As we start a new year, DogTipper is taking a look back at a few of the many legendary animal-loving luminaries from both the big and small screen who used their star wattage to shine a spotlight on paws causes in 2014:
Silver Screen Icons Who Showed Their Support for Dogs and Cats in Need
Linda Blair
A scream queen on the silver screen, behind the scenes star of The Exorcist is a queen of hearts for helping dogs in dire need of forever homes. Continuing her efforts to aid our four-legged friends through The Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, this past year the actress raised funds for the paws cause by attending various events which combined fandom with philanthropy, and her dedication was honored at The Baltimore Humane Society‘s Black Tie & Tails Gala.
Doris Day
No “Sentimental Journey” through the past year in animal welfare would be complete without Doris Day, who celebrated her 90th birthday with a party that helped her organization’s ongoing efforts to give the gift of a better tomorrow for our four-legged friends in need. In 2014 The Doris Day Animal Foundation (which was founded by the star in 1978) offered financial grants to numerous animal rescue organizations, and homeless dogs and cats were helped to turn the page to a new chapter in their lives through sales of the book Doris Day’s Best Friends. The high-profile pals to all with paws also got a little help from some famous two-legged chums who came out to see “Doris and Me,” a tribute show benefiting The Doris Day Animal Foundation:
Joan Fontaine
When the late Academy Award-winning actress passed away in December 2013 she left behind not only a treasure trove of classic movies for film fans to enjoy, but also a legacy of love to enrich the lives of dogs and cats in need. In appreciation of the non-profit organization which provided comfort and care for her three dogs before they were cast in the roles of her real life canine companions, the star specified that many of her personal possessions– including jewelry, furniture and a painting by Marc Chagall– would be auctioned at Christie’s, with proceeds benefiting The SPCA for Monterey County, which will also receive funds from the sale of the cinematic legend’s Carmel, California home.
Pam Grier
A silver screen action heroine with a heart of gold, the star of such cult classics as Jackie Brown, Foxy Brown and Coffy played a vital role in one of the largest single-day air and land animal rescue missions in the Southeast– Pilots N Paws‘ sixth annual Big Flyaway
Elizabeth Taylor
The movie giant, who began her career alongside one of Hollywood’s top dogs in Lassie Come Home, may have passed away in 2011, but the Academy Award winner’s passion for compassion for both people and pets lives on through The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which has given support to various chapters of Pets and Wonderful People (PAWS) over the years. In 2014 the charitable organization offered support to both PAWS San Diego and PAWS San Francisco.
Pop Culture TV Icons Who Helped Paws Causes in 2014
Quinn Cummings
The former child star who earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in The Goodbye Girl, is helping homeless companion animals at Sante D’Or Adoption Center say so long to life without a forever family thanks to a portion of the proceeds from her new book, Pet Sounds.
DeForest Kelley
He starred as Chief Medical Officer Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the classic sci-fi series Star Trek, and although the world lost the TV legend in 1999 the star continues to act as a healer for future generations of dogs and cats in need thanks to the DeForest and Carolyn Kelley Memorial Fund, which North Shore Animal League America reinstated in 2014 after encouragement from fans. Donations will benefit the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization’s mobile adoption unit, pet health center and daily shelter operations.
Jim Nabors
He tickled a generation of TV viewers on The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., and the star touches our hearts through his real life role as an animal advocate. A long-time supporter of The Hawaiian Humane Society, the actor (and proud pet parent to barking buddies Candy, Daisy and Jimbo) once again stepped into the role of co-chair of the non-profit’s annual fundraising gala. At Tuxes & Tails: Bow Wow to Hollywoof: A Night at the A-cat-emy, the actor know for raising people’s spirits helped to raise $670,000 for the Oahu-based animal welfare organization thanks to his appearance (which included a touching performance of ‘The Impossible Dream”) and a donation of items for the evening’s live auction.
Joan Rivers
The late, great comic co-host of E!s Fashion Police knew that trends may come and go, but compassion never goes out of style. Before her untimely passing the entertainer signed a pet bowl for an auction benefiting The Winnipeg Humane Society and filmed a PSA for The Lucy Pet Foundation during a visit to the organization’s clinic van, which offers no cost spay/neuter surgeries and the chance for dogs and cats from area animal shelters to find a forever pet parent. Following her death in September fans learned that the comedienne bequeathed a portion of her fortune to several worthy charities, among them Guide Dogs for the Blind.
David Soul
As a star of the popular 70s series Starsky & Hutch he helped to protect the citizens of Bay City, and today in his real life role as an animal advocate Soul has partnered with The Animals Voice to help efforts to defend canines from the horror of the dog meat trade in parts of Asia. A non-profit organization, The Animals Voice gives donations sent to Animals Asia, Soi Dog Foundation and the Change for Animals Foundation.
Cindy Williams and Eddie Mekka
Helping efforts to “make all our dreams come true for me and you” and companion animals in need, two stars from the celebrated 70s sitcom Laverne & Shirley reunited to act as co-hosts for a Casino Night fundraiser benefiting Ayla’s Acres, a no-kill rescue in St. Augustine, Florida.
The warm-hearted Hot in Cleveland star joined the star-studded FOX special Cause for Paws to shine a spotlight on the need to adopt dogs in their golden years. She was one of the many animal-loving luminaries who stepped in front of the camera to congratulate The Onyx & Breezy Foundation on a decade of dogged devotion to helping people with pets and various animal welfare organizations:
Photo Credit: The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
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