Rare Photos of Betty White With Her Dogs at Home in the 1950s
Before she was the beloved “Golden Girl,” Betty White was already a pioneer in television—and an even bigger pioneer in animal advocacy. These never-before-seen photos from the 1950s capture her at home, surrounded by her true loves: her dogs.
Betty’s Lifelong Passion for Animals
-
No Kids, Just Dogs: Betty famously said, “I don’t have children, but I’ve always had dogs.”
-
Early Advocate: Long before her game show fame, she used her platform to promote animal welfare.
-
Zoo Trips & TV Segments: Even in the ’50s, she’d bring her pets on set and lobby for humane treatment.
The Photos: A Glimpse Into Betty’s Private World
📸 1. Betty on Her Couch, Cuddling a Terrier Mix
-
A rare relaxed moment in her L.A. home, dressed casually in a sweater and pearls (because Betty).
-
The dog’s name? Bandit, her first rescue!
📸 2. Playing Fetch in the Yard (1956)
-
A black-and-white shot of Betty laughing as her Collie mix, Duke, bounds across the grass.
-
“She never liked leashes—believed dogs should run free.”
📸 3. On Set With a Dachshund in Her Lap (1958)
-
While filming “Life with Elizabeth,” her pup Tiny was her unofficial co-star.
-
Crew members recalled her sneaking table scraps to him between takes.
Why These Images Matter
-
Before the Fame: Shows Betty’s authenticity—she always put animals first.
-
A Legacy of Love: Her later work with the Morris Animal Foundation and L.A. Zoo started here.
-
The Original Dog Mom: Decades before influencers, Betty was #PetGoals.
Betty’s Best Quote on Dogs:
“Once you’ve had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.”
Where Are They Now? Most of her ’50s pups were rescues, but their names live on in her memoirs.
Want More? Check out her 1954 interview where she begs viewers to “adopt, don’t shop”—way ahead of her time! 🐾
(Fun Fact: She outlived all these dogs but donated millions so others wouldn’t suffer.)
