This October, during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Purina and RedRover continue their work to help domestic violence survivors escape abuse with their pets by enlisting the help of new and existing friends to shine a light on the lack of pet-friendly resources for survivors.
- Pro Football Defensive End, James Smith-Williams, to wear custom Purple Leash Project cleats for the My Cause My Cleats Campaign during the Week 13 game on December 4, 2022
- Journalist and Emmy Award-winning talk show host, Tamron Hall, continues to share her personal message and importance of the Purple Leash Project mission with her new puppy, Exodus, by her side
ST. LOUIS /PRNewswire/ — This October, during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Purina and RedRover continue their work to help domestic violence survivors escape abuse with their pets by enlisting the help of new and existing friends to shine a light on the lack of pet-friendly resources for survivors. James Smith-Williams, defensive end for the Washington Commanders, and journalist and two-time Emmy Award-winning talk show host, Tamron Hall, will lend their voices as advocates for the Purple Leash Project – a national initiative established in 2019 by Purina and nonprofit RedRover to provide grants, resources and support to help domestic violence shelters better serve the needs of domestic abuse survivors with pets.
Domestic Violence Survivors
In the U.S., 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime ranging from physical violence to emotional or financial abuse. For survivors with pets, leaving an abuser can be more difficult due to a lack of resources to support them through pet-friendly shelters and housing. In fact, currently, only 15% of domestic violence shelters in the United States allow pets, and almost half of abuse survivors (about 48%) will delay leaving an abuser if they can’t take their pet with them into a shelter.
It’s an issue that Purina and RedRover have passionately addressed for more than a decade. Enlisting the support of Smith-Williams and Hall is one way to continue to drive awareness, action and advocacy for more pet-friendly shelter across the nation.
“We can always accomplish more together than we can alone, which is why our partnerships with James and Tamron are so critical to the Purple Leash Project mission,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO and President of Purina. “Pets have a unique ability to break down walls, inspire empathy and help us start conversations about tough issues like domestic violence. And the conversations we are having today are driving real change in the way that abuse survivors with pets are served.”
Lacing Up for Purple Leash Project
James Smith-Williams of the Washington Commanders pro football team has worked to raise awareness on domestic abuse prevention for many years. Now, with his dog Luna by his side, Smith-Williams is looking to deepen his commitment to survivors and their pets.
“As a life-long pet lover, pet owner, and domestic violence advocate, I’m proud to represent the Purple Leash Project,” said Smith-Williams. “It’s an honor to use my platform on and off the field to draw attention to the critical importance that pets play in the lives of survivors as companions, healers, and four-legged members of the family – especially during times of crisis.”
Through the My Cause My Cleats program, pro football players can wear their hearts on their feet by picking a cause that’s important to them and representing their chosen organization by way of custom-designed cleats on game day. After their respective game, all players will have the option to donate their cleats to an auction where fans can bid on the cleats. All proceeds will go toward the player’s respective causes, and in Smith-Williams’s case, the proceeds from the sale of his cleats will benefit the Purple Leash Project.
Smith-Williams will reveal his custom-designed, Purple Leash Project-inspired cleats, ahead of the match-up between the Washington Commanders and the New York Giants on December 4, 2022.
“We’re honored to have James Smith-Williams join us this year as a partner, and to have Tamron Hall back with us for a third year,” said Nicole Forsyth, President and CEO of RedRover. “Together, their voices will help to drive change and highlight all that’s already been done to support survivors and their pets. Our collective voices and actions will help bring much-needed awareness to this issue.”
Continuing to Champion Survivors and Staying Connected
Tamron Hall, a lifelong pet lover whose own sister was tragically killed by an abuser, will continue to be an advocate for survivors in her third year as a Purple Leash Project partner.
“I’m honored to be partnering with Purina and RedRover again. The work they are doing to ensure safe places for domestic violence survivors and their pets is crucial to the survivor’s personal journey,” said Hall. “I can’t imagine having to leave my Bernedoodle, Exodus, in an unsafe environment. It is truly a heartbreaking decision for someone to make, on top of the abuse they have already endured.”
Throughout October, Purina and RedRover are inviting pet lovers to join James and Tamron by supporting the Purple Leash Project.
- Amplify: Help raise awareness about the connection between domestic violence and pets by spreading the word on social media using the hashtag #PurpleLeashProject.
- Watch: On December 4th, as part of the My Cause My Cleats program, James will be wearing specially designed cleats in support of the Purple Leash Project. Be sure to tune into the game.
- Donate: Visit PurpleLeashProject.com to learn more about the effort and how to make a donation. With a recurring donation of at least $5 a month, or a one-time gift of $60 or more, you’ll receive the Purple Leash Project’s limited-edition purple dog leash or cat collar featuring the Purple Leash Project motto: Walk. Heal. Together.
Looking Forward to 2025
Since the Purple Leash Project was founded in 2019, Purina has provided more than $1 million in funding and is working together with RedRover toward a goal of helping to ensure that at least 25% of domestic violence shelters are pet-friendly by 2025. To date, 34 grants totaling more than $700,000 have now been gifted to domestic violence shelters across the US by Purina providing thousands of safe nights for survivors with pets.
In 2022 alone, nine Purple Leash Project grants have been given to domestic violence shelters in need of pet-friendly renovations. Most recently, four domestic violence shelters in Missouri, Rhode Island, California and Florida received funding for upgrades that will include converting existing indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate pets, the installation of pet-friendly flooring and a ‘catio’ – an enclosed cat patio.
In addition to work done through the Purple Leash Project, Purina is a founding member of the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act Coalition, which works to rally congressional support for key issues impacting survivors with pets. Together with RedRover and other coalition members, Purina continues to advocate for federal resources and funding to provide more survivors the option of pet-friendly shelters and services. Earlier in 2022, the PAWS Act Grant Program received full congressional funding as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, marking the first time since its passage that the PAWS Act has received the fully authorized amount of $3 million in federal funding.
To learn more about the Purple Leash Project, make a donation or sign up for ongoing updates, visit PurpleLeashProject.com.
About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 8,700 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 51 million dogs and 65 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
About RedRover
Since 1987, RedRover has focused on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. Since 2012, RedRover has awarded 176 grants to shelters in 46 states, totaling more than $2.6 million and providing more than 418,700 safe nights for pets. Additionally, Safe Housing grants have created the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in ten states! RedRover has earned a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.
SOURCE Purina
https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/pets
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(Family Features) When it comes to humans, gut health can be a great indicator of overall health. Often, when illnesses or conditions arise, symptoms are present in the gastrointestinal system. It makes sense that when you’re feeling bad or extra stressed, you can feel it in your stomach or your bowels – and the same is true for your pet.
“When my dogs are dealing with stomach issues, they’re not themselves – they just seem off,” said Kaley Cuoco, co-founder of Oh Norman!, a pet wellness brand. “That’s why I became so obsessed with finding a way to boost their digestive health.”
Gut health involves several components of the gastrointestinal tract, including the microbiome (bacteria, viruses and fungi) and digestive system, which controls how the body breaks down and absorbs the nutritional components of food.
A healthy gut allows your pet to live comfortably with good overall wellness and a properly functioning immune system. Dogs with healthy guts have a moderate, consistent appetite and maintain a healthy weight. They have adequate energy and even look visibly healthy with a shiny coat. Their stools are firm and regular.
Conversely, dogs with gut health problems may be lethargic and have problems with excess or too little weight. They may experience pain, bad breath, poor skin condition and a variety of gastro symptoms like constipation, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s gut health, consider these tips from the animal-loving experts at Oh Norman!:
Consult with your veterinarian. Problems with gut health can have a dizzying number of sources, so if your dog exhibits signs of a gut health issue that seem severe or don’t go away within a day or two, it’s a good idea to talk with an expert. The advice you get will be tailored to your pet’s specific circumstances and needs so you can help your four-legged friend feel better fast.
Pay attention to your dog’s diet. A good gut-health eating plan is fiber-rich and balanced with protein, vegetables and healthy fats. Foods that contain probiotics support good bacteria while prebiotics help feed good bacteria. Food allergies or intolerances can also trigger gut health problems, so pay attention to ingredients that may be problematic for your pet.
Add supplements to boost the microbiome. If you’re concerned, and your veterinarian agrees, it may be useful to supplement your dog’s diet to support gut health. One option is Good Effing Gut, a functional soft chew from Oh Norman! formulated to support digestive and immune health in dogs. Suitable for dogs of all ages, these chews promote a balanced gut microbiome, support healthy digestion and immune functions and may aid weight management. Available in a natural pumpkin cinnamon flavor, the chews offer safe, effective ingredients including pumpkin and chicory root (prebiotics), Bacillus subtilis (probiotic) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (postbiotic), which work together to promote nutrient absorption, maintain healthy digestion, support skin and coat health and contribute to overall canine wellness.
Eliminate external factors. If your dog’s gut health issues aren’t driven by diet, some environmental adjustments can make a difference. For example, creating a more peaceful, secure living environment can help settle gut problems.
Practice good general care. Providing your pet with consistent loving care can also play a role in gut health. Dogs that feel safe, are well-disciplined, get regular exercise and remain well-hydrated tend to have stronger gut health.
Learn more about good gut health for your dog at ohnorman.com.
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(Family Features) They may be cute, fluffy and friendly, but some dogs also have an important job: protecting America’s food supply.
By deploying specially trained beagles, Labrador retrievers and Jack Russell terriers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Services’ (APHIS) Detector Dog Program puts elite canines to work on the front lines at international airports, mail facilities and border crossings throughout the nation. These furry sleuths maneuver between passengers and luggage to search, locate and respond to the presence of banned fruits, plants and meats that may harbor damaging insects and diseases that threaten the country’s agricultural production and natural resources.
The program was started in 1984 and soon grew in demand. By 2009, APHIS opened a 17-acre National Detector Dog Training Center near the Atlanta International Airport. At the center, dogs and their handlers go through an 8-10-week training program to learn how to inspect passenger luggage and handbags for agricultural goods such as fruits, vegetables, beef and pork.
Detector dogs patrol ports of entry, borders and airports to keep harmful pests, like invasive fruit flies, out of the country. For example, labrador retrievers and their handlers protect the nation’s fruit by patrolling citrus orchards along the Texas-Mexico border in search of infested or diseased crops.
Safeguarding U.S. agriculture and natural resources is part of the program’s mission, but APHIS’ Detector Dog Program also partners with countries like Canada and Taiwan to supply guidance, training and testing of canine detection. There are even detector dog teams on the job at cargo airports throughout countries in the Pacific, tasked with identifying invasive species and stopping them from reaching Hawaii. The work these dogs and their handlers do is critical to help stop the spread of invasive plant and animal pests and diseases that could ravage America’s agriculture.
A detector dog’s career spans 6-8 years before they retire at 9 years old. At retirement age, 90% of dogs are adopted by their handler. In the rare case they are not, the handler will recommend a good home and a successful adoption program ensures all dogs are well placed.
Constantly on the lookout for new pups, APHIS works closely with animal shelters, rescue groups and private individuals to find the right dogs for the job from anywhere in the country. New recruits are 1-3 years old, heartworm negative, have high food drive and are environmentally and socially friendly. The ideal candidate is often that high-energy, hard-to-handle pooch who simply needs a job and a purpose.
If you or someone you know would like to help the program grow its squad of super sniffers, email usdacanineadoptions@usda.gov, call (887) 797-3899 or learn more at aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/ppq-program-overview/nddtc.
Content courtesy of USDA
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Lifestyle
4 Reasons to Consider Adopting a Pet
More than 23 million American households added a four-legged family member over the last three years, according to data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Through these trying times, pets have been a key source of comfort and joy – even improving pet parents’ overall wellbeing.
(Family Features) More than 23 million American households added a four-legged family member over the last three years, according to data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Through these trying times, pets have been a key source of comfort and joy – even improving pet parents’ overall wellbeing.
It’s no wonder that – according to Mars Petcare’s “Pets for Better Wellbeing” report – more than one-third of non-pet owners are considering adopting a pet in the next 3-5 years, and 61% of them said they’ll turn to shelters or rescues. It’s a major decision for families, but also for pets, as there are still hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs waiting in shelters to find their forever homes.
To learn more about the positive impact of pet ownership, and to find out how you can support animal shelters and pets in your community, visit BetterCitiesforPets.com/2022Report . If you’re still deciding whether to add a four-legged family member, consider these four benefits:
Improve Your Wellbeing
Few things compare to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. Whether it’s a dog greeting you at the door or a cat purring contently in your lap, your pet is there to offer unconditional love. In fact, the survey revealed 92% of pet owners feel their relationship with their pets have improved both their mental and physical wellbeing over the last three years.
Serve as Your Social Sidekick
More pet owners are including their pets in their everyday routines, whether at work or during their leisure time. In fact, 85% of pet owners working from home all or part of the time said it’s important to spend at least part of their workday at home with their pets. People are also looking to hit the road with their pets by their side as 52% said they’re likely to bring their pets while traveling.
Provide Companionship for the Whole Family
A dog is more than just “man’s best friend.” The research indicated more than 9 in 10 pet owners agree their pets complete their families or households and they are a key part of how the family spends quality time together. When it comes to children, adults said they feel pets make a positive impact by providing companionship (75%) and teaching children about responsibility (69%).
Support Your Local Shelter
If you’re ready to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from a local shelter. Eighty-four percent of pet parents who adopted from shelters felt a boost in mental wellbeing from doing so. Adding a pet to your home can also support shelters in your community that are struggling to care for all the cats and dogs in need of forever homes.
Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock
SOURCE:
Mars Petcare
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