As a known animal lover who supported many organizations, the Guide Dogs For The Blind decided to pay tribute to Betty White by naming a golden retriever puppy after her.
The organization’s CEO told TMZ that she had been a friend of the association for over three decades. The golden retriever would be named Betty Rose, a nod to White’s role on “Golden Girls.”
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The puppy will go to a puppy raiser when she’s about six weeks. White was also a raiser; she adopted a golden retriever who became her dog for many years.
Backstory
Although White was one of the most iconic actresses who walked on the face of the earth, her love for animals wasn’t an act.
In the introduction of her book, which was published in 2011, she wrote that her parents were “genuine animal nuts, and I am eternally grateful that they have passed much of that passion on to me.”
Fueled by passion, the actress has helped various animals throughout her life. As a child, she helped care for animals whose owners couldn’t longer provide for them, especially during the Great depression. The love, however, only deepened as she grew older. She created a series, “The Pet Set,” and began each episode by introducing the pet and its owner.
Guests included Della Reese, Carol Burnett, Tyler Moore, alongside animal trainer Ralph Helfer. Helfer introduced elephants, leopards, and other endangered species who had been affection trained.
Aside from physical care, she’s also personally supported various animal-related non-governmental organizations. This is made possible through donations, fundraising, volunteering, and recording public service announcements.
How Did White Die?
According to TMZ, White died in her sleep in her Los Angeles home on December 31, 2021. She was 99. In her interview with People, the legend expressed gratitude at almost turning 100 years. “I’m so lucky to be in such good health and feel so good at this age,” she said at the time. “It’s amazing.” White also joked about her secret to a long life. “I try to avoid anything green. I think it’s working,” she explained.
Her agent, Witjas Jeff, told People that White made him a promise to live to 100 years, which she almost kept. “She was an incredible lady. Hard to put into words,” he began. “We had a special relationship, far more than just a client.” He proceeded, “We became terrific friends, and we always laughed no matter what we did. She was always positive, and she always saw the bright side. She promised me she would live to be 100 — and she almost did.”
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He also told the outlet that White and he always joked about her 101st because they were confident she’d love to 100. “We kidded. I said, ‘Betty, we know you’re going to turn 100. Let’s start focusing on 101.’ I mean, that’s really how we kidded around,” he said. “She never made it a big deal.”
Although he mentioned that he never made a fuss about her age, he recalled being shocked the first time White told him her age. “I said, ‘Wow, that’s a pretty large number,’ when I realized how close she was to turning 100 years old.” He continued, “But we didn’t sit there and say, ‘Betty, how did you do it? What did you do?'”
Michelle Obama Also Pays Tribute To White
The former first lady took to her Instagram and shared a throwback picture of White sitting close to her dog, Bo. The photo was taken when White visited the White House in 2012. White is seen adorning a leafy-blue blazer and pearl necklaces and earrings in the picture.
As a tribute, Obama praised White’s affection and adoration for pets.
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“Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh,” her caption read. “She was also an animal lover and activist, and Bo loved spending time with her.
There was no one quite like her, and Barack and I join so many who will miss the joy she brought to the world,” Obama continued. “I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven.”
A Movie About Her Will Premier On Her Birthday
Before White died on December 31, 2021, a movie titled “Betty White: 100 Years Young — A Birthday Celebration” was scheduled to debut on January 17, which would have been her 100th birthday.
“I’m going BIG for my birthday,” the comedian posted on her Instagram last year, disclosing the movie. “Right to the BIG SCREEN!”
“Who doesn’t love a party?!?” White continued. “This one is gonna be great.”
The iconic star was the lead actress of the movie, which explored her Hollywood career and contained interviews from her friends and family. According to a press statement, the film involved an episode from her first sitcom and montages from her various projects over the years.
