Purina Acknowledges Paige DeSorbo's Advocacy Against Domestic Violence with Courage Award

On September 23, 2026, at the prestigious Variety Power of Women event in Beverly Hills, Purina honored television personality, bestselling author, and podcast host Paige DeSorbo with the 2026 Variety Courage Award. This accolade recognizes DeSorbo's bravery in publicly sharing her experience as a survivor of domestic violence, ultimately serving as a beacon of hope for many. The award was presented by actress Molly Sims, a close friend of DeSorbo, who praised her for transforming a painful personal experience into a source of connection and support for others.

DeSorbo's journey to this moment began back in December 2024, when she revealed her past on her podcast, Giggly Squad. In her heartfelt account, she disclosed enduring physical and emotional abuse at the age of 19, a chapter of her life that she had kept private for over a decade. By sharing her story, she aimed to eradicate the shame and stigma often felt by survivors, instead offering a message of recognition and hope.

In accepting the award, DeSorbo expressed her gratitude for the supportive environment created by her pets, notably her cat, Daphne, who has been a constant source of comfort and stability throughout her journey. "Daphne represents the comforting presence that pets can provide during tumultuous times. For those who have faced trauma, feeling safe again is of utmost importance, and a pet can often play a pivotal role in that healing process," DeSorbo noted during her acceptance speech.

Noting the relationship many survivors have with their animals, Sims emphasized the deep bond DeSorbo shares with Daphne, pointing out the critical importance of ensuring that survivors can access safe spaces that accommodate their pets. DeSorbo herself highlighted that often, abuse survivors face the harrowing choice of leaving their pets behind to seek safety, a decision she believes should never be necessary.

This perspective aligns with the mission of the Purple Leash Project, a collaborative effort between Purina and the nonprofit organization RedRover. The initiative aims to create pet-friendly spaces within domestic violence shelters, addressing a critical gap in available resources. Shockingly, statistics reveal that nearly half of domestic abuse survivors have delayed leaving their abusive situations because they cannot take their pets. Currently, only 20% of domestic violence shelters are equipped to accept pets.

Since its inception in 2019, Purina and RedRover have allocated over $2.2 million in grants to support the development of these vital pet-friendly spaces, with ambitions set on providing one million safe nights for survivors and their beloved pets by 2030. The dedication shown by DeSorbo, Purina, and their partners underscores an important truth: compassion and connection can create pathways to safety and healing.

Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO of Purina, echoed these sentiments during the ceremony, noting, "Paige's choice to share her experiences is a remarkable testament to her courage and a source of inspiration for those affected by abuse. Her relationship with Daphne exemplifies the assurance and companionship pets contribute during healing processes. We are thrilled to honor Paige and continue our efforts through the Purple Leash Project to forge more safe havens for survivors and their pets."

DeSorbo is the third recipient of the Variety Courage Award, following in the footsteps of Sarah Hyland and Aly Raisman, who were honored in the previous two years for their advocacy for abuse survivors. On the heels of this recognition, Purina is committed to making significant contributions to organizations like RedRover, aiming to expand access to safe, pet-friendly spaces for those in need, with up to $500,000 pledged this fall.

For further information about the Purple Leash Project and how to support its cause, visit purina.com/escapetogether. Through continued advocacy, empathy, and community outreach, it’s possible to empower survivors and promote healing, one paw at a time.