In Loving Memory of Betty White
Photo Credit: AP (Feb. 17, 1996)
Betty White—a beloved American actress, comedian, and friend of animals—passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks before her 100th birthday. Betty grew up in a household where compassion for all creatures was instilled into her core beliefs. Once she rose to fame, she used her platform to serve as a voice for animals, working with organizations like the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the Morris Animal Foundation, African Wildlife Found, and Actors and Others for Animals, among others.
In honor of Betty and her efforts to help animals since the 1940s, Second Chance Pet Adoptions has named one of the beautiful white felines in our rescue-and-adoption program “Betty White.”
On December 31, the very day that the world lost their golden girl, we saved 4-month-old kitten-Betty from the Montgomery County animal shelter; this taxpayer-funded shelter is located in a tiny and impoverished community in central North Carolina, leaving the frustrated shelter staff and volunteers in a small space on a tight budget for the influx of animals they receive every year. After learning that they had to euthanize over 90% of the cats in their care in 2019—a figure they desperately wanted to see change—Second Chance committed to partnering with their team to rescue more cats from their shelter, cats who need and deserve a second chance… cats like Betty White. In our program, this sweet baby girl benefits from safe, warm shelter and nutritious food; has been tested and treated for parasites; will be vaccinated, spayed, and microchipped; and ultimately, will meet her forever family.
On January 17, Betty White’s 100th birthday, her fans around the world have challenged one another and everyone who has a soft spot for animals to donate to animal welfare nonprofits like ours. It is hard to imagine Betty’s already-massive legacy growing even more, but we are honored by all who have already contributed to our rescue efforts in her name and those who have inquired about whether they will be able to on January 17. Your gifts will help animals like Betty White, and all her furry friends waiting for us, to find love.
