It isn’t unusual to see celebrities lend their time to help raise the profile of charities and bring attention to important issues that can slip through the cracks. While it’s wonderful to see them use their fame to support good causes, seeing them live by their message carries even more weight. Many celebrities have helped raise awareness of various animal causes, but some stand out by showing their altruism every single day through their adopted pets.
These seven celebrities have gone out of their way to adopt shelter dogs, and embody everything a shelter parent should be. Instead of celebrating the work we recognize from television and film, it’s time to celebrate the furry members of their families, and their incredible support of shelters around the country. While these aren’t the only celebrities doing amazing work for animals, these seven absolutely stand out!
Each of these stories offers proof of the universal love that animals bring to us.
Jane Lynch
While she is known for her comedic work, Jane Lynch is also a stalwart believer in the mantra “Adopt, Don’t Shop.” Her dog Olivia, who is now 13 years old, has been with Lynch since she was a puppy. The love and affection is obvious in their behavior towards one another.
Allison Janney
Most people recognize Allison Janney from her impeccable work on the drama The West Wing, but her favorite role is being a mother to Dutch, Sippy, and Addy. Her philosophy with shelter pets has always been that “you will always find a friend at the shelter,” and we couldn’t agree more!
Kristen Bell
Having made a splash on television and on the silver screen, Kristen Bell has always fought to save shelter pets, or, as she calls them, her “children she didn’t birth.” Her activism continues to inspire, and the love between her and Lola is painfully apparent. It’s almost too much!
Jon Hamm
Even if you never saw an episode of Man Men, you will probably recognize Jon Hamm. Despite playing a less-than-savory character on Mad Men, Hamm wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his furry children. His tireless love of rescuing shelter pets is an important part of who he is, and he is more than happy to advertise it! Seeing him with Ruby will melt anyone’s heart.
Edie Falco
While she often plays dark and conflicted characters, Edie Falco uses her time off-screen to leave a very different impression. Her dog Sammy is the walking embodiment of Falco’s adoration for shelter pets. As she puts it, “a pet in a shelter is just temporarily homeless.”
Katherine Heigl
Most recognized for saving humans on Grey’s Anatomy, Katherine Heigl also champions shelter animals, and makes sure to point out the “lives that are changed when shelter pets are given a second chance.” She and her dog Tamber are out to make sure everyone gets the message!
Emmylou Harris
Even if you don’t know her face, chances are you know a song or two by Emmylou Harris. Having spent more than 40 years as a performer, she now uses her musical talent for shelter animals. She started off turing her house into Bonaparte’s Retreat Dog Rescue, and now works with animal control to save dogs that have had trouble being adopted, as well as offering performances for free to attract people to adoption events. Her heart and soul is just as evident when she plays with pets as it is in her music. Her work is simply staggering.
