LAS VEGAS, NV -- When Betty White was honored for Lifetime Achievement by the Screen Actor's Guild in January, she said it was the greatest honor, ever. That was until the Morris Animal Foundation presented a Lifetime Achievement Award of its own to the actress Feb. 15 at the Western Veterinary Conference here.
The foundation funds animal health research, and White has served on its board of directors for 43 years. At the luncheon in her honor, she said, "Allowing me to participate, I am the one who is honored." Later, during an interview in a hotel suite, White says, "Animals have always been such a deep part of my life, in my heart all these years."
White laughs and adds, "Getting an award from Sandra Bullock (Screen Actor's Guild Award) is one thing. But I couldn't believe all these great veterinarians, the people from PandG pet care and all the great people from the pet world in the room, and Dr. Olson, too."
She refers to Morris Animal Foundation's President and CEO Dr. Patricia Olson. "We've been wanting to give Betty an award like this for some time, but Betty didn't want to be honored for her celebrity," Olson says. "I will tell you this award wasn't for Betty White the actress; it's for Betty White the person."
Decades ago, Olson said, White pushed for Morris to fund research to better understand pain relief for animals and how analgesics might be used. "She lobbied other trustees and pushed hard to get it done," says Olson. "I've been a veterinarian for about as long as Betty has been a trustee. I can tell you, and I know, Betty's fingerprint is on so much of what we take for granted in veterinary medicine today. She is very much hands-on. She rolls up her sleeves and works as much as any other trustee, maybe more than some."
White has also been involved with a second non-profit, the Los Angeles Zoo, for nearly the same number of years. Apparently, she's as loyal as any dog.
"I'm not sure that I'm all that loyal; it's just that I showed up for a board meeting over 40 years ago, and they can't get rid of me," she says. "The thing about Morris that your readers may not know is that all their pets have been impacted in some way by research funded by the Morris Animal Foundation. And we help wildlife, as well."
One of the Morris Animal Foundation's functions is to oversee the Mountain Gorilla Project once headed by primatologist Dian (cq) Fossey, of "Gorillas in the Mist" fame. "Betty has been a major advocate of that program and has helped us with funding," says Olson. "In fact, Betty has funded so much over the years and has provided wonderful leadership. She's truly so knowledgeable."
Olson relates a recent visit to White's home. Olson's daughter was there, as well. She is a pulmonary critical specialist physician, holds a master's degree in public health, and is an engineer. "Not to brag, but my daughter is pretty smart, yet she was just blown away by Betty's intelligent questions and knowledge," says Olson.
"Listen, I've been doing this for a long time," says White, who says her interest in animals began before she can remember. "It probably did begin way back in the womb. My mother was just as bad as I am," she says. "I was the lucky little kid who had parents who would bring home an animal and say, 'Oh, Betty, we found it; can we keep it?"
White once hosted a show called "The Pet Set" (1971-72). No TV performer has ever been so enduring. She starred in "Life with Elizabeth" (1953-55), "Password" with her late husband, Allen Ludden, throughout the '60s into the '70s, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1973-77) and the "Golden Girls" (1985-1992). Recently, she enjoyed a recurring role on "Boston Legal" (2005-2008). Last year, some say she stole the film "The Proposal" from Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. It's fun to YouTube her recent talk show appearances.
White is known for her willingness to do anything for a laugh, culminating in the recent Super Bowl commercial for a candy bar. Most viewer polls named the spot as the most popular during the game. "They called me and asked me about it, and I thought, 'Why not?" says White. "I got to gently lie down in an icy cold pool of mud, not so bad compared to the poor stunt person pushed into the mud. I'm not sure that's fair; she did all the work and I got the laugh."
The commercial also starred Abe Vigoda. Asked if the two octogenarian actors were now an item, White laughed and said, "I sure hope so. I've known Abe for years because many years ago, I helped him get a new Springer Spaniel after he lost one."
Asked to sum up her feelings into two words, she says, "Lucky and grateful." Funny, that's how the millions entertained by White feel, too.
(Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.
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