8 Inspirational Women and Their Beloved Pets
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).
Kesha
Kesha is a singer and songwriter famous for performing big hits like Tik Tok and Praying. She is also responsible for other well-known songs sung by stars like Kelly Clarkson (Since U Been Gone) and Katy Perry (Teenage Dream). Kesha inspires many because of her well-known pop songs and fame as an artist. She became an even bigger inspiration after publicly sharing allegations that her music producer sexually assaulted and emotionally abused her. While the court did not confirm her allegations, she continues to speak up as a survivor. Kesha is seen as an inspiration for people to persevere even when facing tremendous obstacles. Kesha loves dogs and cats and, at one time, had five dogs and several kittens. She advocates for animals and shows support through the Human Society and Peta.
Taylor Swift
Dare we say Taylor Swift is the most famous cat woman ever? A household name, the most streamed woman on Spotify, and one of the best-selling musicians of all time, Taylor Swift is a picture of inspiration and the best cat mom. She won a national poetry contest at the age of 9. and she began singing at 12. By the time she was 19, she was starting to wow audiences and win over country and pop fans with singles like “Tim McGraw” and “Fearless.” She famously loves her cats Meredith Gray, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button. She also supports cat charities such as Beth’s Furry Friends, a feline cat rescue.
Lizzo
Lizzo is a classically trained flutist, born and raised in Detroit, and now a Grammy-winning performing artist. She is passionate about life, and her positive message inspires people everywhere to live life to the fullest. She has an eclectic approach to her music and a flare for fashion; she even created her own line of shapewear. While on tour in 2019, Lizzo made headlines for adopting a puppy from Underdog Pet Rescue in Wisconsin. She often features a pet adoption before her shows when she tours.
Michelle Obama
Famously known as the wife of President Barak Obama, Michelle Obama quickly became well-known of her own accord for her inspiring life and accomplishments. Passionate about education, health, wellness, and inspiring girls and women to achieve more, Michelle Obama is a best-selling author for her book Becoming and a sought-out keynote speaker. She is a wife, mother, and loving pet owner. While in the White House, the Obamas had two dogs, Bo and Sunny. Bo passed away in 2021, but Sunny is still part of the family. The Obama Foundation supports many initiatives focused on leadership, mentorship, and creative problem-solving. The Obamas are supporters of dog adoption. Their beloved dog Bo was considered a “quasi-rescue,” a dog given up for adoption by its original owner but never went to a shelter. Bo skipped the shelter and went to the White House!