My great-uncle Walt Disney knew the magic place animals have in the hearts of families everywhere.

When he released Old Yeller, the heart wrenching story stayed with people because no one takes the killing of a family pet lightly.

At least that’s what I thought until I read about potential Trump VP Kristi Noem shooting her family’s puppy – a story that has shocked so many of us.

Walt Disney also understood story telling. Together, we must make sure all voters see how this sad Kristi Noem episode is part of the larger story of the 2024 election: America could vote into the White House extremists that glorify cruelty and lack basic empathy and compassion.

Will you do two things to help tell this important story to voters about the choice before them?

If, like me, you love the living daylights out of your pup (or cat or guinea pig), post a picture of them on social media with some words about the stakes in the 2024 election. Include the hashtag #UnleashTheVote so the PCCC can track progress and inform the media.

Sign this petition and send it to other pet owners you know: In 2024, Americans must unite against the killing of our democracy. We must defeat Trump and extreme Republicans who lack the character to lead our nation.

In Old Yeller, the family comes to see the lovable stray dog as an indispensable member of the family. The film’s climactic moment is a heartbreaking one, when the father has no choice but to shoot Old Yeller when the dog contracts rabies because of the inevitable threat to their lives – and, out of compassion, to end the suffering the dog would have to endure.

Noem shot her family’s 14-month-old puppy after a hunting trip, in her own account, because the pup was too hard to teach. "I hated that dog," she wrote, framing the killing of a puppy as an example of strength.

Kristi Noem is not strong. Like Trump, she is cruel and selfish.

If Kristi Noem was actually strong, she would stand up to the Jan 6 insurrectionists instead of celebrating them. Or she would make billionaires pay their fair share of taxes instead of lining up for their campaign donations. If she had real courage, she might even criticize the Supreme Court for abolishing abortion rights or making it easier to flood our streets and schools with guns.

True strength is not demonstrated through harshness, brutality, or callous indifference, but through steadfast kindness and compassion. Our pets teach most of us this lesson every day through their loyalty and unconditional love.

Let’s make sure Americans demand leaders who do the same when it comes time to vote.

If you have a pet, post a picture on social media with some words about the stakes in the 2024 election. Use the hashtag #UnleashTheVote so the PCCC can track progress and inform the media.

Sign the PCCC's petition and send it to your friends with pets: In 2024, Americans must unite like never before to defeat Trump and extreme Republicans who lack the character to lead our nation.

– Abigail Disney

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