I’m just so happy that this cause is not limited to one organization. Everybody’s opening their hearts and homes. LM: How has being a pet owner made you a better person? J R: I’ve had dogs my whole life and horses since I was seven. I’ve always been surrounded by animals and I can’t even imagine my life without animals. I would not be complete without them. I drive all over and I do not fly because I take her [Rubie] with me; we drove to Utah and to California to give speeches. I always take a rescue with me because they’re the face of what we do. On road trips I have one, if not two dogs with me. I don’t really know life without an animal. I’m constantly covered in dog hair. My life is like a lint brush. LM: When you’re on the road, how do you stay in touch with your pets? JR: I have two full-time people who live with me, they’re like my sons and take care of my dogs and horses. I call every night and every morning, after breakfast and after dinner, I do a doggie check and a horse check. I’m pretty much home a lot, I live on my farm. I came in for this event so I check in all the time but I do go on road trips -- it’s like two weeks a year and it’s sporadic. I’m pretty much there 24/7. LM: How did Jack’s illness alter the course of your career from red carpets to “Bow to Wow” series? How did your series and work on Today help you heal? JR: It changed my whole life because up until that point I worked on the red carpet. I say, “I went from the red carpet to the wee wee pad.”
Photo by Andrew Walker/Getty Images
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