In Defense of Animals (IDA) is pleased to announce the award of $5,000.00 to the C.A.R.E. 4Pets Sanctuary, made possible by a bequest to IDA from legendary actress and animal advocate Beatrice Arthur. The awards will be distributed annually in celebration of Bea’s May 13 birthday. C.A.R.E. is our first recipient. 

The C.A.R.E. (Cat & Canine Assistance, Referral and Education) Sanctuary in the Antelope Valley near Palmdale, California, is a no-kill, cage-free home to over 200 abused, abandoned, handicapped and elderly dogs and cats. C.A.R.E. truly honors Bea Arthur’s acts of compassion that affect animal lives.

“We could always count on Bea to support animal causes while also fighting other injustices. She had a great concern for the downtrodden, both animal and human.” said Bill Dyer of IDA.

Bea Arthur, who passed away in April of 2009, won fame on Broadway in the original 1966 production of “Mame,” for which she earned a Tony Award. She played the role of Maude Findlay in “All in the Family” and her own series “Maude,” and later the equally-legendary role of Dorothy Zbornak in “The Golden Girls,” garnering nine Emmy Award nominations and two Emmy Awards.

Charlie the rescue cat 

C.A.R.E. is dedicated to saving the lives of homeless “unadoptable” dogs and cats by rescuing at-risk animals. Since 1992, C.A.R.E. has proven that it is possible to care for “unwanted” or “surplus” animals who face an uncertain future. C.A.R.E. exemplifies the quintessence of Bea’s gift.