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The reason David Duchovny let his rescue pup lick his face is awesome.

You may never look at peanut butter the same way again.

Actor David Duchovny and his rescue dog, Brick, have a very close relationship.

They spend afternoons lounging around, not a care in the world.

They explore the world together (because is there a better travel companion than this furry fella?).



They certainly celebrate the holiday season in style, too.

And yes, they even lick peanut butter off each other's lips.

Weird? Maybe. But it's for a great cause.

GIF via Target Zero/YouTube.

The sloppy peanut butter kisses are part of the #LickMyFace challenge, which launched this week.

The premise is simple, a little absurd, and ... very messy.

1. Put peanut butter on your lips.

2. Put your face near your dog's face.

3. Let your dog have at it.

4. Count how many wet ones your dog gives you.

5. Give that dollar amount to Target Zero, a nonprofit dedicated to saving the lives of rescue dogs.

6. Challenge your friends to do the same.

GIF via Target Zero/YouTube.

"To really get this going, I'm challenging all of you, my social media followers," Duchovny says in a video announcing the challenge, encouraging others to participate and donate, using the hashtag #LickMyFace to promote efforts.

He also made sure to specifically invite his ex-wife, actress Tea Leoni, as well as "X-Files" co-star Gillian Anderson, to compete.

Anderson, by the way, clearly isn't afraid of a slobbery challenge; she stepped up to the plate right away:

Target Zero is one amazing group that's definitely deserving of the attention and extra funds.

The group helps shelters learn the best practices in becoming "zero kill" shelters, which means they will no longer euthanize any healthy pups due to avoidable factors, like overcrowding in their facilities.

That way, pups like Brick can find their way into a forever home.

The nonprofit, for instance, helped the public shelter in Waco, Texas, reduce its kill rate dramatically since 2012, The Huffington Post reported. By the end of last year, over 90% of its animals were being saved, thanks in large part to Target Zero.

There are very few reasons anyone should record themselves while their dog licks peanut butter off their lips and put it on the internet. But if there's ever been a good reason to do so, saving animals is it.

"I've thrown down the challenge: You must accept now," Duchovny says in the video below. "Let's save a ton of shelter animals together, one lick at a time."

Watch Duchovny and Brick complete the #LickMyFace challenge below:

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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