Animal Fair recently spent a sunny afternoon at the park with Hollywood starlet, Rachael Leigh Cook. The Minneapolis native dishes on her two energetic dogs, true love and an organization close to her heart, Rally to Rescue.
AF: Who are these little rascals with you?
RLC: Cooper and Sonny, both rescues. Cooper is a yellow lab, otherwise known as “Crazy Face.” He’s the most mild-mannered dog in the world. We got him seven months ago and I can’t believe how fast he’s acclimated into being part of our family. He was three years old when we got him. Sonny is a mix and she’s almost two years old. They get along pretty well. My husband and I just love them both so much.
AF: Any quirky personality traits?
RLC: Sonny is never the most popular dog at the park, so when I can get a dog to play with her, I’ll take it! No matter how much we socialize her, she’s a little bit defensive and not too good with strangers. But once she gets to know you, she’s ok. Cooper, on the other hand, loves everybody. He didn’t know his name for a long time. We’re thinking he’s going to respond to a random name one of these days. Cooper likes to put a paw on you. It’s his way of saying, “Stay
here – stay with me.” He also tugs on your clothes and will drag you around. All my clothes have little holes in them.
AF: Do you have any other pets at home?
RLC: Actually, we do! We have two cats, Lewis and Sasha. They are very cute. Lewis is especially adorable, but he knows it. Sasha is kind of funny looking. She has one little weepy eye. The cats are rescued too and they are the greatest. We got all our pets from Rally to Rescue.
AF: What is Rally to Rescue all about?
RLC: They are a fantastic organization. Purina Pro Plan launched the Rally to Rescue program to raise awareness and funds for pet rescue organizations nationwide. It’s cool because they have pet collars and matching owner wristbands that are sold for $5 per set, with the goal of raising a million dollars to benefit participating rescue groups. I’m a big supporter of these smaller pet rescue organizations.
AF: You are happily married. Do you believe in true puppy love with a person, like you have with Cooper and Sonny?
RLC: Absolutely. It takes time and the best kind of work. You have to love yourself first and have a special place in your heart for the person you are with. Unconditional love, just like you have with animals, is definitely possible.
AF: Any upcoming projects you are working on?
RLC: The movie version of Nancy Drew. It should be fun. I really like the script, so I’m excited.
AF: What’s the best piece of acting advice you’ve ever received?
RLC: Listen and don’t forget to breathe. Always go back to the script. You’ll find the answers there. I’ve been acting for about ten years. I definitely like the freedom it affords me. My life is good. I can’t complain!
– Maria Akl
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