6 Classic celebrities who’ve always advocated for dogs

These days you can’t turn on the TV, pick up a magazine, or click over to your favorite gossip blog without seeing an inspiring story about a young celebrity rescuing a pet or speaking out against animal abuse. Famous activists like Kaley Cuoco, Ian Somerhalder and Kristen Bell are showing their young fans just how important it is to speak up for the voiceless.

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Long before these newcomers arrived in Hollywood, several classic stars were already fighting the good fight and laying the groundwork for the incredible animal welfare movement that was to come. They helped make animal rescue the hot topic it is in Hollywood today.

1. Bob Barker

“This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered.” The beloved host of The Price Is Right signed off every episode the same way. In 1994 Barker founded the DJ&T Foundation named for his wife, Dorothy and his mother, Tilly – both big animal lovers. The foundation has donated millions to rescue organizations and spay/neuter programs. Barker is also active with the welfare group PETA and fights for the welfare and humane treatment of zoo animals.

2. Brigitte Bardot

Despite her beauty and success, Bardot just never felt cut out for Hollywood. She retired before she even turned 40 to pursue her true passion – helping animals. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals was founded in 1986. Bardot is especially passionate about dogs, and like Bob Barker, she is a firm believer in spaying and neutering. Bardot’s Foundation is active in over 50 countries supporting shelter pet initiatives and funding spay/neuter projects.

3. Doris Day

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Day co-founded Actors & Others for Animals in 1971, and went on to start her own organization in 1978 – The Doris Day Animal Foundation. They issue grants to nonprofits, help stock pet food pantries across the U.S., and contribute to programs like World Spay Day. The Duffy Day Lifesaving Program is named for one of Day’s own beloved pups. It helps senior and special needs dogs live longer, healthier lives by defraying the costs of meds and treatments.

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4. Betty White

Miss White has been a very outspoken advocate for animal rights for over 40 years. She is heavily involved with The Seeing Eye – the oldest seeing eye dog training school in the world. She has also been a trustee for the Morris Animal Foundation since 1971. With a recent resurgence in popularity, Betty is once again helping to raise awareness and encourage the next generation to advocate for animals.

5. Bette Davis

This classic starlet was the lifetime president of the Tailwaggers Society of Southern California, a job she took quite seriously. In 1938 Davis hosted a huge Hollywood party to raise money for a new animal shelter, as well as guide dog training. It is considered by many to be the very first animal shelter fundraiser event.

6. Mary Tyler Moore & Bernadette Peters

These celebrity best buddies co-founded the annual dog rescue event, Broadway Barks. For 15 years, the star-studded affair has benefited New York City shelters and rescue groups. Peters became a Pit Bull advocate after overcoming her own misconceptions about the breed. She now has a rescued Pit named Stella. Moore is the parent of four rescue dogs, including a Pittie named Spanky that she adopted after falling in love with Stella.

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