As Taylor Swift celebrated her 34th birthday, animal shelters across America celebrated an influx of donations thanks to the mega star.
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In recognition of Swift’s big day, shelters across the nation started the “Taylor Swift Challenge,” which encouraged fans to donate $13 to a local shelter. The dollar amount is, of course, a nod to Swift’s favorite number, while the idea to donate to animal shelters is a gesture honoring her three cats; Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button. Button was adopted from the set of Swift’s “ME!” music video in 2019 and even made an appearance in her TIME Person of the Year photo shoot.
The SPCA in Swift’s home state of Pennsylvania was the original creator of the “Taylor Swift Challenge,” as a creative way to raise money following a "challenging year, with adoptions slowing dramatically and owner surrenders flooding into shelters at an unprecedented rate."
"They need support, and there is no better time than the present," a statement obtained by PEOPLE read.
The idea spread like wildfire as shelters, rescues, and animal lovers across America adopted the idea and changed their own communities to give back.
While the curtain has closed on Taylor’s birthday, it’s never too late to donate or adopt from a local shelter — your new best friend is waiting.
