In a stunning and heartwarming announcement that sent shockwaves through social media and beyond, golf legend Tiger Woods revealed this morning that he is investing a staggering $10 million into the creation of a nationwide nonprofit initiative called “RESCUER” — a groundbreaking program devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of stray and abandoned dogs across the United States.
The 15-time major champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in sports history, held a press conference at a specially organized media event in Los Angeles, joined by animal welfare advocates, dog rescue volunteers, and a few lucky furry friends. With emotion in his voice and a golden Labrador puppy cradled in his arms, Woods unveiled what may be his most meaningful project yet — a mission to “give love and a forever home to the voiceless.”
“This is something that has been close to my heart for a long time,” Woods began, his voice steady but passionate. “We live in a country where millions of dogs are abandoned, abused, or left behind every year. I’ve seen it with my own eyes — animals left in terrible conditions, waiting for someone to care. I want to be that someone. I want us all to be that someone.”
The Birth of ‘RESCUER’: More Than a Shelter — A Movement
According to the detailed plan unveiled during the event, RESCUER will function as more than a traditional shelter. It will be a multi-phase, multi-city campaign combining state-of-the-art animal rescue centers with grassroots outreach, education, and community involvement.
The initial phase will see the construction of three flagship RESCUER campuses — in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Orlando — each designed to house over 500 dogs at a time. These facilities will include veterinary clinics, behavioral training centers, foster-to-adopt programs, and even trauma recovery units for animals rescued from abusive environments.
But the scope doesn’t end there.
Woods announced that RESCUER will also:
Launch a national mobile rescue unit — a fleet of custom vehicles designed to provide emergency care and transport for strays in urban and rural communities.
Partner with local schools to educate children about humane treatment of animals and the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Provide free spay/neuter clinics in underserved communities.
Offer rehabilitation programs pairing rescue dogs with veterans and individuals dealing with PTSD, addiction, and trauma — a form of mutual healing.
From the Green to the Kennel: What Inspired Tiger Woods?
While Tiger Woods is best known for his dominance on the golf course, few fans knew of his quiet commitment to animal welfare. In the press conference, he shared that his love for dogs goes back to childhood and that after his 2021 car crash — which nearly ended his life and career — he found solace in the quiet companionship of dogs.
“There were long nights where I wasn’t sure I’d walk again, let alone play golf. I had a rescue dog named Luna during that time, and she never left my side. No judgment. No expectations. Just love. I owe her more than words can say. RESCUER is my way of paying it forward.”
He added that the initiative is named not just for the dogs, but for the humans who rescue them — from volunteers to adopters — and the silent, mutual way both parties save each other.
Celebrities and Fans Rally Behind the Project
The news of Woods’ $10 million investment quickly went viral. Within hours, celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Ellen DeGeneres took to social media to praise the move and pledge support.
“Tiger Woods just redefined what it means to be a champion,” tweeted Johnson. “This is how you use your platform. Respect.”
The hashtag #RescuerByTiger trended globally within minutes of the announcement, with fans and animal lovers sharing stories of their own rescue dogs. Pet brands, shelters, and rescue groups flooded RESCUER’s newly launched website, volunteering to join the effort.
The ASPCA released a statement calling the announcement “a landmark moment in animal welfare,” adding that Woods’ investment and platform have “the potential to rewrite the future for millions of dogs who currently have none.”
What’s Next: A Nationwide Call to Action
RESCUER’s first campus is expected to break ground in Los Angeles later this summer, with plans for a grand opening in early 2026. Meanwhile, Woods called on everyday citizens to become part of the movement:
“This isn’t just my project. It’s our responsibility. If you have the space, open your home. If you have the time, volunteer. If you have the means, donate. Every act of compassion matters.”
The press conference concluded with Woods kneeling on stage as a group of rescue dogs bounded into his arms, tails wagging, tongues out, and hearts wide open — a symbol of what RESCUER stands for and a reminder of what is possible when love leads.
