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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.

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  • 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.”

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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. 

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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

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‘Pawty’ Tips for Celebrating Your Pets

People spent $147 billion on pets last year. Dog birthday parties are trending. Tips: spacious play areas, engaging activities, personalized details, insect control, themed snacks, and friendly guest lists.

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(Family Features) It’s no secret – people love their pets. Last year alone, people spent $147 billion on their pets, according to the American Pet Products Association, which included throwing what has turned into one of the hottest invites on social media these days: pet parties. There have been more than 1 million posts using #DogBirthday to show off these celebrations.

With dog birthday parties and adoptions being celebrated across the country, entertainment ideas can be borrowed from regular parties – but the special guests will need to be taken into account when planning a party designed for pooches.

Plan a pup party with these tips from Mindy Weiss, a best-selling author and event planner for notable celebrity clients.

Plan for a Place to Play
When hosting a dog party, make sure there is plenty of space for the pups to play, whether it’s a fenced yard or a large indoor area. The more room they have to zoom around, the happier (and safer) everyone will be.

Keep the dogs entertained with activities like a ball pit, kiddie pool or basket of tennis balls. If you’re feeling ambitious, hide treats around the yard for the dogs to find. It’s a great way to keep their tails wagging and their minds engaged while they have a blast.

Personalize Party Details
Subtle accents can elevate any party. Pick a theme that can come to life through the decor and details, such as a “retro dog disco,” where both the humans and dogs can dress up. Small touches like personalized dog tags or themed water bowls and dog treats can make any pet party a memorable event.

Avoid Party Crashers
When guests and dogs are moving indoors and out, alongside (often messy) food, flying insects will likely try to sneak their way in. That’s why no party is complete without this top pet party essential – the STEM Attracts and Traps Flying Insects Light Trap. It is people- and pet-friendly when used as directed, insecticide-free and uses a soft UV light to attract flying insects with a dual-sided, refillable cartridge to trap them. It can also be used throughout the home in kitchens, garages, around pet feeding stations and more.

Remember the Pup Parents
Don’t forget about the humans. While the dogs are the guests of honor, the humans might also enjoy a nibble. Consider staying on theme with mini hot dogs, bone-shaped pretzels or “pup pop” cake pops.

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Bring on the Besties
Just like humans have best friends, dogs do too. Before sending out invites, make sure the guest list includes dogs that are friendly with your pup and play well with others. A little pre-party check can help ensure everyone has a good time.

Learn more at stemforbugs.com.


SOURCE:
STEM

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.


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The 9 Most Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in 2024 According to The Dyrt

The Dyrt announced the top nine dog-friendly campgrounds in the U.S. for 2024, with 4 Paws Kingdom Campground in North Carolina ranking first. Dog-Friendly Campgrounds

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PORTLAND, Ore. /PRNewswire/ — The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping availability, photos and reviews, has announced the Top 9 for K-9s: The Most Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in The U.S. for 2024. Camping is for the dogs, and we mean that in the best way possible. According to The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report presented by The All-New Toyota Tacoma, more than half of campers (53.7%) brought their four-legged friends along with them in 2023.

Photo Credit: The Dyrt camper Randy J. | Tahoe Valley Campground, California

Top 9 for K-9s: The Most Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in The U.S.

The Dyrt also found that 46.8% of campers list RVing as their primary camping type. If you think about it, it’s a perfect match. All the comforts of home and your best buddy, or buddies, traveling comfortably alongside you. No surprise then that five of the nine campgrounds in the Top 9 for K-9s cater primarily to RVs.

Speaking of being catered to, the No. 1 campground this year is 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Yes, “Dog” is right there in the name. This property truly prioritizes pampering pooches, right down to not allowing any humans under the age of 18 for optimal relaxation and minimal fur tugging. 4 Paws is set on nine acres and some of the individual campsites even have fenced-in yards.

“People love camping for a lot of the same reasons that dogs love camping,” says Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt. “You get out of the house, immerse yourself in nature, explore, see some wildlife, sit by a fire, sleep in the great outdoors. When we take Brandy (aka The Dyrt Dog) camping with us, I know she’s having as much fun as we are.”

Top 9 for K-9s is the official close to The Dyrt awards season, which started with The Glampys and was followed by the Best Places to Camp Regional and National awards, presented by Toyota Tacoma, and the Best Places to RV presented by State Farm.

Using AI to sift through The Dyrt’s millions of user-generated reviews, photos and tips of U.S. campgrounds, we identified campgrounds that were not just dog-friendly, but dog-welcoming. They are ranked based on reviews, photos, accommodations and amenities offered. Here’s to the dog days of summer! Who wants to go for a ride?!

  1. 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat — North Carolina: Doggy heaven on Earth
  2. Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground — Idaho: Welcome to off-leash island
  3. Lake George RV Park — New York: Bark Park hits the mark
  4. Alum Creek State Park — Ohio: Fenced-in fields for big and small dogs
  5. Tahoe Valley Campground — California: Dogs want to go to Tahoe too
  6. Campground at James Island County Park — South Carolina: 643 acres of exploring
  7. Chatfield State Park — Colorado: 69-acre, fenced-in dog park
  8. First Landing State Park — Virginia: 20 miles of trails and Chesapeake Bay beach
  9. Santa Fe Skies RV Park — New Mexico: Trails, a dog park and unmatched mountain views

All nine campgrounds earned positive reviews from The Dyrt campers, a group which is becoming more proactive in seeking out campgrounds that meet their needs as pet owners. The 2024 Camping Report found that when it came to adding amenities, the only things property owners added more than dog parks were Wi-Fi and pickleball courts.

“We’ve never been to a park like this one and highly recommend it if you can get in,” says The Dyrt camper Gabi B. about top-ranked 4 Paws Kingdom. “We’ll be back for sure!”

About The Dyrt

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The Dyrt is the most comprehensive camping resource with millions of user-generated reviews, photos and tips for every RV site, cabin, glamping and tent camping location, including all public, private and free camping areas in the United States. The Dyrt is how campers search, save and book camping of any type anywhere in the U.S. With The Dyrt PRO, campers get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, advanced maps, discounts on camping and more. The Dyrt is the No. 1 camping app and receives more than 30 million visits from campers each year because The Dyrt has it all. www.thedyrt.com

SOURCE The Dyrt

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Beat the Summer Heat with M&M’S® Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and GREENIES™ Dental Treats for Dogs This National Dog Day!

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Summer is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate the season and National Dog Day than with the ultimate treat for both you and your canine companion! Mars, a leader in creating delicious treats for both pets and people, is marking this special day with the introduction of the “Mars Summer Treat Pack.” On Monday, August 26, Mars celebrates the 25th anniversary of its M&M’s Ice Cream and National Dog Day by offering these delightful treat packs absolutely free to fans and their four-legged friends, while supplies last.

A Sweet Deal for Pet Parents and Pups

The “Mars Summer Treat Pack” features a delicious combo: creamy, decadent M&M’S Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches for the humans, and tasty, teeth-cleaning GREENIES™ Dental Treats for the dogs. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some quality time with your pup while keeping cool and satisfied during the hot summer days.

National Dog Day
M&M’S® Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and GREENIES™ Dental Treats for Dogs, both proudly part of Mars, are bringing pet parents and their dogs the ultimate treat duo with the launch of the limited time “Mars Summer Treat Pack” offering on National Dog Day.

Shaf Lalani, General Manager at Mars Ice Cream, elaborates on the celebration, “What better way to celebrate 25 years of delicious M&M’S Ice Cream and National Dog Day than treating both pet parents and their canine companions to free summer treats. The ‘Mars Summer Treat Pack’ combines two fan-favorites from our portfolio to help pet parents inspire moments of happiness with their dogs.”

How to Get Your Paws on These Treats

Leading up to National Dog Day, if you’re in New York City, don’t miss the “Mars Summer Treat Pack” truck! On Saturday, August 24, the truck will be making stops at Tompkins Square Park at 11:30 a.m. ET, and later at Union Square Park around 3:30 p.m. ET. Be sure to swing by to grab your scrumptious treats-for-two in person.

https://stmdailynews.com/celebrate-your-4-legged-friend-3-ways-to-give-back-during-national-dog-month/

On the big day itself, August 26, Mars partners with Fooji to extend this special offering nationwide. Pet parents can visit MarsSummerTreatPack.com starting at 10:00 a.m. ET to claim their free “Mars Summer Treat Pack.” For residents in Chicago, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York City, enjoy the added perk of special same-day delivery. Remember, it’s while supplies last, so be quick to secure your summer treat pack!

Celebrate and Share Your Sweet Moments

We’d love to see how you and your furry friend are enjoying these delightful treats. Share your moments of summer fun and bonding with your dog by tagging #TreatedByMars on social media.

For more insights into M&M’S Ice Cream, check out MMS.com/mms-ice-cream or follow @mmschocolate. To explore more about GREENIES™, visit GREENIES.com or follow @greenies on social media. As Mars Petcare continues on its mission to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, you can learn more about their efforts and initiatives at https://www.mars.com/our-brands/petcare.

This National Dog Day, embrace the joy of summer with a special treat from Mars that celebrates the love and fun you share with your furry best friend. Happy treating!

https://marssummertreatpack.com/#campaign-teaser

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ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a global, family-owned business, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving to make a positive impact on the world.

Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of quality confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 140,000+ dedicated Associates. With more than $47 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including Ben’s Original™, CESAR®, Cocoavia®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, KIND®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN® and WHISKAS®. We are creating a better world for pets through our global network of pet hospitals and diagnostic services – including AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™ – using cutting edge technology to develop breakthrough programs in genetic health screening and DNA testing.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on FacebookX (formerly Twitter)InstagramLinkedIn and YouTube.

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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