Humane Society of Monroe County participating in Betty White Challenge fundraiser

The Humane Society of Monroe County is encouraging people to donate at least $5 today to honor the second anniversary of the “Betty White Challenge,” a viral fundraiser asking Betty White fans and animal lovers to support shelters and rescues.

Launched last year as a tribute to the legendary actress and lifelong animal advocate, the campaign promotes donations to local shelters and animal welfare organizations in observation of White’s birthday, Jan. 17. White passed away Dec. 31, 2021, just weeks before her 100th birthday.

“Donations in the form of money, food and supplies would make an impact on the Humane Society. We’re a standalone rescue,” said Tobi Neff of Carleton, a Society volunteer. “We’re not affiliated with other agencies. We do not receive any support from the Michigan Humane Society, American Humane Association or the Humane Society of the United States. Anything we do is based on donations from the community.”

“We were successful in receiving donations last year during the challenge,” said Jean Dahm, a Society member and board adviser. “Out of respect for Betty White and her love for animals, many people participated, and we’re hoping for the same response this year on her birthday. Donating $5 or whatever you can donate will help the Humane Society. You can donate online or stop in.”

More than $8,000 was raised last year in one day. The challenge continues in 2023.

This year, there are two anonymous sponsors matching donations. Both donors have stepped forward with $2,000 matching gifts. Contributions will be matched by one donor dollar for dollar. The second donor is matching one dollar for two dollars, so a gift of $2 becomes $3. The organization’s goal is to raise $10,000.

Dahm said running a rescue is more involved than providing food and shelter for animals. There are substantial medical costs when it comes to getting a dog ready for adoption. Some animals require extensive medical treatment like Katie, a 3-year-old mixed shepherd.

Last month, Katie was picked up by the city’s animal control as a stray. She was taken to a clinic where it was determined that she could not be spayed due to a heart arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat. She was then transferred to the Humane Society for medical care.

Katie was taken to the Temperance Animal Hospital where the heart arrhythmia was confirmed low risk and it was determined she could be spayed. However, a heartworm test was recommended since an enlarged heart and irregular heartbeat can correlate with heartworm disease.

“The heartworm test can detect different things and it came back that she doesn’t have heartworm, but she has Lyme disease, a disease that is transmitted by ticks. We have no idea how long she was a stray and she was probably never vaccinated,” Neff said.

If untreated, the disease can cause damage to Katie’s kidneys, heart and nervous system. Neff said the cost for Katie’s initial medical visit was $380. She is taking medication and will return to the animal hospital this week for more extensive testing to possibly determine the extent of the disease and how long she’s had it.

Neff said finding a family to foster Katie is part of the canine’s care plan.

“The shelter can be a stressful place," she said. "Katie is happy and perky. She will heal better and quicker out of that environment and in a quieter setting."

“There’s a nationwide crisis at shelters. People adopted animals during COVID and were staying home with them but now we’re seeing a lot of surrenders because of the downturn in the economy. People can’t afford them,” Dahm added. “Here, at the Humane Society, we go that extra mile and we donate food to people. We take in donations and, every two weeks at the mall, we have food for dogs and cats so people can stop by and get the help they need. We’re trying to keep these animals in their homes and help people afford them.”

To participate in the Betty White Challenge and support the Humane Society of Monroe County, use this link to donate: www.betterunite.com/adopthsmc-bettywhitechallenge-2, log on to www.monroehumane.com, or visit the shelter, 833 N. Telegraph Road or the Society’s office, Unit 130, inside the Mall of Monroe, 2121 N. Monroe St.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Humane Society of Monroe County participating in Betty White Challenge