Tiny Paws, Big Hearts: The Labelle Foundation's Heroic Efforts During the LA Wildfires
In times of crisis, the true spirit of community shines brightest. During the recent devastating Los Angeles wildfires, organizations like The Labelle Foundation have stepped up, embodying resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those in need. At Making Waves, we are honored to spotlight The Labelle Foundation as part of our “Stories of Resilience: Coming Together During the LA Wildfires” series.
As wildfires swept through the region, shelters quickly became overwhelmed with displaced pets, many needing to be held for two weeks while owners searched for them. The Labelle Foundation recognized the mounting crisis and acted swiftly to clear shelters, placing vulnerable animals into foster homes or facilitating adoptions. Their proactive efforts have alleviated some of the immediate strain, but this is just the beginning.
The aftermath of the fires will bring a surge in animals needing care and homes. Labelle’s message is clear: while volunteering now is vital, the journey to recovery will require sustained effort. This is a recurring theme we’ve seen across many areas of impact the need for long-term commitment to rebuild what’s been lost.
At its core, The Labelle Foundation’s mission is about rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for the most vulnerable animals in the shelter system. Their work extends beyond immediate rescue efforts, aiming to educate the community on responsible pet ownership, sterilization, timely vaccination, and dog training. As they’ve grown, so has their impact, saving lives and strengthening their foundation to make the world a better place—one tiny paw at a time.
Extraordinary Efforts During Extraordinary Times
In the last 48 hours alone, Labelle has achieved incredible milestones:
Emergency Shelter: They opened Belle’s Boarding & Bath in Mid-City to offer no-cost shelter for animals affected by the fires, including dogs, cats, bunnies, and even tarantulas.
Animal Rescues: Accepted 25 new dogs from surrounding shelters on Wednesday and an additional 30 dogs from Bakersfield on Thursday, placing many into foster care.
Supply Distribution: Mobilized teams to deliver essential supplies to affected areas, including evacuation centers like The Dream Center, The Rose Bowl, Pan Pacific Park, and more.
Clothing Donations: Launched a clothing section at Belle’s Boarding & Bath, where individuals affected by the fires can browse and select new clothing, free of charge.
None of this would be possible without Labelle’s incredible network of volunteers. From organizing clothing donations to picking up and dropping off supplies, these individuals exemplify what it means to come together for a greater cause. A special shoutout goes to the volunteer veterinarians who dedicate their time and expertise to caring for animals in need. Their tireless efforts ensure that these furry (and sometimes scaly!) friends receive the medical attention they deserve during such critical times.
How You Can Help
The Labelle Foundation’s work is far from over, and they need your support to continue making an impact. Here’s how you can help:
Foster or Adopt: Open your home to an animal in need and provide a safe, loving environment.
Donate: Financial contributions help restock supplies, fund medical care, and support ongoing rescue efforts.
Volunteer: Join their network to assist with organizing donations, transportation, or direct animal care.
Spread the Word: Share their mission and efforts to inspire others to get involved.
Together, we can transform compassion into action and give every displaced animal a second chance at life. Visit The Labelle Foundation to learn more and take action today. Let’s continue making waves of change, one story of resilience at a time.
This post has been created by The Making Waves Project to spotlight stories of resilience in the aftermath of the wildfires. Together, we honor the strength of those impacted and amplify voices that inspire recovery and hope.
If you or someone you know has a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re a brand interested in partnering with us to make a greater impact, please email us at hello@makingwavesproject.com
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Photography by Robiee Ziegler
Produced by Katie Caro
With support from Andie Danesi
