WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Emmy and Oscar Winning Actress Visits Vermont

Emmy and Oscar Winning Actress Visits Vermont

Windsor, Vermont - September 21, 2009

Cloris Leachman has been on the silver screen, and in several hit TV shows. But, the Hollywood star still has time for animals in Vermont.

Cloris Leachman fills the Juniper Hill Inn in Windsor with music. The Emmy and Oscar winning actress most recently entertained millions on the reality TV show called "Dancing With The Stars". But this week, she left the glitz and glamour of Hollywood behind to visit Vermont.

"It's so beautiful. Every turn is another vista. Another kind of look. It isn't all the same. Everywhere you go you who built that one, and when, how about that one. Or the one back there," she said.

It's only fitting that Leachman is staying at the historic inn. The award winning establishment has seen its fair shared of famous people.

"This is a very historic mansion. It is on the national registry. Five Presidents have dined here, every important artist of the Cornish Colony has dined here. Many dignitaries. We just had the ambassador from Tansenia. Rachel Ray," said Robert Dean of the Juniper Hill Inn.

At 83-year-old, Leachman is quick to show off her new clothing line, but animals are one of her biggest passions. Part of her trip is helping raise awareness about the struggles facing shelters, like the Upper Valley Humane Society.

"We have actually seen a 20-percent increase in the number of pets being surrenders to us. Many families are no longer able to keep their pets and keep their families together. So, being there to fulfill that need. And a lot of our programs are trying to reduce the need for the shelter at all. And help pets and families stay together," said Jill Harris of the Upper Valley Humane Society.

Leachman will tour the facility Tuesday. She was the guest of honor at a weekend benefit for the shelter.

"I'm just one of millions and millions and millions of people who love animals. If you don't, it just means you haven't had one or you got bit or something. Because they are so precious," she said.

Adam Sullivan - WCAX-TV