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Driving Change for Pets and People: A Conversation with Claire of AWI

Claire Coughlin, Director of the Companion Animal Program at the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), describes her position as her “unicorn job”, a perfect match of her passion and purpose. With a career spanning human services, support for abuse survivors, and animal welfare, Claire has long worked at the intersection of compassion for both people and pets. “A central part of my role is ensuring that policies and programs translate into real outcomes,” Claire shared. “The work we do at AWI isn’t abstract; it’s about creating tools and resources that truly help people and animals in crisis.”

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The PUPP Act: Keeping Families and Pets Together

Hundreds of thousands of Americans experience homelessness every year. For many, their greatest source of comfort and unconditional love is their pet. Sadly, too many unhoused individuals face a heartbreaking choice: seek shelter and give up their beloved companion—or remain on the streets together.

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PETA Sues American Kennel Club Over Breed Standards

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has filed a lawsuit against the American Kennel Club, Inc. (AKC) in the Supreme Court for the State of New York, County of New York.

According to PETA’s complaint, the AKC’s Official Breed Standards for several popular breeds—including the Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Dachshund, and Chinese Shar-Pei—“provide blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs and thus severely impede canine health and well-being.”

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Board President Megan Moon on Service & Strategy

As the board president of OAA's governing board, Megan Moon is responsible for overseeing the board’s functions, ensuring that the nonprofit fulfills its mission, and supporting the executive director. In addition to her work with Ohio Animal Advocates, Megan serves her local community through her work with Waste-Free Dayton, Kettering Volunteer Advisory Council, NAMIWalks, and more.

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Cruelty in Puppy Mills: A Call to Action

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has continuously failed to control the abusive puppy mill industry in Ohio and to hold the abusers accountable. Commercial dog breeders disregard the health of their dogs to keep costs low and maximize their profits. According to Humane World for Animals, most puppies sold in pet stores and through online retailers are born in puppy mills. Additionally, the 2025 Horrible Hundred report ranks Ohio as the second worst state in the nation regarding the care of dogs in puppy mills, with 16 of the nation's worst puppy mills located in our state.

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Four Ohio Shelters Receive Grants to Keep Pets and Families Together

When survivors of domestic violence or individuals experiencing homelessness are forced to flee unsafe or unstable conditions, they often face a heartbreaking choice: seek safety, or stay with their beloved pets. For many, that bond is too strong to break — and unfortunately, many shelters aren't equipped to house animals alongside people. But that’s changing, thanks to lifesaving initiatives like RedRover’s Safe Housing program.

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Navigating Pet Loss: Support, Healing, and Honoring the Bond

Losing a pet is never easy. Whether they were by your side for one year or fifteen, their absence leaves an undeniable void. Pets are family — companions, protectors, best friends, and for many, a source of unconditional love. Grief after the death of a beloved animal is natural and deeply personal, and there's no "right" way to process that pain.

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— Nelson Mandela