CINCINNATI — Monday, Jan. 17 would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday. Many of the late television and movie star’s fans in Ohio are celebrating in a meaningful way by giving to a cause that was dear to her heart.
What You Need To Know
- Cincinnati Animal Care is the only Hamilton County in-take and no-kill shelter
- In 2021, it took in more dogs but had not enough adopters
- Because of Betty White’s love for animals, people are encouraged to donate money to animal shelters through the Betty White Challenge
- The challenge will be Jan. 17, which would have been her 100th birthday
Ray Anderson is the community relations manager at the Cincinnati Animal CARE — Hamilton County’s only in-take and no-kill shelter.
“I’m a life-long animal lover,” said Anderson. “I’ve had animals my whole life. I’ve always wanted to work with animals, but I don’t have the science knowledge to be a vet or anything like that.”
In 2020, the Cincinnati Animal CARE replaced the old Cincinnati Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals location. That year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to clear out most of the animals.
But in 2021, the organization took in 7,500 dogs, more than 1,000 more than the yearly average.
“We took in a lot more than we would have liked in 2021, and not as many going out, as coming in so we’re always dealing with capacity issues here,” he said.
That’s why they’re in need of help.
Anderson said any adoptions or donations would be great right now. Donations will help provide the dogs with more food and other essentials.
He hopes the Betty White Challenge will help encourage others to donate.
“I have five pets of my own at home,” he said. “I have a full house. If you can’t adopt, what you can do though is donate or provide supplies, resources, things like that to help out the shelter.”
In an effort to promote the Betty White challenge, Cincinnati Animal CARE has partnered with Cincy Shirts to create “Stay Golden” tees. Every $5 donation will go towards helping the animals at the shelter.
“Thanks to social media, the more people that hear about it, the more people that want to look into their local animal shelters, they’re going to find out we’re here and the help that we need,” he said.
Anderson said they’ve seen an uptick in donations since White’s passing, and he hopes to not only bring in more money for the animals but raise awareness around the work they do at the shelter.
“If Betty White’s memory can get more people to figure out that we’re here and we’ve got dogs available to adopt, we hope you come see us,” he said.
