From Horror Icon to Pit Bull Advocate: Inside Linda Blair’s Passion for Rescuing Dogs
Actress Linda Blair may be best known for scaring audiences in the 1973 film The Exorcist, but here at Woof Republic, we think that the 66-year-old should also be recognized for being an incredible rescue advocate.
Blair established the nonprofit organization, Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, over 20 years ago. According to its website, the foundation is focused on “alleviat[ing] suffering, while rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abused, neglected and abandoned animals.” The LBWF, which is located in Acton, CA, is described as “a unique safe haven for [rescue] animals.”
Blair is also determined to dispel the negative stereotypes surrounding pit bulls. During a 2016 episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now?, the actress revealed she was inspired to help these misunderstood dogs when one “followed [her] home.” At the time, she was afraid of pit bulls and ran away from the dog, but soon realized he was harmless and was actually “asking for help.”
“I brought him some water, and his demeanor told me that he was the angel that I now know was sent to me,” said Blair.
During the interview, she also spoke about her foundation. She explained that her organization “rescues[s] animals that are abandoned to the street [and] the high desert.”
“We treat over 100 dogs here at any given time,” Blair said. “It’s a huge undertaking. There are so many rescues in America now that are struggling for food. We count on donations, we count on everything — blankets, crates, transportation, medical, food, toys. Everything,” explained the Airport 1975 star.
In a 2011 interview with ILoveDogsInc, Blair explained that she felt a kinship with pit bulls because they both have received unfair treatment from the media. She also asserted that as long as pits are “raise[d] … right, they are the best companions.”
If you are interested in helping Blair’s cause, consider donating to her foundation. They are currently in need of wire crates, dog food, toys, food bowls, and bedding. If you happen to live in Los Angeles, you can volunteer at the foundation.