In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate inspirational women and their furry companions! The connection between people and their pets is an undeniable part of human history. Pet’s bring immediate joy, serve as mood boosters, have a calming effect, and can bring comfort in times of distress. An anecdote to loneliness and can inspire creativity. It’s no wonder some of the most inspiring, famous women also have a great love for their pets. To celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture, and society, we are highlighting these amazing women, their beloved pets, and their philanthropic contributions surrounding animal rights, rescue, and awareness.
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth is famously known for being the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She is credited with modernizing the monarchy. She was beloved by her country and admired worldwide for her devotion to her country, her consistent leadership, and her unwavering grace throughout all her years. The Queen was passionate about her Corgis. Queen Elizabeth’s love for Corgis is no secret. Her love of Corgis began in her childhood and continued throughout her life. Vanity Fair reported her beloved Muick and Sandy were by her side when she passed away on September 8, 2022. During her reign, the Queen visited and supported many animal charities, such as Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Dogs Trust.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale is credited with being the founder of modern nursing. An inspiring woman, she was multi-lingual and the lucky recipient of a good education, which was uncommon in the 1800s. She was a British Nurse best known for helping improve sanitation standards in the medical field. Her work in healthcare reformation influenced the quality of care expectations worldwide. She was also the owner of over 60 cats throughout her lifetime! While she didn’t have any known charity work dedicated to animals, her affection for her many feline companions certainly inspires cat rescue.
Oprah Winfrey
Most commonly known by her first name, Oprah is the complete package of inspiration mixed with puppy love. Rising from a difficult childhood and extreme poverty to becoming one of the most successful women in America, Oprah is an example of tenacity and perseverance. She is also a dog lover who currently has two Springer Spaniels and one Cocker Spaniel named Sunny, Lauren, and Sadie, respectively in addition to her syndicated TV show, TV Network. O Magazine and many other ventures, Oprah is also well known for being the voice of homeless pets and supporting PAWS Chicago.
Ellen Degeneres
Ellen Degeneres is best known for making people laugh through her work in television for over twenty years. Her career in show business kicked off on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1986, where she performed her well-known stand-up routine “Phone Call to God.” She went on to star in a sitcom and eventually became the host of her long, running daytime talk show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, from 2003 through 2022. Ellen is a heroic activist for the LBGTQ community and a passionate supporter of animals through The Ellen Fund and various pet adoption and shelter organizations. Ellen and her wife, Portia, have three rescue dogs, Kid, Augie, and Mrs. Wallis Browning (AKA Wallis).
