About

"The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but those who win battles we know nothing about." - Anonymous

FreeCorduroy was created to honor the legacy of Jacob Douglas Peck (Oct 21, 1984 - June 11, 2024) and the profound bond we shared over nine unforgettable years, along with our cherished psychiatric support animals, our family members Corduroy and Reagan.

Jacob’s proudest achievement was finding peace and freedom through his courageous recovery from trauma and addiction—a journey in which Corduroy played a vital role. Though his path was known to few, I was deeply honored to stand by his side, holding his hand as his unwavering support system during the final three years of his life, where he was fully committed to his healing and growth.

Corduroy was more than a companion; she became a grounding force of Jacob’s healing, embodying the love and stability that gave him hope for a better future.

This website is a continuation of the work Jacob and I began together, rooted in acceptance, understanding, love, resilience, and advocacy. My hope is for FreeCorduroy to grow into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to:

• Supporting individuals navigating pet custody disputes by providing resources that prioritize the well-being of the animals involved.
• Advocating for the rights and protections of psychiatric support animals.
• Raising awareness about the critical role these animals play in mental health recovery.

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The Critical Role of Psychiatric Support Animals

Psychiatric support animals, including Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs), provide life-changing benefits to individuals with mental health conditions.

• Mental and Physical Health Benefits: Research shows these animals reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, with documented physical health improvements such as lowered blood pressure and heart rate (Beetz et al., 2012).
• Economic Impact: ESAs and other pets save the U.S. healthcare system $22.7 billion annually by reducing doctor visits and alleviating mental health symptoms.

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Rising Pet Custody Disputes

People view their pets as family members, and disputes over their custody are becoming more frequent and complex:

• Pet Ownership: Approximately 66% of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
• Dispute Frequency: Surveys suggest that up to 25% of divorces among pet owners involve disputes over pets, with similar issues arising among unmarried couples and even roommates.

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The Changing Legal Landscape

Societal attitudes and legal frameworks are evolving to reflect the critical role pets play in our lives:

• Legal Recognition of Pets: Pets are increasingly seen as sentient beings, rather than property, requiring their well-being and continuity of care to be considered in custody decisions.
• Key Legal Precedents:
  • In 2017, Alaska became the first state to require courts to consider the "best interests" of pets in divorce cases.
  • Following Alaska’s lead, states such as California, Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York have enacted similar legislation.
  • In March 2024, Massachusetts set a precedent by recognizing shared custody arrangements for pets, marking a significant shift in legal approaches.

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Recent Legal Developments

High-profile cases highlight the increasing importance of legal protections for pets:

• Financial Penalties: (July 2024) "One Tree Hill" Actress Shantel VanSanten was ordered to pay $10,000 per day for failing to return a pet, underscoring the seriousness of custody disputes.
• Recognition of Pets as Family: (August 2024) In Brooklyn, a man’s lawsuit argued that pets should be legally considered family, not property, citing the negligent emotional distress caused by the loss of his dog.

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Our Vision

At FreeCorduroy, we aim to:

• Advocate for legal changes that prioritize the well-being and continuity of care in pet custody disputes.
• Provide guidance and support to individuals navigating the emotional and legal challenges of pet custody disputes.
• Educate the public on the essential role psychiatric support animals play in mental health recovery and the healthcare system at large.

With your support, I hope to bring Corduroy back to the family and the only other home she has ever known—a place where she was loved and raised—fulfilling the promise Jacob and I made to each other. Together, we can honor Jacob’s memory, protect the cherished bonds between people and their animal family members, and work toward a future where these lifelines are truly valued, protected, and celebrated.