Alicia Silverstone intervened to save a pregnant terrier mix named Noel from being euthanized at an overcrowded animal control facility in San Bernardino, California, in mid-December. The actress learned the dog was scheduled for euthanasia less than 24 hours after being taken to the shelter and reached out to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego to arrange a rescue.
Noel, originally called Kenya, had sought shelter near a roadside motel before animal control was contacted. Due to the facility’s overcrowding, the dog’s euthanasia was set, but Silverstone’s timely involvement prevented that outcome through coordination with the animal center.
The Rescue and Birth of Noel’s Puppies
After receiving Silverstone’s call, the Helen Woodward Animal Center staff drove approximately 100 miles to San Bernardino to retrieve Noel. Upon their arrival, Noel gave birth to 14 puppies, a remarkable event that happened just minutes after the rescue team arrived. Sadly, two of the puppies did not survive, but 12 healthy puppies remained.
Kendall Schulz, Adoption Services Director at Helen Woodward, called the birth
“the most incredible part of this story,”
noting the surprise expressed by both their staff and the San Bernardino shelter at the timing of the delivery. The surviving pups were given names inspired by 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, saying,
“So she had her babies, like the day they were going to kill her, she happened to have her babies, which is kinda crazy. They’re so cute. And my son and I were just in a puppy pile with them.”
Alicia Silverstone, Actress
Ongoing Care and Advocacy for Rescue Animals
In late January, Silverstone and her 14-year-old son, Bear, visited the Helen Woodward Animal Center to meet Noel, the puppies, and other rescued animals like chickens, goats, and a large orange tabby cat. They took four puppies—Drummer, Piper, Swan, and Partridge—home to foster until the animals become available for adoption in mid-February.
Emphasizing her passion for animal welfare, Silverstone urged the public to consider adopting pets instead of buying from breeders or pet stores. She stated,
“The best thing you could ever do… 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.”
Alicia Silverstone, Actress
Jessica Gercke, PR and Communications Director at Helen Woodward Animal Center, expressed gratitude for Silverstone’s involvement, saying,
“We have been fortunate to meet some amazing and dazzlingly famous people at the Center but very rarely to do we meet one whose heart so sincerely belongs to the animals. Alicia Silverstone is one of those rare people who truly wants to help and make a difference.”
Jessica Gercke, PR and Communications Director, Helen Woodward Animal Center
Significance of the Rescue and Future Prospects for Noel and Her Puppies
This rescue highlights the urgent challenges faced by overcrowded animal shelters and the critical importance of intervention by advocates like Alicia Silverstone. The unexpected birth of Noel’s puppies at the shelter on the day of her scheduled euthanasia gave them a second chance. With four puppies now fostered in Silverstone’s care and the remaining animals at Helen Woodward Animal Center, all will soon be ready for adoption, offering hope for new loving homes.
The story underscores the broader message of promoting rescue over purchasing pets and supports the ongoing work of animal rescue centers in providing care and finding families for vulnerable animals.
