TulsaPets Magazine March 2022

46 TulsaPets • March/April 2022 Our wildlife habitat includes deer, peacocks, owls, raccoons, foxes, turtles, squirrels, and more! Interacting with animals has been shown to have many benefits for seniors. Observing visual details and patterns in animal behavior and listening to the sounds of nature engage the brain and enhance cognitive function. And witnessing animals in nature can bring back fond childhood memories. In addition to our outstanding views of wildlife, we encourage pet visits—studies have shown that even as little as 15 minutes spent with a pet can lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of well- being and happiness. For more information on our pet-friendly community call Mary today: 918-794-1900. Or visit SaintSimeons.org. Saint Simeon’s is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma 3701 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. is a Natural Wildlife Habitat accredited by the National Wildlife Federation. SAINT SIMEON’S Did You Know ? SS_Tulsa Pets Half Page Ad.indd 1 2/15/22 8:20 AM Off the Script In an interview, White stated that she rarely followed a script. She ad-libbed, and if people did not like it, too bad. She played in many sitcoms, movies, and game shows, winning many awards for her talents. What grit and gumption Miss Betty possessed! At age 88, she became the oldest host of Saturday Night Live , for the “40th Anniversary Special.” Many people had written in request- ing that she be the host. She jokingly said she really did not know what all the fuss was about on Facebook, and honestly, with that cute expression and seriousness, “Facebook seems like a waste of time.” She won another Emmy for her performance. Again, she was not afraid to call it as she sees it. Honesty with a big dose of genuineness is an endearing trait that drew us even closer. She was a trailblazer for others to emulate. Did you know that White’s dream was to be a zookeeper? She invested her time, money, and heart to help improve the welfare of all animals. She worked tirelessly to improve animal habitats and save endangered species. She met and communicated with many animals, including Koko the gorilla, who loved her. Koko could sign a thousand words, including White’s nickname, Lipstick. Koko signed that name each time White visited. White collaborated with animal behaviorist Jane Goodall in develop- ment of the chimpanzee habitat at the Los Angeles Zoo. Enhancing theWelfare White’s mission was to enhance the welfare of the species and to secure funding. She also supported numerous rescue groups, ser- vice dog organizations, and animal health research foundations, serving on many boards of directors. She jokingly explained, “I stayed in show business to pay for my animal business.” Her pas- sion for animals was fueled by her belief that animals do not lie or criticize. She believed she could read people by how they put their hands on an animal. White achieved more honors and awards for her “animal business” than for show business. White wrote and collaborated on several publications. She shared a vision with actor Tom Sullivan, her friend of many years, who had lost his sight as an infant. Together: A Story of Shared Vision was a book based on true-life events. Dinah, a guide dog suffering from burnout, needed a replacement. The welfare of the dog was at risk, and in true form, Dinah became the newest member of the White family. But it did not stop there; White en- sured that a new guide dog was matched to replace Dinah. White supported and served Guide Dogs for the Blind for most of her years. She was a young 89 years old when she scooped up Ponti, her Golden Retriever, to become a member of the White family. Ponti was a service dog in need of a new home. In addition, White had many other animals in her long life that she called family. Her desire was that everyone finds a passion and legacy, just as animals were hers. She was humble, full of grit and gumption, a friend to all, honest, and most important to her, passionate and loving. She wanted people to remember her for her comedy, but mostly for her involvement with the improvement of animals’ lives. She was confident in the fact that she identified who she was and what her legacy would be. She was genuine and left a legacy. I believe Betty White was often playing her true self in her roles as an actress. What drew me into her might not be the same for you. Listening to her heartfelt plea for all of us to find our passion and to leave a legacy moved me. As an animal behaviorist, I felt