I’m Ankhil Davaatseren, currently a junior in high school living in Arlington, VA.

In 2020, my parents finally allowed me to get a dog, something I had been dreaming about for years. For me, a dog wasn’t just a pet; it symbolized friendship, loyalty, and the chance to experience a bond that transcends words.  I wanted a lifelong friend who would be there for me no matter the reason or time, to provide unwavering comfort after tough days, playful moments filled with laughter, and lifelong companionship through every chapter of life.

To prepare for my new best friend, I quickly started to research, and learned both inspiring and troubling information. I discovered the amazing role dogs play in our lives, but I also found alarming statistics about animal abuse. It’s estimated that 10 million animals die from abuse each year in the United States alone. Globally, at least one animal is abused every 60 seconds. Knowing this, I felt an even greater responsibility to provide a safe, happy, and nurturing home for my dog. Wouldn’t every pet owner feel the same sense of duty?

This is why I decided to start Fur Friends United! With close to half the U.S. households owning at least one dog, I am dedicated to ending dog cruelty by promoting education, advocating for better practices, and caring for our voiceless fur friends. Beyond this, Fur Friends United focuses on responsible pet ownership, raising awareness about adoption, and empowering individuals to report and prevent abuse. Together, we strive to create a brighter, kinder future for every dog.

I will be talking about my findings in a podcast, and give advice to help future and current pet owners create safe, happy, and nurturing homes for their pets. Additionally, I plan to use social media to amplify these efforts, spreading valuable information to reach as many people—and help as many pets—as possible.