PRYOR'S PLANET

Richard Pryor's Love of Animals and Legacy Carry On

by Julie Bielenberg
Photos courtesy of Pryor's Planet

"This organization is dedicated to helping grassroots efforts in saving lives, providing sanctuary, and making the world a better place for all creatures"

Jennifer Pryor doesn't sit in an ivory tower and play with money all day. Nor does she use her late husband's celebrity status to get ahead in life. Rather, she has dedicated her energy, time and money to saving dogs on death row—and maybe there's a tiny mention of Richard Pryor's name to help get her mission accomplished! The wife of the late comic has always been committed to the humane treatment of animals, and pushes on in her fight to help keep Richard's legacy in motion.

This dog activist is as hands-on as they come. Jennifer lifts dog crates in hundred-degree weather, picks up dog poop day in and day out, finds homes for the four-legged ones, and even fosters dogs herself. "I've seen it all—the dope, the diamonds, and the deranged, but it is the dogs that bring me the most rewards in life," Jennifer says.


Some of Jennifer's favorite rescues are Pit Bulls. "The big, wonderful Pits are so squishy, I just want to kiss them all," she gushes. Many people have misconceptions about these massive teddy bears, so Jennifer does her best to dispel the myths and save every pit she can from the gas chamber. "Of course many of them need rehabilitation, but it can be done," she notes, "and once completed, this breed can be a wonderful companion animal."


Jennifer is profoundly involved in her organization and quite well-versed in the subject of animal rescue. Pryor's Planet (www.pryorsplanet.com) and her late husband's Web site (www.richardpryor.com) explain the Pryors' mission to rescue, foster, and rehabilitate dogs. Just recently, Jennifer got help from her social media network and Facebook friends to save a Labrador Retriever. The little lady was moments away from being put down in Columbus County, North Carolina; Jennifer is based out of Los Angeles and couldn't get to the Southeast in time. However, with the help of dedicated friends and the Pryor's Planet network, saving this gal was accomplished. "A little bit of humanity was granted to us that day," she recalls. "It did help that I dropped Richard's name, but it got the job done!"

The Pryors founded their non-profit before Richard passed away, and it's a job she's happy to do. "I'm proud, obligated, and privileged to do this work, and will continue to do so for the dogs," notes Jennifer. "I want to promote Richard's legacy; it's true work that is the most rewarding."

Jennifer's organization doesn't have any facilities; just foster parents. Currently, there are over 60 dogs that she helps rehabilitate and place in foster families across the nation. And even though Jennifer doesn't sit in that ivory tower and play with wads of money all day, she does arrange for $50 to be given weekly to each family that fosters a dog through her organization. Sometimes, a little celebrity and cash can make the world of difference in a pooch's life. Get connected to Jennifer's network and who knows, she might be calling you next time for a little favor!

For more information or to make a donation please visit:
www.pryorsplanet.com
www.richardpryor.com