Betty White - An Appreciation

Who didn’t love Betty White? No one, that’s who. We all loved Betty White. In this special episode, we remember the legendary entertainer with two special guests who have experienced her loyalty, kindness, and lovingness first-hand.

Betty White Probably Wouldn’t Mind Our Comparing Her to a Really Good Dog

If you’ve been alive for the last 60+ years, you’ve probably been entertained by Betty White. She was one of the hardest-working folks in show business, star of stage, both big and little screens, author … there wasn’t any side of show biz she didn’t know inside out.

She was also a massive animal lover. The list of animal lives she touched both literally and figuratively is too long to list, but there is no doubt that she specifically adored dogs.

We speak with Christine Benninger, CEO and president of Guide Dogs for the Blind, about Betty’s tireless efforts on behalf of their organization. Along the way, she spills the tea on how dogs who went to live with her were, er, a little spoiled.

We also speak with Marc Liepis, a publicist, writer, and producer who produced Betty White for five separate appearances on Jimmy Fallon’s late night show. His memories of how kind and open-minded Betty White was are insightful, and funny. She even used a joke he pitched her you can see on YouTube https://youtu.be/Fm75HpZstNw?t=167. His must-read article about Betty White is on Medium: https://mrliepis.medium.com/betty-white-touched-me-it-was-a-thrill-9741430e55d0

Rest in Peace, Betty White. We’re sure you have lots of people with and without fur meeting you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for everything – for the love, and for the laughs.

About Christine Benninger, Guide Dogs for the Blind

Christine Benninger is CEO and president of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the largest guide dog school in North America. They prepare highly qualified guide dogs, guide dog readiness skills, and youth programs to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Christine joined Guide Dogs for the Blind in April of 2014. Prior to joining GDB, she spent 17 years leading the Humane Society Silicon Valley, where she and her team helped save the lives of tens of thousands of animals and greatly reduce pet overpopulation problems in Santa Clara County. Under Chris’ leadership, Guide Dogs for the Blind has expanded its program offerings to include Orientation and Mobility training for individuals with insufficient skills to qualify for guide dog training, a companion dog program for visually-impaired children and advocacy in support of GDB’s visually-impaired communities.

Guide Dogs for the Blind https://www.guidedogs.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guidedogsfortheblind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guide-dogs-for-the-blind/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GDB_official

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/guidedogsaregreat

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gdb_official/

About Marc Liepis

Marc Liepis is a writer, producer, and publicist – in other words, a floor wax AND a dessert topping. He started in publicity working at NBC for Conan O'Brien, Lorne Michaels and the cast of SNL. He segued to producing hundreds of Late Night segments with Jimmy Fallon and writing for award shows, daytime, game shows and news. Over the span of his career he has worked alongside writers, producers, researchers, journalists, executives, and talent including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Seth Meyers, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Kristen Wiig and many more. Marc has trained a generation of publicity practitioners and most recently ran communications for VICE Media's VICELAND and launched "Desus & Mero" into the late night universe.

Medium: https://mrliepis.medium.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrliepis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrliepis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MRLiepis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrliepis/