Answering the Betty White Challenge at the Cambridge and District Humane Society

The Cambridge and District Humane Society is one of the many shelters receiving donations to honour the late actress Betty White. 

The movement, dubbed the #BettyWhiteChallenge on social media, pays tribute to White while also helping animals in need. The challenge asks people to donate to their local Humane Society, animal shelter, or rescue and donate $5 in her memory. 

“We’ve already received donations in Betty White’s honour and there is a large one coming in next week,” said Michelle Gellatly, executive director at the Cambridge & District Humane Society and manager of Animal Services Cambridge.

“People can still make a donation. They can come into the Humane Society or donate online.”

White was a lifelong animal lover who worked tirelessly to raise money and support various causes. She died from natural causes on Dec. 31 at age 99.

“The community has been so generous with donations in her memory,” Gellatly said.

The Cambridge and District Humane Society relies heavily on public donations, but the pandemic has had an impact on fundraising efforts.

“Due to the pandemic, we haven't been able to hold our big fundraising event, the 'Elephant Waltz,' which has been cancelled for another year. That's a big one for us,” Gellatly said.

But, Gellatly said, there are many ways people can contribute to help homeless animals in the community.

With donations, the Cambridge and District Humane Society is able to provide care for animals who stay longer in the shelter due to age, injury, illness, surgery, or necessary behavioural training.

“People can also donate to the Compassion Fund,” Gellatly said.

This fund was created to provide financial assistance to people with marginal incomes who experience an emergency veterinary situation, or have lost their beloved pet, and cannot afford cremation expenses.

For more information and to see if you qualify contact development@cambridgehumanesociety.org.

The 'For the Love of Animals Lottery' is another way people can help.

“Tickets are $15.00 each and this year the daily draws are in February with a special Valentines Day draw of $1500 as well as on Fab Fridays. The grand prize draw is on Feb 28 of $5,000,” Gellatly said.

“Tickets are sold at various locations around Cambridge, and you can visit our website for more information.”

In response to COVID-19, the Cambridge and District Humane Society has limited public access to appointments only.

“Although our doors are closed to the public, we are there 365 days caring for the animals. We have a bin outside that accepts donations. People have been really generous. We can always use towels, blankets, cat toys and food,” Gellatly said.

“COVID-19 has created a huge gap for people in the community who do not have enough food for their animals. We have an emergency food bank where people can pick up food or we can deliver on Wednesdays.”

As for dog licences, Gellatly said that they can be purchased at the shelter or online.

“Many people still don't know that it is a by-law to have a dog licence. Our partnership with DocuPet has really helped with licensing during the pandemic,” Gellatly said.

Dogs older than 12 weeks, residing in Cambridge need to be licensed, with the license tag affixed at all times.

To help make licensing easier, dog owners can purchase tags, update information, or order replacement tags using DocuPet's online registration system found on the Cambridge & District Humane Society website.

“DocuPet has also set up a fund where money is distributed each year in support of the Cambridge & District Humane Society. This partnership has really helped us.”

“We also have a partnership with Ren's Pet Store. When you purchase a dog licence, you receive a Ren's gift card,” Gellatly said.

The mission for Cambridge & District Humane Society is to provide a safe and happy homes for all animals. While they await their forever homes, the goal is to provide a comfortable and productive environment at the Humane Society.

“We are seeing more older animals and animals with special needs. They often need extra care,” Gellatly said.

“They all have a special story, and some need more time to heal from surgery or adjust to a new situation. In some cases, the animals go to a foster home until they are ready for adoption.”

Those interested in adopting can complete an application online. If it is a good match, applicants meet and greet the animal. 

“We always put the animal's needs first and provide the care each one needs.”

Gellatly says it’s through generous donations, including those received in memory of Betty White, that really make a difference. 

“Betty's love for animals, as she says, started in the womb. She had an uncanny way of communicating with all types of four-legged creatures,” said White’s agent in a statement after her death.

“The animals just knew through Betty's voice and body movement that she meant no harm.”

Donations to the #BettyWhiteChallenge and all general donations can be made here.