Simon Cowell: Big old softie? "American Idol" judge makes a hefty donation to dogs in need

The rescue-dog residents of Linda Blair's Acton-based WorldHeart Foundation recently got a big boost in the form of a $30,000 donation from none other than "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell. According to ContactMusic, Cowell learned from a mutual friend that Blair's shelter was having financial problems and quickly pitched in to aid the nonprofit, which rescues and re-homes needy dogs including many often considered hard to place, like pit bulls and pit mixes.

"I think what Linda is doing is incredible," Cowell was quoted as saying in the ContactMusic story. "Seeing pictures of the dogs makes you [realize] what a fantastic job she's doing. When we spoke, I was really impressed by her passion and commitment, and offered to help her out financially."

It's not the first time Cowell has defied his mean-guy image by helping animals; last month, he spoke at a gala fundraising event for the U.K.'s Battersea Dogs' & Cats' Home (pictured above), and earlier this year he recorded a public service announcement on the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars for PETA. Let's review what we've learned: Simon's no friend to would-be singing stars he deems unworthy or untalented, but a friend indeed to homeless and endangered pets. We suppose we can live with that.

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