Dear John,

Golden Retriever #142 is what the Iowa puppy mill called her. They didn’t bother to give her a name, because to them she wasn’t a pet—she was used to produce money-making puppies. After inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) watched her suffer for months, she died last year in that puppy mill.

“Goldie” is the name she has been given after her death. She is a symbol of how the USDA’s current practices are failing tens of thousands of dogs all over the country. Goldie’s Act is a federal bill that has been introduced in her honor, and passing it is the best way to ensure that her death won’t be in vain.

Goldie’s Act would finally hold the USDA accountable for doing its job. It would mean better inspections, help for animals who are suffering and meaningful penalties for violations.

Sometimes it takes a personal connection to an issue to motivate action. I care so much about this bill because like Goldie, my own dog, Sami, grew up in a puppy mill, forced to have litter after litter. Goldie’s Act was introduced in Congress by Representative Cindy Axne, who is from Iowa. When she learned about the terrible treatment of hundreds of dogs in a puppy mill in her own state, she was moved to act. Whether or not you love a puppy mill survivor or have seen one of these awful places firsthand, I hope that you will stand with us in demanding change.

We must be the voice for the helpless dogs living in puppy mills. Please join me today in urging your lawmakers to pass Goldie’s Act.

Sincerely, Edie Falco Legendary actress Edie Falco holding her puppy mill survivor, Sami.