When we think of Jerome Horwitz, better known as Curly from The Three Stooges, we often picture his hilarious antics, slapstick genius, and unforgettable comedic timing. But beyond the stage lights and laughter, there was another side of Curly that truly made him extraordinary—his boundless love for dogs.

🎬 A Star with a Heart for Animals

Curly wasn’t just a dog lover in passing. He made sure his furry companions were part of his life, both on and off the screen. So much so that his film contract with Columbia Pictures included a rare clause: Curly was allowed to bring his dogs to the studio.

While the studio eventually limited it to two dogs at a time—after a few adorable, unintended canine cameos in the background—Curly’s dressing room was always filled with wagging tails and joyful barks. His co-stars and crew members knew: where Curly went, dogs followed.

🐾 A Mission of Compassion

But what truly set Curly apart was his commitment to helping stray and abandoned dogs. He couldn’t walk past a pup in need without doing something. Whether in Hollywood or traveling with The Three Stooges, Curly had a personal rule:

“If there’s a stray in town, it’s leaving with me.”

From California to small towns across America, Curly rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed dogs by the dozens. It’s estimated that during his lifetime, he saved over 5,000 dogs—each one given the love, care, and second chance it deserved.

🕊️ More Than a Comedian—A True Hero

Curly’s actions went far beyond kindness. At a time when animal rescue wasn’t part of mainstream culture, he lived it as his quiet mission. Without social media, without fanfare, he gave countless dogs a future they never would’ve had.

Today, his legacy lives on—not just in reruns of classic comedy, but in the pawprints of every dog he helped.

🌟 Curly reminds us:

You don’t need to be a superhero to change lives—just a heart big enough to care.