Access-ible Check out video of the Access Hollywood story about Best Friends' Pup-My-Ride project.

Actress Katherine Heigl, along with Best Friends staff and volunteers, is hitting broadcast news in a big way by appearing tonight on Access Hollywood. And it’s all about the animals – little ones.

The popular TV entertainment news show is featuring the rescue and transfer of 33 small dogs who were saved Monday from overcrowded Los Angeles animal shelters.

The dogs left Los Angeles Tuesday morning for new homes in Salt Lake City, thanks to Best Friends’ Pup My Ride program, and a crew from Access Hollywood was there to film the first leg of the dogs’ ride to their new homes.

Heigl, who co-stars in the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, was there with her mother, Nancy, and Best Friends staff and volunteers, who all worked together to make the rescue and transport possible. To top it off, the Heigls are giving Best Friends a grant to carry the program through 2009, so even more animals can be saved.

Pup My Ride, part of Best Friends' Puppies Aren’t Products nationwide campaign, in 2008 saved 650 at-risk, small-breed dogs from Los Angeles shelters. The dogs were transported to communities where the demand for small dogs is high but the supply is low.

Pup My Ride works hand-in-paw with A Puppy-Store-Free L.A., another Best Friends program focused on reaching the goal of No More Homeless Pets, says Kate Schnepel, associate director of Best Friends’ Community Programs and Services.

And the program is fast making a dent in the problem of discarded pets sent to already overwhelmed and understaffed municipal shelters.

“Robin Harmon and her volunteers pulled off another fantastic transport this morning,” says Elizabeth Oreck, manager of Best Friends' Los Angeles programs, “and we were privileged to have Katherine and her mother, Nancy Heigl, there.”

Written by Cathy Scott

Vist the Best Friends Network L.A. Programs Community.

As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.

January 28, 2009 : 11:14 PM ET
posted by: Patti949bitoch

I got my dog 3 years ago from LA South Central in LA and I wish I could have taken more dogs out of there, so sad.

January 28, 2009 : 8:06 PM ET
posted by: bucwheatbertha

In case anyone missed it, here is the link to watch online: http://www.accesshollywood.com/katherine-heigls-devotion-to-dog-rescue_video_969941

January 28, 2009 : 12:53 PM ET
posted by: dianaj

hey guys.. here is the web Link....

http://www.accesshollywood.com/first-look-greys-anatomy-season-finale-clips_video_202655

Great story but there is one scene where you see a big dog looking around with all the commotion... it was jsut too sad.... maybe someone out there will see him and adopt him.... God bless all the small dogs but also all the dogs at the pound.

January 28, 2009 : 12:26 AM ET
posted by: watsonsmom

Such a delight to see a Hollywood actress supporting the RESCUE of little dogs rather then buying them!!! Great job and a round of applause for Katherine Heigl

January 27, 2009 : 11:42 PM ET
posted by: cottageantiques

Those 33 small pups are forturnate to have such hard-working people in Los Angeles bringing so much visibility to their plight. How generous of Katherine Heigl and her mom to fund the program through 2009. That's so great! Good job, you guys. I love reading about this. I missed the Access Hollywood coverage tonight so went to the website to see if I could find the info.

January 27, 2009 : 4:46 PM ET
posted by: angelpaws

This is a much needed program! Thanks to Robin Harmon for all her hard work making this program a success and for her dedication to helping dogs in shelters and to Katherine and Nancy Heigl for their generous and unwavering support.