Oklahoma Animal Shelter Receive Large Donations In Memory Of Betty White

Animal Shelters in our area say they’re seeing an outpouring of support in honor of Betty White’s 100th birthday.

People are donating to those shelters in memory of White, who was a longtime animal advocate. The Sapulpa Animal Shelter was closed Monday, but they tell me they've seen dozens of donations coming in since then and they’re also seeing more people coming in to check out their adoptable pets.

The Betty White Challenge is taking social media by storm as a way to honor her on what would’ve been her 100th birthday. Fans are honoring White's compassion for animals by donating to shelters across the country, and even local shelters here in Green Country are feeling the support.

"We monitored it throughout the day and we ended up yesterday with almost $7,000," said President of Animal Aid of Tulsa, Michelle Morris.

Animal Aid of Tulsa is a thrift store that sells small household items and uses the money raised to help pay vet bills for sick or abused animals. They say the donations from the Betty White Challenge will go a long way.

"We knew that it was a national challenge so we thought we might get a small part of it but we had no idea people would be so generous,” said Morris.

Skiatook Paws and Claws got nearly $10,000 in donations.

Sand Springs Animal Welfare received nearly $700 in donations.

Pet food and cash donations are also pouring in for the Humane Society of Tulsa, which is the case at other Green Country rescue groups like the Sapulpa Animal Shelter.

"We've seen such an outpour of love over the weekend and we'd like to see that continue,” said City of Sapulpa Communications Director, Tawni Vickers. “We are always in need of food, blankets, kitty litter and things like that."

They're even seeing more people coming in to check out their adoptable pets, like University of Tulsa Freshman Alexia Barker, who gave Mira a new home.

“She's really sweet and has a great personality and seems like a great companion,” said Alexia Barker.

Barker says she's been searching for a friend and just knew Mira was the one.

“It’s just amazing to help one out,” said Barker. “It makes you feel good.”

Shelters say there's a big need for donations year-round and it's not just financial donations.

They're also looking for food, leashes, bowls, blankets, and of course, for people to come to adopt.

The Sapulpa Animal Shelter is open 8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Thursday and 8 to noon on Fridays.

They are also open from 10 until 2 on Saturdays.