Purina is Striving to Keep People and Pets Together through Crisis

“About a decade ago, a Purina associate read about the difficult decision many abuse survivors with pets are forced to make,” said Purina Flagstaff Factory Manager Ramon Martinez. “A pet could be the only source of unconditional love and support an abuse survivor has. And it doesn’t seem fair that pets aren’t considered in a crisis situation.”

Purina’s Purple Leash Project was created out of the company’s mission to bring and keep pets and people together. RedRover reports that only 17% of domestic violence shelters accept pets. “We want to work with shelters in Northern Arizona to help them be able to accommodate pets,” he said.

Arizona consistently ranks among the top states with the highest homicide rates of women murdered by men, according to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. The organization reports that between 2009 and 2022, there were 1,459 domestic violence related deaths in the state, Locally, in 2019, the Flagstaff Police Department reported 1,809 domestic violence calls.

“While it’s a sad reality, it’s likely that you know someone who has experienced domestic violence or will in your lifetime,” said Martinez. “To address these sobering statistics and create change, it is vital that we increase the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters.”

RedRover has jumped in to help. The non-profit exists to help animals in crisis and protect and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Through Purina’s Purple Leash Project, in partnership with RedRover, the Purina team donates time, money and supplies to help Flagstaff area residents fleeing domestic violence with their pets.

Nationally, Purina has provided 46 grants totaling more than $1.2 million to help domestic violence shelters become pet friendly since launching the Purple Leash Project in 2019. Now, every state has at least one shelter that can support pets.

“We acknowledge that each crisis is different and unique, however, scientific research shows that pet ownership encourages structure and routine. Simple acts like taking a pet for a walk and feeding it assist in the recovery of a crisis. We encourage abuse survivors to do those things to help with their mental wellbeing, to have a purpose and someone to care for.”   

Martinez and his wife, Shelly, were born and raised in Flagstaff and attended local public schools together. He worked at the Flagstaff Purina factory for 17 years in various positions. The couple moved with their three children to St. Louis, where he worked out of Purina’s corporate office, serving as the director of quality assurance and supporting 18 factories in North America. The couple returned to Flagstaff this summer when Ramon became the local factory manager.

“I believe everyone is needed to continue to make an impact supporting domestic violence survivors,” he said. QCBN

To make a donation or to find out more, visit PurpleLeashProject.com.

Courtesy Photo: Flagstaff Purina wants to make sure victims of domestic violence can take their pets with them when leaving an unsafe environment.