I was saddened to read that Linda Tyrrell, a lifelong animal defender and long-time PETA staffer, passed away earlier this week—but I am equally in awe to learn that it was Linda who came up with the idea for PETA’s dog house program, which provides free dog houses to “backyard” dogs to give them some measure of protection and comfort from various weather extremes.

The dog house program has to be one of the most impactful, life-changing PETA campaigns ever implemented, judging by the photos of some recipients in each weekly CAP and ERT report.

I worked with Linda when PETA’s headquarters were in Rockville, Maryland, and I always admired her focused, no-nonsense approach to every task she took on. She was tough as nails and willing to do whatever was necessary to help every animal in her sights and beyond—just like so many of us.

In her honor, in wanting to help a dog who desperately needs it, and with hopes that all of this might inspire a staffer to submit the NEXT powerhouse campaign suggestion for PETA to launch, I’ve established a True Friends Memorial to honor Linda and requested that all its donations go to PETA’s dog house campaign.

Please, join me!