Purple Leash Project

On-site Space Can Welcome Up to Ten Pets

Tulsa County, Oklahoma (January 21 – 26, 2022) – We’re excited to announce that $100,000 in grants provided by Greater Good Charities ($70,000) and RedRover ($30,000) will enable The Spring to build on-site housing for the pet victims of domestic abuse.

Rescue Rebuild, a program of Greater Good Charities, and RedRover are providing hands-on support to create a dedicated space to house these pets. Rescue Rebuild has the expertise to lead repairs and renovations for domestic violence, homeless, and animal shelters in need across the nation. RedRover sent a team of four RedRover Responder volunteers and a Team Leader on the ground to help. They’ve traveled from New York, Maryland, Arkansas, and Texas.

The need for more pet-friendly spaces is undeniable. Currently, only about 15% of domestic violence shelters in the nation are able to house survivors’ pets. Through RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project, the goal is to see 25% of domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly by 2025.

RedRover President and CEO Nicole Forsyth said, “Domestic violence survivors often delay leaving their abuser because they are afraid to leave their pets behind. Every opportunity we have to help fund a pet-friendly space at a domestic violence shelter means more lives are saved, both human and animal.”

Rescue Rebuild and RedRover will:

• Convert an existing 24 x 14’ foot structure into pet housing
• Install six stainless steel indoor dog kennels
  • Each kennel will have a bed and dog door installed to allow the pet outside and into their own private outdoor kennel/relief area
• Install fencing around the outdoor kennels
• Create an outdoor dog play yard, connected to the kennels to provide a double containment area to safely transfer dogs into the play area
• Create rooms for dog visitation, cat visitation, cat free-roaming, and storage
• Install an HVAC system with additional heat strips

“We are so excited to help The Spring offer people the ability to seek safety with their pets,’ said Bryna Donnelly, Greater Good Charities’ Vice President of Pet Programs. “No one should have to make the choice between safety and their furry family members.”

The Spring Executive Director Leslie Clingenpeel said, “Thanks to RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project grant, and the renovation provided by Greater Good Charities’ Rescue Rebuild program, we will be able to eliminate yet another barrier that often prevents victims from fleeing abusive environments they have had to endure. Providing space for their beloved family pets allows them a chance to make the difficult and dangerous decision to flee their situations and to find safety and services, without the fear of what may happen to their pets that would’ve otherwise been left behind.”

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 given 165 grants to shelters in 46 states, totaling more than $2.1 million and equaling more than 387,200 safe nights for pets. Additionally, Safe Housing grants have created the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in 10 states! To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.

About Greater Good Charities

Greater Good Charities is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Greater Good Charities, with a 100/100 rating on Charity Navigator, has provided more than $400 million in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support, to over 5,000 charitable partners in 121 countries since 2007. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit greatergood.org or follow Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.

About The Spring

For over 41 years, The Spring has been committed to providing a safe home and supportive services that assist victims and their children on their journey out of abuse. The Spring has helped thousands of victims from many different situations move into more stable situations and restore their identity through Christ’s love and grace. For more information visit TheSpringOk.org.

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To learn more about RedRover and its partners, email smadsen@redrover.org or call 916.600.8157.

To schedule an onsite visit on January 24 or 25, contact Leslie Clingenpeel at Leslie.c@thespringok.org or 918-245-4075