How I Will Always Remember This Remarkable Hero

I Grew Up Admiring a Handful of Heroes

I looked up to the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Mexican activist Cesar Chavez. Despite colossal odds, both discovered the courage to speak up against hate and bias making this world a better place because of it. I never got to meet either of these men before they died, but writing Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse, provided unexpected introductions to some extraordinary people.

When the idea for the book first came to me, I knew that in order to make it a more powerful read; I needed to pull in some interviews. I didn’t realize that my book would be a calling card to meet personalities such as Bruce W. Cameron, the author of several popular dog books including, A Dog’s Purpose, or the mega New York Times bestselling author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Jack Canfield. But the interviews that I looked forward to the most were those from my particular brand of hero, people whose purpose is to make this a kinder and more compassionate world for our animal friends.

In my mind, I still hear the voice of Neal Barnard, the president of Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine, sharing how he became a vegan even though his family was in the cattle business. And being riveted to the phone as Ingrid Newkirk shared her powerful story of how as a small child in India she unsuccessfully tried to save a dog from the savagery of others. Ingrid grew up to become the president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals–PETA. But in the Spring of 2015, I met another extraordinary being, Dr. Elliot Katz, the Founder and President Emeritus of In Defense of Animals. Our relationship began over an interview. Over the months it shifted into that of mentor and mentee and eventually transitioned into a friendship that lasted until his death just a couple of months ago.

He Was a Staunch Defender of Animals, Great and Small

Elliot fought for the one, defended the many, and was fearless in the face of overpowering entities that refused to value their worth. He stood up to the U.S. Army and stopped them from breaking the legs of over one hundred retired racing greyhounds. Elliot also fearlessly faced the powers at U.C. Berkeley and gained the release and transfer of thirty primates used in deprivation experiments to a sanctuary. (Read more about Dr. Katz’s achievements here).

The single-minded resolve of this man inspired me. He insisted I let go of my fear and embrace my purpose as an animal advocate and spokesperson. His belief in me encouraged my steps forward to help animals in the particular ways I was good at – writing books, speaking to audiences, and educating others.

On March 24, 2021, at eighty-six years of age, Elliot passed away peacefully. When I heard the news, I grieved. Animal-kind had lost their great champion. But it was the honor of a lifetime when Lisa Levinson at In Defense of Animals asked me to be a speaker at his memorial. (Watch Elliot’s Memorial Service here, I speak @24:50).

Elliot’s efforts at defending animals were nothing short of Herculean. Because of his belief in me, my voice on behalf of animals is stronger now, my confidence greater, and his inspiration is a fire I will carry within me until my last days.

Heroes like Elliot may pass away in this physical existence but their footprints, forged of courage and determination remain imprinted in our minds keeping the memory of the titans who created them alive inside us. These trails remind us to follow behind, one step at a time, until we find the courage within ourselves to create our own paths alongside them.

Stay healthy & stay pawsitive,

💜 Carlyn MDO

P.S. Who is your hero and how have they inspired you. Let us know in the comment box below.