The world lost a tremendous actress this past week remembered by most for her classic roles that she was the only one to ever play. Whether it was “Password,” “The Golden Girls,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or “Hot in Cleveland,” she truly had a knack for making the role her own.

Ninety-nine years is amazing for anyone to contribute to life, but while Betty White did that very successfully, she also has left us an opportunity to show her appreciation for not just her acting career, but also for her love of animals.

Jan. 17 would have been her 100th birthday. Let’s use it as an opportunity, a challenge, an excuse or just a good reason to do something good in 2022, and make a donation large or small to the Butler County Humane Society.

Starting the New Year by contributing to such a worthy cause is really a golden (as in “Golden Girls”) opportunity to establish a good trend for 2022. Maybe cut back on coffee, eating out, sports tickets or concert venues and do something good for our animal friends.

The passing of a gifted actress, who did so much off-screen for animals, is a great motivator to chose the Butler County Humane Society as the recipient of your first good deed of 2022. Maybe you didn’t watch her shows faithfully or have a great appreciation for her roles, but in her passing you have learned about her love of animals, both large and small.

Whichever motivation you can relate to, we ask that you sit down today and pen a check to the Butler County Humane Society. Whatever the amount you choose is perfect and appreciated. It doesn’t have to be in memory of Betty White. Ours will be in great appreciation for the love and companionship Dudley, Madison and Sammy brought to our lives.

Without Betty White’s death, we may not have been so moved to remember and honor the memory of our pets today.

So thank you Ms. White for the chuckles you provided through the use of sarcasm and irony that made us think about how silly and foolish we could be at times.

But thank you even more for inspiring us today to help our unfortunate furry friends that haven’t yet found their forever homes. May you rest in peace.

Contributions should be sent to the BCHS at 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053. Or reach them by phone at 724-789-1150. Please mention Betty White in the memo box. Happy New Year to all.

— RV