While Rue McClanahan was best known for playing the man-crazed Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, off-screen, she was much more than fashion and flair.

McClanahan was a passionate animal rights activist, much like her co-star Betty White. She strongly opposed the fur industry and supported animal welfare causes throughout her life.

According to a 1990 interview with The Dickinson Press, she even hosted two home pet-care videos to help educate pet owners.

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Her pet-care videos covered everything from training and health tips to teaching dogs new tricks. McClanahan was just as devoted to cats and dogs as Blanche was to compliments and fashion.

"My involvement on behalf of animals is as important to me as my theater career,"  McClanahan said. "I can have some impact on behalf of our speechless friends. Dogs are extremely sensitive, intuitive, and so gentle and loyal."

According to another 1990 interview with The Times Union, McClanahan had 10 pets in her Los Angeles home. For some, that may sound like a lot, but to Rue, her pets were family.

True to her passion for animals, she also made sure some of her own furry friends had their moment in the spotlight.

"I wanted to use as many of my particular personal pets as I could on video," McClanahan said. "And we did end up using Jackson, the black Lab, in the dog video, and I got to use Belle, my dog, on the cover; and Celestite, one of my cats, for the cover of the cat video."

Rue believed pet owners could always learn more about caring for animals. For her, the pet-care videos were an eye-opening experience and a chance to step away from The Golden Girls. In a way, both she and her pets became performers, working together to help educate people about proper pet care.

"Most people don’t think they need to know anything," McClanahan said. "I learned some things, and I’ve had dogs and cats my whole life."