Editorial: January 17, 2025
Recognizing the horrific devastation caused by the as-yet-uncontained fires in the greater Los Angeles area, we send our hopes and prayers for the safekeeping of residents and to the end to the destruction. Many in our purebred-dog community have been affected, and so we are using this editorial to share what the American Kennel Club and AKC Reunite and what the folks at Purina Pro Plan are doing to help our four-legged friends, many of which are lost or homeless. Friends in the area have received an abundant amount of clothing, but are still in need of personal products and pet food to help feed the pets of the homeless and others in overcrowded facilities.
While AKC and Purina are addressing canine needs, Take the Lead as always is there, waiting and willing to help those who have experienced losses in the fires, and offering financial support in these uncertain and critical times. Contact Lynette Thayer at 800-814-1123 or visit the website at takethelead.org.
AKC and AKC Reunite
Below is the letter from AKC President Dennis Spring that went to clubs on January 8. He is responding to every email he receives and finding out what is needed.
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Dear AKC Club Presidents, Secretaries and Delegates, The AKC is deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the Palisades fire currently affecting your area. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and your communities during this terrible tragedy. The safety and well-being of our club members and their loved ones are of utmost importance to us. We sincerely hope that everyone is safe and taking necessary precautions during this challenging time. If you or your club members are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. Additionally, if you know of an organization that is helping animals and seeking assistance, please advise us of those organizations so that their efforts can be supported. We are here for you as you navigate through this difficult situation. Please stay safe. With deepest concern, Denise Sprung President and CEO American Kennel Club |
Additionally, AKC Reunite has donated $25,000 thus far to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation ($10,000); the Pasadena Humane Society ($10,000) and Santa Barbara Humane ($5,000).
Lastly, there are three AKC Reunite Pet Disaster Relief Trailers (two in Los Angeles and one in San Diego) deployed to assist people in need.
Purina Pro Plan
As wildfires burn across the Greater Los Angeles area, covering over 40,000 acres and destroying more than 12,000 structures, Purina is providing a $25,000 grant to Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit, to support its emergency relief efforts. Purina’s donation will help fund food, essential supplies, hygiene products, blankets and emergency packs for displaced families and unhoused populations, as well as assist with transport and veterinary care for animals impacted by the fires.
The Palisades Fire initially erupted on Tuesday, January 7, and quickly spread over 20,000 acres, destroying thousands of structures and making it one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history. Ongoing dry conditions and high winds have sparked several additional fires, leading to the evacuation of nearly 180,000 people across the region.
"Our hearts go out to the communities affected by these devastating wildfires burning in Southern California," said Kim Beardslee, director of community affairs. "Purina has a long history of supporting people and pets in the wake of natural disasters, and we’re proud to continue our partnership with Greater Good Charities to support their life-saving work.”
Greater Good Charities has a Disaster Response Team on the ground in the Greater LA area collaborating with local government agencies and organizations to provide immediate and long-term aid (food, blankets, emergency packs with survival supplies, and pet food and supplies, and more) to communities affected by the fires. The global nonprofit's response includes providing critically needed aid to those affected: from displaced families and unhoused populations to injured animals, overwhelmed pet shelters, and damaged ecosystems.
In addition to providing this $25,000 grant, Purina is working with its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities to send in-kind donations of Purina pet food and cat litter to shelters and pet owners in impacted communities.