Seventeen days
before her 100th birthday, beloved actress and famed
animal lover Betty White passed away. She spread delight
and kindness with her gentle, joyous way, having
a particular soft spot for the pets and wildlife
of the world who needed help. As Ms. White told
Smithsonian Magazine ten years ago, "There
isn't an animal on the planet that I don't find
fascinating and want to learn more about." Now, in honor of
her January 17th birthday, people are coming together to
continue her legacy.
For more than 60
years, she worked with the American Humane Association
to help ensure "No Animals Were Harmed" in the making of
TV shows and movies, tenderly advocating for animals who
co-starred with her on sets. She was also a
passionate champion for the "underdog" of endangered
wildlife — wolves. Persecuted and demonized for
generations, some species of wolves are on the verge of
extinction. But Ms. White's advocacy helped inspire
efforts to conserve wolves in North America.
Betty White showed us how offering unconditional
love to pets and endangered species brings ample rewards
to everyone. Pledge to follow in
her footsteps and help animals by donating to or
volunteering with an animal shelter near
you!