Alicia Silverstone intervened in mid-December to save a pregnant terrier mix from an animal control facility in San Bernardino, California, where the dog was scheduled for euthanasia due to overcrowding. The actress’s quick response and call to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego ensured the dog, later renamed Noel, and her puppies were rescued just in time, highlighting the urgency around animal overpopulation and rescue efforts.
Overcrowding Leads to a Heartbreaking Situation at Animal Control
Noel, a 3-year-old terrier mix, was initially taken to the San Bernardino animal control facility after seeking shelter near a roadside motel where a compassionate bystander had contacted animal services. However, the shelter was overwhelmed by capacity issues and posted a euthanasia appointment for the dog on social media, sparking concern and alarm within the animal rescue community.
Silverstone, upon seeing the post announcing Noel’s imminent euthanasia, felt compelled to act.
“I saw this particular dog, Noel, that was at the shelter, and due to overcrowding and whatnot, you know, there’s so many dogs killed at the shelter every single day,”
the actress said.
“And her face was just so beautiful and lovely,”
she added, underscoring the emotional draw that motivated her intervention.
Helen Woodward Animal Center Responds to the Call for Help
Contacting Mike Arms, CEO and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center—a charity she had previously collaborated with—Silverstone secured commitment for a rescue operation. The facility‘s staff made a roughly 100-mile journey to retrieve Noel from the overcrowded shelter. Shortly after their arrival, Noel gave birth to her puppies, an event described by Kendall Schulz, the Center’s Adoption Services Director, as
“the most incredible part of this story.”
Schulz recounted the reaction at the San Bernardino facility:
“The San Bernardino shelter thought we were too. They [Woodward staff] literally said, ‘We’ll go get her,’ and came back to say, ‘We can’t believe this! She had her puppies!’”
Noel’s Puppies Named After Festive Tradition Despite Tragedy
Noel delivered 14 puppies, though sadly two did not survive. The remaining twelve were named after the 12 Days of Christmas, including Drummer, Piper, Lord, Lady, Maid, Swan, Goose, Ring, Calling Bird, French Hen, Turtle Dove, and Partridge. Silverstone reflected on the timing as nearly miraculous:
“So she had her babies, like the day they were going to kill her, she happened to have her babies, which is kinda crazy,”
she said.
“They’re so cute. And my son and I were just in a puppy pile with them.”
Silverstone’s Continued Commitment and Advocacy for Rescue Animals
On January 31, Silverstone and her 14-year-old son, Bear, visited the Helen Woodward Animal Center to see Noel, her puppies, and other animals at the facility, including chickens, goats, and a notably large orange tabby cat. The family has fostered four puppies—Drummer, Piper, Swan, and Partridge—at their Los Angeles home pending their adoption availability in mid-February.
Expressing admiration for the rescue center, Silverstone said,
“I’m so happy to be here today at Helen Woodward Animal Center. I’ve never seen a place like this. It’s so beautiful, and the people who work here are so kind and loving. This is a dream.”
She also stressed the importance of rescue over purchasing pets, urging,
“the best thing you could ever do”
is to adopt.
“If people spay and neuter, stop going to breeders, stop going to pet stores, and just rescue. You can have the cutest little faces from a rescue; you don’t need to spend the crazy money at the breeder or the pet store.”
Support from Helen Woodward Animal Center Praises Silverstone’s Dedication
Jessica Gercke, PR and Communications Director for Helen Woodward Animal Center, highlighted Silverstone’s impact as an advocate.
“We have been fortunate to meet some amazing and dazzlingly famous people at the Center but very rarely do we meet one whose heart so sincerely belongs to the animals,”
Gercke stated.
“Alicia Silverstone is one of those rare people who truly wants to help and make a difference.”
The Broader Significance of the Rescue Effort
This rescue case illuminates the critical challenges faced by overcrowded animal shelters, the importance of quick action in such crises, and the vibrant role public figures can play in championing animal welfare. Silverstone’s involvement brings attention to the necessity of fostering, adopting, and supporting rescue organizations to prevent unnecessary euthanasia. As Noel and her puppies await adoption, their story serves as a hopeful reminder of the lives saved when compassion meets action.
