How you can advocate for shelter pets as part of Remember Me Thursday.
Alicia Silverstone is widely recognized for her performances in movies such as “Clueless,” “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” and “Bugonia.” But beyond her successful acting career, she has another passion that means just as much to her: helping animals in need.
The actress has spent years advocating for animal welfare, rescuing dogs and providing temporary homes for pets waiting to find permanent families.
And one particularly memorable rescue ended up saving far more lives than anyone initially expected.
View photo of Silverstone with a rescue animal
Silverstone has long shared her home with rescued animals, including her beloved dogs Pinto Bean and Tiny. Over the years, she has also welcomed numerous foster pets, sometimes caring for several animals simultaneously.
In 2025, her dedication to animal rescue led her to work with the Helen Woodward Animal Center on an especially urgent case involving a pregnant terrier mix named Noel.
The 3-year-old dog had been abandoned at a motel near San Bernardino, California, before being taken to a local animal control facility.
Unfortunately, the shelter was already overcrowded and lacked the resources needed to accommodate her. Noel was subsequently placed on a euthanasia list, leaving her with very little time.
When Silverstone came across a social media post describing Noel’s situation, she immediately wanted to intervene.
According to FOX 5 San Diego , the actress contacted Mike Arms, president and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center, to ask whether the organization could help.
Arms agreed, and arrangements were made to rescue the pregnant dog.
What happened next made the rescue even more extraordinary.
Shortly after Noel was saved, she gave birth to 12 puppies.
Suddenly, a mission that had initially focused on saving one endangered shelter dog had turned into a rescue involving 13 lives.
View photo of Silverstone cuddling a puppy
The timing was particularly remarkable because Noel had been scheduled for euthanasia around the time her puppies arrived.
Instead, the mother and her newborn babies were given an opportunity to survive and receive the care they needed.
Silverstone later visited Noel and her puppies at the animal center, bringing her son along to meet the furry family.
The actress described the experience as incredibly special, sharing how she and her son enjoyed spending time surrounded by the adorable puppies.
But her efforts to help vulnerable animals didn’t end with Noel.
Silverstone has since taken on another important responsibility as the Featured Luminary for the 14th annual Remember Me Thursday campaign.
Organized by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, Remember Me Thursday is an international animal welfare awareness initiative held every year on the fourth Thursday in September.
The campaign encourages people worldwide to recognize the millions of orphaned pets living in shelters and to consider adoption when welcoming a new animal into their families.
View photo of Silverstone relaxing with rescue dogs
Given Silverstone’s extensive history of rescuing animals and supporting adoption, organizers invited her to become the public face of this year’s campaign.
Mike Arms praised the actress for her continued commitment to animal welfare and expressed confidence that her influence could introduce more people to the importance of adopting homeless pets.
Through her participation, Silverstone hopes to encourage animal lovers to look beyond the heartbreaking circumstances that bring pets into shelters and focus on the wonderful companions they can become.
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, supporters can participate in the campaign by sharing messages about pet adoption on social media, entering the Remember Me Thursday contest or attending participating shelter events .
The initiative also provides an opportunity to recognize rescue organizations, volunteers and foster families who dedicate their time to helping abandoned animals.
For Silverstone, Noel’s story is a powerful example of why those efforts matter.
A pregnant dog who was once facing euthanasia received a second chance, and her 12 puppies were given the opportunity to experience life surrounded by care instead of uncertainty.
Their rescue demonstrates how a single decision to help an animal in need can have an unexpectedly large impact.
And through her continued advocacy, Silverstone hopes that more shelter animals will receive the same opportunity to find safety, affection and permanent homes.