Overview
- Heigl, 47, appeared March 8 at the Wine, Women & Shoes event benefiting Big Dog Ranch Rescue at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, her first major outing since early 2024.
- She attended with her mother, Nancy Heigl, cuddled puppies on the carpet, and was photographed with Cesar Millan, Jeanine Pirro, and Big Dog Ranch Rescue founder Lauree Simmons.
- Speaking to the Palm Beach Post, Heigl said reducing unwanted litters is her priority, aligning the cause with the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation’s work.
- Event organizers said the multi-day fundraiser raised $5.5 million for the rescue, a figure reported by multiple outlets as coming from the hosts.
- Following criticism of the venue, Heigl issued a statement saying animal welfare transcends politics, writing, “Animals don’t vote,” and she reiterated that the appearance was about advocacy.