As an advocate for animal welfare and someone who has experienced firsthand the joy that our pets bring into our lives, I want to talk to you about a campaign that is near and dear to my heart: the “Take the Pledge” Campaign, organized by DontLeaveMe.org. This initiative is crucial in raising awareness about the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot cars and inspiring each of us to take action when we see an animal in distress.

The Mission of DontLeaveMe.org

DontLeaveMe.org started as a classroom project at Chandler Gilbert Community College, thanks to the vision of Professor Debra L. Nolen. What began as an exercise in civic engagement has blossomed into a powerful movement dedicated to preventing the tragic deaths of children and pets left in hot cars. Professor Nolen’s belief that knowledge leads to action and that action fosters a sense of social responsibility is the driving force behind this nonprofit’s efforts.

DontLeaveMe.org aims to cultivate empathy and social responsibility by educating the public about the dangers of hot cars. The organization’s work is a testament to the idea that even small actions can lead to significant change. By spreading this vital message, DontLeaveMe.org hopes to create a more informed and engaged community, where we all look out for the well-being of those who cannot protect themselves.

Why the “Take the Pledge” Campaign Matters

The “Take the Pledge” Campaign is a call to action for all of us to be vigilant and proactive in protecting children and pets from the dangers of being left in hot cars. The campaign’s message is simple yet powerful: “Love Em, DON’T Leave Em.” It reminds us that every pet’s life is precious and that we have the power to prevent unnecessary tragedies.

Back in March, I had the opportunity to participate in an ad featured in Trends Magazine, which is part of the campaign to raise awareness about this important issue. In the ad, I was joined by an old friend I miss dearly, one of my therapy dogs, Barney. This ad serves as a reminder to everyone that we have a responsibility to protect our pets from the dangers of heatstroke by never leaving them in a hot car.

Every year, hundreds of dogs die in hot cars across the United States, with many more deaths going unreported. In Arizona, where the temperatures can soar to dangerous levels, the risk is even greater. Despite public awareness efforts, too many pets still suffer and die because they are left in vehicles where the heat quickly becomes unbearable.

Taking the pledge is a small step that can make a huge impact. It’s a promise to yourself, your community, and most importantly, to the pets who rely on us to keep them safe.