Actress Makes Her Mark
Actress Makes Her Mark
Linda Blair’s WorldHeart Foundation aims to rescue,
educate, and improve the lives of both animals and people
By Katie Marsico
Until recently, Linda Blair was perhaps best known for her role in the 1973 horror film “The Exorcist.” Lately, however, she’s become known for more than her acting skills. Blair has always been an animal lover, and she began her mission to educate the public on animal issues in the early 1980s. In 2005, she founded the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation (LBWF), an animal- rescue group that also works to combat dog fighting, breedspecific legislation, and the puppymill industry.
In the short time since LBWF was founded, Blair has traveled across the nation to do rescue work and to educate the public. When Hurricane Katrina struck in September 2005, she was on- site in New Orleans, Louisiana, and transported 51 dogs out of the devastated area to either await reunion with their guardians or be considered for adoption by loving families. All of the animals Blair rescued were Pit Bulls, a further testament to her fervent opposition to breed-specific legislation.
Blair ultimately hopes that LBWF will gain stature as a national organization that will make a significant dent in preventing pet overpopulation and animal cruelty. We chatted with Blair about LBFW, her opinions on issues related to animal advocacy, and how the same problems that affect animals are irrevocably intertwined with human welfare.
Tails: What led you to become so involved in animal advocacy?
Linda Blair: I was born with a strong love of animals. My mother taught me to respect all living creatures, and I wanted to be a vet for a very long time before becoming an actress. In 1984, my Jack Russell Terrier was stolen. Part of me was lost that day, never to return, but a new part of my life was also beginning. I decided I had to help educate the public on prevalent animal issues, including pet theft.
Tails: Was there a specific incident or source of inspiration leading up to the creation of LBWF?
LB: In 1999, I was fostering a dog when we were followed home by a Pit Bull during an evening walk. I quickly returned to my house, got my foster dog inside, and was frantically trying to push away the animal that the press had deemed a monster. I quickly came to find, however, that he was sad, hungry, gentle, and kind. I ended up adopting the dog, whom I named Sunny [who also became the cofounder of LBWF]. Shortly thereafter, I became the president of a local dog rescue and grew more aware of the often irresponsible decisions made by people who give their pets up, right down to the excuse that an animal’s coloring doesn’t match well with someone’s furniture. I realized there was a crisis in America, and LBWF was created in 2005 to promote both animal and human welfare.
Tails: What do you feel is key to solving the crises of animal
cruelty and pet overpopulation in America?
LB: People need to realize that animals are living beings who serve us in so many amazing ways. They’re guide dogs and war heroes and companions who enrich our lives. The public needs to recognize that, whether animals are part of our families or part of our food chain, the care or cruelty we show to them has an impact on our well-being, too. Take the issue of dog fighting—an act of cruelty that’s been on the rise over the past 20 years. Some kids have never had the experience of loving or hugging a family pet, but they’ve been to a dog fight. This promotes a cycle of violence and must absolutely stop. We can’t let America’s youth down.
Tails: Dog fighting seems to unfortunately go hand-in-hand with Pit Bulls, animals that have acquired something of a bad rap lately.
LB: The constant attack on Pit Bulls truly wounds my heart. First of all, people need to grasp that they really can’t blame these dogs—the misbehavior or aggression that gains media attention is the result of irresponsible [guardianship]. Secondly, you can’t lump all the dogs that are often labeled as “Pit Bulls” into one generic group. It’s a complex issue, but by creating bans against Pit Bulls, the government runs the risk of potentially implicating any number of breeds or mixed breeds.
Tails: All of the dogs you rescued from New Orleans were Pit Bulls?
LB: Yes. I was faced with a seemingly impossible task—I had limited time to find placement for Pit Bulls that were being held at a facility in Gonzales, Louisiana. As you could see from news coverage, Louisiana was a war zone at that point, an absolute nightmare. The politics didn’t work for the humans, let alone the animals. I was constantly fighting for rescuers to gain greater access to homes and was spending my nights sleeping in a rental truck. At one point, rescuers were suddenly instructed to clear approximately 350 animals out of the Gonzales facility in a period of four days. Thanks to a few amazing people, we got 51 dogs out and have facilitated some wonderful reunions. Many of the others are going up for adoption.
Tails: Do you have any words of encouragement for people who are fighting to make a difference in the lives of animals?
LB: Absolutely! I encourage citizens in all cities to go to the local pound and consider giving an animal a better life. With euthanasia rates being as high as they are, you can literally save a life by adopting an animal who might otherwise know nothing but metal bars and a cold, concrete floor.
Tails: Between traveling cross-country on rescue missions and tackling political issues related to animal advocacy, how do you maintain a balance between LBWF and your acting career?
LB: It’s difficult to maintain an entertainment career and my role with LBWF, but I’m confident I’ll ultimately strike a balance. You can’t stand by idly when you make the decision to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves, and my work with animals is a lifetime commitment. I’m determined to get to a point where I can both entertain and educate, but I’ll never leave the animals.
For details on LBWF, visit www.LindaBlairWorldHeart.com.
Donations can be sent to:
Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation
10061 Riverside Dr, #1003
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
