Denise Fleck of Atlanta on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Denise Fleck. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Denise, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I make coffee while I clean my 14-year-old pup’s bowls, pour her fresh water, and line up her supplements on one side of the counter. At the same time, I organize my husband’s and my pain relief pills (the fun of getting older!) and vitamins.

Over coffee, my husband and I discuss our plans for the day as we wait for Wishy to ‘rise & shine’ from whichever super comfy orthopedic bed she chose to sleep in overnight. At 14, we feel she’s earned the right to sleep in, so we let her, and then head out on a short walk, followed by doggie breakfast.

After that, I typically spend 20 minutes on my Total Gym working out (I have learned the importance of doing something for ‘me’ daily) and then prepare breakfast for us before heading to my office, just down the hall.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For as long as I can remember, pets haven’t just been animals—they’ve been family. That truth hit home the day a gentle Great Dane named Ulysses nudged his way into my heart when I was a child. From that moment on, I knew my life’s purpose would revolve around protecting and advocating for our four-legged friends. But not until years later, when my sweet Labrador Sunny faced a real emergency, did I realize that most people, myself included at the time, simply aren’t prepared when every second counts.

Determined to change that, I became The Pet Safety Crusader™, armed with a first-aid kit, a passion for preparedness, and a desire to help others make a difference in the life of an animal. Since then, I’ve trained more than 33,000 pet parents and pet care professionals in lifesaving skills—everything from CPR and senior pet care to assembling go-bags for natural disasters.
Before diving into this work, I was a Hollywood publicist, but I happily traded red carpets for dog collars. I found a way to blend my love of storytelling with my passion for animals, writing award-winning books, appearing in national media, and speaking on stages large and small—all to make a difference for the pets we love.

My greatest business honor is to have been named to the Forbes’ 50 Over 50 Impact list in 2025. I am blessed to have my name alongside such honorable and thoughtful women. I currently serve as Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization, where my heart and purpose align perfectly. Every day, I get to champion senior dogs—those wise souls with silver snouts and so much love left to give. Whether I’m building partnerships, creating donor campaigns, or sharing their stories with the world, I’m committed to making sure every old dog knows love, safety, and a soft place to land.

Whether I’m leading a class, guiding a nonprofit team, or speaking at a conference, my work is fueled by compassion and grounded in the belief that every pet deserves a long, happy, and healthy life. Especially the ones with a little grey on their muzzle.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust and honesty! Picture two hands letting go of a rope and the same hands tying the rope back together.

Trust and honesty are the foundation of every meaningful relationship: work, personal, or otherwise. When they are broken through lies, betrayal, or lack of transparency, they can deeply damage the bond between people, often leaving behind feelings of hurt and doubt.

Yet, it is the very same trust and honesty that can rebuild those connections. Owning mistakes, speaking truthfully, and showing consistent integrity create a path back to restoring the relationship. It isn’t always possible, and honesty may hurt for a moment, but silence and lies last a lifetime. Trust, once broken, can only be restored by truth and time.

Working with animals is similar. You must earn their trust, and once you do, that bond is more than you can ask for. But be worthy of that trust and never break it!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Give yourself grace. You don’t need all the answers right now. Trust your heart, keep moving forward with courage, and know that every challenge will shape you into someone who makes a real difference

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My husband of 35 years! I admire my husband not because of any power or position he may hold, but because of the man he is at his core. His strength comes from his integrity, his kindness, and the way he treats others with respect. What I cherish most is his unwavering character: the compassion he shows, the honesty he lives by, and the love he gives so freely. That is the kind of power that endures, and why every day by his side feels like a gift.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When my time on this earth is no more, I hope people will say she lived by her heart and gave love freely to those who needed her most, whether that be animal or fellow man. That even if it was uncomfortable, she stood up for what and who she believed in and honored her beliefs and morals.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photo of me speaking with a “LOVE” shirt is credited to Brittany Paige Johnson.

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