A shortage of cash threatened to shut down Exorcist star Linda Blair’s animal shelter – until American Idol top dog Simon Cowell bailed her out!
"I really thought I’d reached the end of my rope," an emotional Linda told The ENQUIRER. "But then from out of the blue came a miracle named Simon Cowell!"
Cowell heard about Linda’s plight from a mutual friend, and donated $30,000 to her nonprofit WorldHeart Foundation which cares for up to 50 abandoned dogs at a time.
"I think what Linda is doing is incredible," Cowell declared in an exclusive ENQUIRER interview.
"Seeing pictures of the dogs makes you realize what a fantastic job she’s doing. When we spoke, I was really impressed by her passion and commitment, and offered to help her out financially. But more importantly to spread the word."
Linda’s group offers rescue and rehabilitation services to all dogs. It’s won praise from animal lovers for catering to the so-called "bully breeds," including American pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and American bulldogs.
The actress – still best known for her green pea spewing role in the head-turning 1973 horror classic – devotes up to 20 hours a day, six days a week to the foundation.
"I’m only 50, but some days I’m so tired I feel 90!" she said. "My days start at 6 a.m. and sometimes don’t end until 1 or 2 the next morning.
"It’s truly the most grueling job I’ve ever had, and yet it’s by far the most rewarding."
Operating on a budget of less than $100,000 a year, Linda said the organization is almost entirely dependent on volunteers and donations, both which have declined with the crippled economy.
"I think a lot of people are under the misconception that because I’m famous, money isn’t an issue. But the truth is, it’s a constant struggle to keep our head above water," she said.
During the recent California wildfires, Linda was forced to make emergency evacuation plans that drained her resources. Even with Cowell’s contribution, Linda says she still fears for the future.
"It’s not just about a chronic lack of funds, it’s also about a shortage of manpower," she said. "We’re desperate for volunteers."
One of the biggest obstacles is reaching out to the public to help dispel fear and prejudice against pit bulls, she added. Ironically, the recent Michael Vick scandal actually triggered an increase in public sympathy for the breed.
And she has a huge fan in animal lover Simon.
"Linda is passionate about animals, and she decided on her own to start up a rescue facility," he said. "I share The ENQUIRER’s love of animals, and I hope ENQUIRER readers are willing to help Linda in any way they can."
How you can help: please visit: www.lindablairworldheart.org
