When 2022 started off with the passing of beloved actress and animal advocate, Betty White, things seemed bleak for the year ahead. But fans worldwide quickly turned their grief into something good by flooding their local animal shelters with donations in the icon’s honor. The #bettywhitechallenge soon dominated social media. Animal lovers everywhere joined together to honor Betty White’s selfless devotion to furry friends by making donations on what would have been her 100th birthday: January 17, 2022. In total, over $12.7 million was raised for organizations around the world.

In August, a team of recreational spelunkers exploring part of Missouri’s Moore Cave System found more than they could’ve ever expected. Five hundred feet below ground, 13-year-old Abby was curled up on the cave floor, in complete darkness. Too weak to walk, all Abby could do was lift her head. Lead caver, Gerry Keene recruited Rick Haley for assistance, and together they devised a plan to get Abby out. Using a large duffle bag, they took turns climbing ahead of one another, passing Abby back and forth for 90 minutes as they ascended vertically through the same entrance the pup had likely fallen through. Once she was safely above ground, Abby was reunited with her owner who informed the rescuers she had been missing since June 9, nearly two months. It’s likely she had been in the cave the whole time, and although frail and thin, the brave canine was miraculously uninjured.

Each year, The American Humane Hero Dog Awards crowns a new canine as its top Hero Dog, and each year the competition is stiff. Hundreds of dogs who have performed incredible acts of heroism from saving lives on the battlefield to assisting humans with medical needs are in the running. This year, Ethan from Jeffersonville, IN was crowned top dog. Ethan is a rescue, found in a parking lot during freezing temperatures, severely malnourished and on the brink of death. However, despite his grim outlook, Ethan knew he had reason to live and persevered through insurmountable odds. Once a mere 38 lbs, with a body temperature that wouldn’t register and his organs shutting down, Ethan is now thriving in a loving family and has inspired people he’s never met to overcome adversity in their own lives and continue living. He has also been bringing attention and recognition to shelters and rescue animals all over the country through his story. It’s safe to say Ethan is a hero and has earned his title.

In addition to Betty White, 2022 took another beloved female icon and animal advocate, Queen Elizabeth II. As news spread of the Queen’s passing, many wondered what would become of the pets she cherished, including her two remaining Welsh Corgis, Sandy and Muick. On the day of her funeral, the two royal canines were spotted outside Windsor Castle with their handlers, awaiting the arrival of the procession, along with her pony Emma, nearby. During her nearly 70-year reign, the Queen cared for dozens of pups and other animals, including many horses, but the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was always a favorite and the breed soon became associated with Her Majesty. The Queen’s son, Prince Andrew quickly confirmed the animals would be residing with him in Windsor, and Prince William echoed the statement saying they would be “spoiled rotten.”

Take a trip to the pet-friendly town of Ouray, CO and you’ll likely run into a celebrity. Dexter, a Brittany, became nationally known this year for a trait that makes him “stand out” among his canine peers. When Dexter was a year old he escaped his family’s yard and was hit by a van while following a scent. After multiple surgeries, the amputation of his front right leg, and pins in his front left leg, Dexter was fitted for a wheelchair. However, he had other plans. To everyone’s surprise, Dexter began walking upright, on two legs, just like a human! Before long he was even running. After appearing in news articles and television features, like CBS’ On the Road with Steve Hartman, Dexter became an online sensation, garnishing a following on Instagram, and on the streets of downtown Ouray, where he can usually be spotted strolling with his owners, often wearing a fedora … not that you wouldn’t recognize him otherwise.

Thankfully, there was a happy ending for what could have been a very tragic situation in Wisconsin on the morning of November 15. A plane carrying 53 rescue dogs from Louisiana to Wisconsin made a crash landing on a golf course in Pewaukee. Fortunately, the three humans on board and just a few dogs suffered only minor injuries, but the best news is that many of the pups have already found their forever homes, including with first responders on the scene and golf course employees. CeeCee, now named Marley, has been adopted by the deputy fire chief, Tony Wasielewski, and his wife, Becky after the loveable pup jumped into Tony’s arms while he was working the crash site. Tony knew the moment he met Marley it was meant to be. All the animals on board were transported to the Humane Animal Welfare Society and two other local shelters, where they were nursed back to health and made ready for their new homes.

On July 21, 2022, the Humane Society of the United States began working with 120 shelters and rescue organizations across the country to take in 3,776 Beagles rescued from a mass breeding facility in Virginia. Most of the pups had never felt grass beneath their paws, having spent their entire lives in cages. By September 1, thanks to a combined effort from the HSUS and other shelters nationwide, and an outpouring of donations from animal lovers around the world, every Beagle from the facility had been rehabilitated and placed into a loving home. Now that deserves a round of “a-paws.”

Over the years celebrities like Rachael Ray, Ellen, Martha Stewart and Trisha Yearwood have launched their own line of pet foods and products. But this year, two of the most iconic names in music history joined the ever-growing pet industry. Country music queen Dolly Parton and rapper Snoop Dogg announced the production of their very own “blinging” pet lines. The Doggy Parton collection features apparel, accessories and toys with added Dolly flair like a denim jacket, sequin collar and leash, and a Backwoods Barbie plush record. Best of all, a portion of every Doggy Parton purchase benefits Willa B Farms in Old Hickory, TN. Snoop’s new line, Snoop Doggie Doggs skips the rhinestones but keeps it flashy with items like an Off The Chain hoodie, gold pet bowl, and a boom box toy. Whichever line Fido chooses, he’ll feel like a star.