Fluffy Is a Very Good Girl—
But a Terrible Password
We know your pets are everything. They’re your family, your snuggle buddies, your emotional support during Zoom calls, and yes, sometimes even your coworkers. (We see you, cat-on-keyboard people.)
But using your pet’s name as your password? That’s like giving a hacker the house keys and asking them to feed the dog while they’re at it.
At Rescued by Rembrandt, we spend our days helping animal rescue groups and nonprofits thrive through better marketing and systems. So today, we want to help you protect something else important: your data.
Because as much as we love Fluffy, she’s a very bad password. Let’s talk about why.
Why Pet Passwords Are a Digital No-No
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1. It’s the First Thing Hackers Try
Hackers aren’t psychic—they’re just observant. If you post about your dog every day, have a profile pic with them, and your bio says “Proud mom to Luna,” guess what their first password guess will be? Yep. Luna. Or Luna123. Or Luna2024. (Sound familiar?)
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2. It’s Way Too Easy to Find
Pet names are plastered all over our social media, websites, and sometimes even donation pages. A hacker doesn’t have to work hard to find your pet’s name. You gave it to them wrapped in a bow.
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3. Even Modified Versions Are Weak
Adding a number or exclamation point doesn’t suddenly make it secure. Hackers use tools that guess common variations automatically. “Milo123!” might look cute to you, but it’s one of the easiest passwords to crack.
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4. You’re Probably Using It Everywhere
If Fluffy is your password, chances are she guards your email, your donation platform, your PayPal, and your volunteer portal. That’s a whole lot of access protected by one furry name.
What Can Go Wrong (Hint: Everything)
Lost Access to Critical Tools
Nonprofits rely on online systems: CRM, donation processors, grant platforms, social media, email marketing. One breach could lock you out of everything.
Compromised Donor Data
If you handle donor info or payment data, a password breach could mean a serious trust issue—and even legal trouble. That’s the last thing you need when you're trying to do good in the world.
Damage to Your Reputation
Your organization is built on trust. A data breach doesn’t just impact operations—it can affect future adoptions, donations, and volunteers. It only takes one digital misstep to shake public confidence.
How to Stay Secure (And Still Love Your Pets
1. Build a Passphrase, Not a Password
Skip “Oscar2022.” Try something longer, sillier, and safer: “OscarOnlyEatsBananasOnTuesdays.” The longer the better. And you’ll never forget it.
2. Add Random, Non-Pet Words
Try strings of unrelated words: “LaundryCactusBicycle42.” Hard to guess. Easy to remember. Perfect combo.
3. Use a Password Manager
We’re serious. Stop trying to keep it all in your head. Use free or low-cost password managers like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. They’ll keep all your logins safe so you don’t have to.
4. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Every account that allows it should have 2FA. It’s like adding an extra lock on the door. Even if someone guesses your password, they can’t get in without your phone or confirmation code.
5. Get Creative With Pet-Inspired Passphrases
We’re not saying abandon your beloved fur baby. Just honor them with something secure: “FluffyIsQueenOfZoomiesAfterMidnight!” or “RufusLicksMyToesDuringStaffMeetings.” Delightfully weird. Practically uncrackable.
The Rescue World Is a Target, Too
Hackers don’t just target banks and billion-dollar companies. They go for small orgs too—especially nonprofits who may not have dedicated IT support.
If you collect donations, manage volunteers, send newsletters, or store adoption applications, your system is valuable. And that means you need to protect it.
Cybersecurity isn’t about paranoia. It’s about stewardship. Just like we protect our animals, we must protect our data.
Checklist: Password Safety for Animal-Lovers & Rescuers
✅ Don’t use your pet’s name as a password
✅ Use a long, quirky phrase instead
✅ Avoid using the same password on multiple platforms
✅ Get a password manager (seriously!)
✅ Enable 2FA wherever you can
✅ Review your current logins and update weak ones
✅ Be mindful of what you post publicly online
Love Your Pet? Prove It With a Strong Password.
Look, we know Fluffy would never intentionally let someone hack your Stripe account. But she doesn’t need to—you already did that when you made her name your password.
Take 10 minutes today. Update your logins. Make your passwords funny, weird, long, and totally unguessable.
And if you’re running a rescue or working for one, let us help you build safer, smarter systems that support your mission.
Rescued by Rembrandt is here to help you shine online—through digital tools, better storytelling, and yes… smarter password choices.
Because we believe in you. We believe in your mission. And we believe Fluffy deserves a strong password, too.