Lost, Found and Looking: The Betty White Challenge

From the desk of Chrys deLorimier, Pope Memorial Humane Society’s Development Director

Have you heard? There was a nationwide movement this January to honor Betty White’s life by encouraging giving to animal rescue organizations. This pop culture icon was a huge animal advocate, once famously saying, “You can always tell about somebody by the way they put their hands on an animal.”

By request from donors, we joined the effort and started a small fundraiser on our Facebook page. It soon picked up momentum, and by the end of her Jan. 17 birthday, raised almost $8000. Website gifts, mailed and in-person gifts brought the total to over $13,000. People gave what they could, most were small gifts, many just $5. Five hundred people honored Betty’s life and helped animals at this shelter. We felt the love and were honored to be part of this outpouring.

What will $13,000 pay for at the shelter? This amount will cover the heating bill for a year ($8000) and have enough left over to buy all the microchips needed too ($4000). So, it will keep animals warm and cozy, and help them come back home if lost. That is powerful.

As a fundraiser, this movement has shown me how many people truly care about animals and want to show it. Know that even if your giving level is $5, it will make a difference to an animal rescue organization. In fact, if we all gave $5 to our local animal organization, no other fundraising would be needed, and staff could focus on saving all lives possible.

We truly appreciate our community members and want you to know we are here for the animals, and for you. Reach out if you need help with a spay/neuter, emergency pet food, or a new friend.

Princess Biggs is a new arrival at the shelter and staff are smitten. A tiny bit shy at first, this loving girl opens up quickly and, it turns out, is a full-contact pet. If you are sitting, she is sitting next to you. If you are standing, she is leaning on you. If you are petting her and you stop, she will insist you start again with a paw or soulful look. Come meet this loving girl who is seeking a kitty-free paradise where pets and treats abound.

Out shopping? Top needs: Kitty treats — they love Temptations — Fabuloso cleaner, trash bags in 33- and 13-gallon sizes, and pate poultry kitty food.