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San Diego Humane Society honors Betty White | More than 200 pets find furever homes

The organization finds forever homes for more than 200 pets before what would have been White's 100th birthday on Monday, Jan. 17.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Betty White would have celebrated her 100th birthday Monday, but her legacy lives on through the laughs she brought to generations, as well as, her passion for pets. The beloved 99-year-old television star and animal lover died on Dec. 31. 

Last week, in honor of what would have been actress Betty White's 100th birthday, the San Diego Humane Society began waiving adoption fees for all adult animals. The organization hoped to find forever homes for 100 pets before what would have been White's 100th birthday on Monday, Jan. 17. and they successfully reached that goal.

As of Monday afternoon, they have adopted out 253 adult pets.

"When somebody like [Betty White] speaks about animal homelessness and issues it really resonates with people. And they take the time to listen. So it means a lot to us," said Nina Thompson, spokesperson for the San Diego Humane Society.

"To know that 253 pets who were previously homeless are with their new families right now feels incredible," she added.

It's the organization's own take on the #BettyWhiteChallenge, which is a social media campaign asking for fans to donate $5 in White's name to an animal shelter as a way to honor her memory on her birthday.

"Betty White was an inspiration for many reasons, and her commitment to supporting animals was certainly one of them," said San Diego Humane Society Chief Operating Officer Jessica Des Lauriers. 

She added that the pandemic has put a pause on many spay and neuter efforts, which has led to more animals in shelters across the country needing to be adopted.

The San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego. 

If you'd like to participate in the #BettyWhiteChallenge, click here to donate to San Diego Humane Society and click here to donate to Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

Around 400 pets are still looking for loving homes. T

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