Emmy Award winning actress, Loretta Swit, is one of the most recognized faces in show biz. During her tour of duty on the hit show MASH she created one of the most popular characters to ever appear on the small screen. As Major Margaret Houlahan, more commonly known to her legions of fans as “Hot Lips,” Ms. Swit secured herself a place in television history as one of the industries most popular performers.
With millions of fans all around the world, Swit’s most ardent admirers are of the four-legged variety. Long after the director has yelled “cut” and the bright lights of fame have dimmed for another day, the star goes home to the loving purrs and wagging tails of her best friends.
“I am an animal person. I’ve never met an animal I didn’t really love,” says Swit. “I’ve met them all, swam with them and held them. I’ve had hands-on contact with almost every animal you can think of. At home I have two cats, two horses and a dog.”
In an effort to put her celebrity status to its best use, Swit has taken center stage as an animal rights advocate and in the process has become one of the leading spokespersons for Actors and Others for Animals.
“I am very proud to be associated with Actors and Others for Animals,” says Swit. “They’re so dedicated and do such wonderful work; I just love them all.”
One of the many services offered by Actors and Others is their help line. With more than 5000 calls coming in each month, Ms. Swit is quick to give a pat-on-the-back to the many unsung heroes who answer all the calls.
“Our staff counselors are fantastic and we couldn’t function without them,” says Swit. “They are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist pet owners in need of help. The calls vary from medical emergencies to basic questions about pet care. There is no need too small or task too great because with every request we deal with, an animal is being helped.”
Another project of Actors and Others that is close to the star’s heart is their Pet Assisted Therapy Program. Volunteers take a variety of pets to visit patients in local nursing homes, hospitals and special treatment centers. The former TV nurse knows that the love and compassion these animals bring is like chicken soup for the soul.
“Pets are the best medicine in the world,” says Swit. “Doctors will tell you that the love and hands on contact with an animal does wonders for patients. Receiving love from an animal and giving it back stimulates all the senses for both the patient and the animal. It’s like a fountain of love that keeps feeding itself.”
In an effort to put an end to the tragedy of pet euthanasia, Actors and Others for Animals is doing everything in their power to educate the public about the growing problem of pet overpopulation in addition to establishing a nation-wide spaying and neutering program.
“Our primary objective is to end pet overpopulation,” says Swit. “Actors and Others spay or neuter more than 1,000 pets each month. Spaying and neutering is the only way we’re going to get ahead of the pet overpopulation problem.”
Another way to get stray dogs and cats out of the shelter and into loving homes is to adopt a pet. Pet adoption is an alternative that Swit urges everyone who is thinking about getting a pet to consider. She is quick to add that the adoption of an older pet can be equally as rewarding as bringing home a puppy or a kitten.
“I encourage people to adopt older animals,” says Swit. “You don’t have to adopt a kitten. Get a cat that’s used to being with people and other animals. Usually an adoption agency will have a file on the animal. Maybe the cat once lived with a German Shepherd or is accustomed to being around little kids. Take the time to read the animal’s file and find out what the cat is all about. You could learn that that cat or dog is a perfect match for you and your lifestyle.”
The popular actress is always ready to come to the defense or the aid of an animal in need. That could mean giving a speech for animal rights, or the hands-on rescue of a critter in trouble, or donating her time to raise funds for a worthy cause.
For a person whose world evolves around animals, Loretta Swit agrees with pet parents everywhere that our feathered, furry, and four-legged friends make the world a better place in which to live.
“Animals are a major part of my life,” says Swit. “I would hate to imagine a world without animals. When I come home they make everything worthwhile. Pets love you unconditionally. They don’t judge you, they don’t care if your rich or poor, they love you because you are you.”
According to Swit, to be a good pet person you just have to put yourself in their position. If you walk a mile in their paw prints, then chances are you’ll know how to raise your pet.
“I think if you just change your thinking process about animals and look at them as little people or think of yourself as a large animal then you’ll be able to relate to their needs, says Swit. “Once you start thinking in those terms everything will fall naturally into place and you’ll have a loving friend for life.”
By Terry L. Wilson
