Katherine Heigl's Foundation Saves 25 Dogs

Katherine Heigl photo credit INFDaily.com

Twenty-five chihuhuas rescued from euthanization, thanks to Heigl.

By the choices Katherine Heigl makes in her life, it's clear the new mom is socially concerned. But we've just learned about the foundation she has in her late brother's name -- the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation -- which supports animal rescue efforts. Wednesday night over two dozen chihuhuas -- and families in the Northeast -- had Heigl to thank for their health and happiness.

The 25 chihuhuas were about to be euthanized at an animal shelter in Los Angeles, but the Humane Society of Greater Nashua in New Hampshire contacted Heigl's foundation as a last-ditch effort to save some pups. The foundation responded by donating $25,000 to transport the chihuhuas from L.A. to Boston so that the animals could be placed in homes throughout the Northeast of the U.S., where cute chihuhuas are difficult to find.

The dogs underwent medical evaluations and are scheduled to be placed up for adoption Saturday morning. The Human Society of Greater Nashua reports that already they've had dozens of calls from families who wanted to adopt the dogs. "The response has been phenomenal," exec director Karen Bill says. "We had more than 40 voicemails Thursday morning from families inquiring about these dogs. I can guarantee we'll have a line out the door starting at 9:30."

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How is the organization planning to thank Katherine Heigl? Bill says, "We're putting together a photo CD of all the dogs, from the time we met them at the airport to the moment they go home with their new families. We want her to know how grateful we are."

As of mid-November, Katherine Heigl was said to be on maternity leave with adopted daughter Naleigh. Read about it here.