Story
Through my love of running, national parks and animals, I've committed to raise money to support The Purple Leash Project in partnership with RedRover using my charity bib registration. RR and the PLP are committed to creating more domestic violence shelters who can take in survivors alongside their beloved pets. Currently, less than 20% of DV shelters across the country allow survivors access alongside their animals--this lack of accessibility contributes to almost 50% of victims and survivors in delaying leaving an abusive relationship, or returning to an abusive situation, simply for the love and care of their pet. Often, pets are the reason survivors stay and are able to survive for as long as they do. Animals provide us with comfort, safety and protection, their unconditional love allows us to believe in the promise of a better future and to believe that we are worthy of the care we extend to them. Sometimes, they are our second chance. And sometimes, leaving a pet behind means the abuse will extend to those pets without someone there to protect them, so leaving feels impossible.
DV shelters lack the resources to support survivors fleeing with their animals; the judicial system does not recognize the gravity of the situation when animals are involved; law enforcement refuses to intervene when pets are involved, even though they are living and breathing creatures; sometimes even loved ones can't understand the fear and grief that comes with this dilemma. RR is working to ensure that no survivor feels defeated, hopeless, blocked or trapped--that there is a promise of safety for themselves and their animals.
This is the longest race I have committed to so far, and I am dedicated to running for every woman who has had to flee, for myself, and for my sweet Wootie, who gave me the strength and courage to try and build a future for us outside of the cards we were dealt. I carry her with me every day, and I plan to carry her--and every other survivor and their animals--for 13 miles.
RedRover, other survivors, myself--we are all asking you to believe in a love that kept us alive and fighting for ourselves, the kind that comes in the form of a companion who wills you to keep going, who rests their soft chin on your arm, who curls up on your pillow, who eases your nervous system, who gives you routine and stability in an impossible and chaotic scenario--and finally, what it does to someone to lose that. Please help ensure no one else has to lose that kind of love.
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RedRover/PLP is responsible for founding and passing the PAWS Act, which provides grants to shelters to become pet-friendly. The grants they have provided have also been able to help shelters afford essential items, kennels, and cover veterinary costs. They have also renovated dozens of shelters to support pets, and currently 49 states in the U.S. have at least ONE pet-friendly shelter: