Jordan Sucato

PROTECTING PAWS

- Allison Singer

Jordan Sucato, 15, lives in Phoenix, Arizona, an area the National Weather Service says is on track to have its hottest-ever summer. As the temperature in the air rises, so too does the temperature of the pavement, endangering the delicate paw pads of dogs walking on it. Though all dogs are at risk, Jordan's mission is to protect the most vulnerable-homeless dogs, or the pets of people who are unhoused. These pets often tread multiple miles a day outside. "Their paws can burn and blister in under five minutes," Jordan says. "If it's 120 degrees temperature-wise, it's 140 degrees on the concrete."

Through Laws for Paws LLC, the nonprofit Jordan founded in January, the teen has raised more than $7,000 for her mission, enough to provide protective boots for 515 dogs. Jordan's funds support a partner organization, Dogs Day Out AZ, which distributes proper protective shoes, among other needed resources.