The Morris Animal Foundation Honors White Hot Betty

I think I speak for everyone when I say: "Betty White is freakin' awesome." The subversive, smart-as-a-whip Octogenarian is currently enjoying a pop culture resurgence — and the pleasure is mutual. Even if you didn't watch the actual Super Bowl you know her performance put Snickers' 30-second spot at the top of most "best ad" lists. If you're on Facebook you're likely a member of Betty White to Host SNL, please?)!

In addition to all this praise from the masses, White has been honored with two lifetime achievement awards in the span of several weeks. First, on January 24 from the Screen Actors Guild. And yesterday, she received a major nod from the Morris Animal Foundation for 40 years of animal welfare advocacy work. Among White's many contributions: She has sat on the nonprofit's board of trustees since 1971, served as president emeritus and sponsored upwards of 30 studies for the foundation.

The 88-year-old tells USA Today that her life is "divided absolutely in half," the two parts being show business and animals. Here's an excerpt from the Q&A:

Q: Can you tell us what attracted you to the Morris Animal Foundation?A: We fund humane studies in the specific health problems of dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. I'm so proud of the work they've accomplished. Dr. Mark Morris was a veterinarian. There was no money for companion animals and no medical support. So he started the Morris Animal Foundation.  The first guide dog in the country, Buddy, had an upset tummy so Dr. Morris mixed up food on his own stove at home. It settled Buddy's tummy. The rich young man who had the guide dog said 'You've got to put that on the market. ' There was a war going on and few tin cans available, but the young man found some. The next thing you know he was making this food and donating a portion of each food to a foundation for companion animals. That's where we started all those years ago.

Q; What are some of the studies they're doing now?A: There's a study of cancer in canines. We're really making some progress. We also have a healthy cat campaign which funds research that addresses the worst diseases in cats and improves the health of cats in shelters so they'll find homes faster. We helped develop a feline leukemia vaccine and other vaccines. I'm very proud of that, plus what we do for wildlife and helping endangered species. Can you tell I'm a little partial to this organization?

Q: What kind of wildlife do you enjoy?A: Well, I've been with the Los Angeles Zoo for 44 years, and so I just came back from a board meeting over there. I work very steadily with them. I get my hands on everything I possibly can.

Q: Any favorites at the zoo?A: That's like asking which of your children you like best. It depends on what I saw last. I had my beloved elephant. I would say 'Trunk up,'  and I'd stand on tip toes, and slap her tongue. Oh, she loved it. She thought that was the best thing that ever happened. I was at the Sacramento Zoo. I got to stand on a ladder and had my arms around three giraffe heads. They were just as nuzzling as any other animal. Q: Do you have pets at home?A: I have my Golden Retriever right here with me. He's a career change guide dog. He had a knee problem so they couldn't finish his training and I got him as a career change dog. He's been my shadow ever since. He's 5.  His name is Pontiac. I didn't name him. I like to see it was for an Indian chief not the car. When Pontiac went of business, I sat him down and said "Honey,  it was nothing you did. They just went out of business."

To support Betty's work, contact your local ASPCA or go to AdoptaPet to find a local shelter.

Photo courtesy Alan Light via Flickr.