Perhaps best known for her tumultuous relationship with the nefarious Charlie Sheen, Denise Richards constantly endeavors to make family a priority. Despite a few hiccups along the way, Richards has created a beautiful family composed of her human daughters, her dogs, and even a horse, and now she’s expanding the roster to include her recently adopted baby (human) girl, Eloise Joni, named after Richards’ mother. Sadly, Richards’ furry family has shrunken in recent days. Having left her two pugs with Sheen as playmates for their daughters when he had custody, Richards was devastated to learn that the dogs were being neglected and had become malnourished. The situation became so extreme that after reclaiming the brave pugs from their atrocious situation one of the dogs, Betty, tragically passed away. True to form, Sheen continued to taunt and accost Richards who continues to do everything in her power to keep her children, regardless of species, safe, nurtured, and far from their estranged father! After watching her life unfold on E!, we all know that Richards’ life can be complicated, but it’s the simple virtue of Puppy Love that keeps her going day after day! Animal Fair was able to schedule an Exclusive Interview with Denise Richards in which her optimism and wit take center stage.
AF: How did your pets become part of the family?
DR: Lucy was my first. I had three dogs before I was married: Lucy, Hank and Tina. After Charlie and I split up, I got Stella and Henry. My dogs were my kids before I had kids. I’m one of those people who treat animals like humans. My house can be pretty chaotic at times, but my girls, Sam and Lola, just love the dogs. The dogs are so good with the kids. When Sam and Lola are napping, Tina (my golden retriever) will sleep in their room. She’s very protective of them. I personally think it’s important for kids to grow up with animals. It teaches them to be responsible and gentle. Thank goodness, my girls are animal lovers!
AF: Do you ever play favorites with the dogs?
DR: Each dog is very different and special to me. Lucy, I would take on location with me when I was single. She traveled with me all the time. She’d stay in hotels, go on set and live the good life. She’s been through it all with me, she’s a great sidekick.
AF: Any funny stories you’d like to share about your pets?
DR: The dogs are pretty silly. They love the kids’ toys. They were my babies before I had Sam and Lola, so all the stuffed animals I bought were theirs. Now they think every single toy and doll in the house belongs to them. Henry and Stella have figured out how to get on the kitchen counter. They love people food and would eat until they exploded if they could. They are always in my sink, eating the leftovers. I had a big bag of M and M’s recently, that I left on the counter. Henry ate the entire bag, I kid you not. I can not keep food there anymore!
AF: Are your dogs spoiled at all?
DR: I dress them up all the time. They sleep with me often, when a certain someone isn’t here. The other night, I had both the kids and all the dogs in my bed. I didn’t sleep very well that night. I woke up with a kink in my neck! Sam and I did Lucy’s nails the other day. She likes pink polish- your typical princess. My dogs get groomed every two weeks, get walked twice a day and eat good food. Definitely spoiled.
AF: Have you always been an animal enthusiast?
DR: Absolutely, dogs especially. Ever since I was a kid, I was always the one who would come home with the stray dog. I have a soft spot for animals. They just give you that unconditional love. You can be in the worst mood and they will put a smile on your face.
AF: Speaking of unconditional love, do you believe in true puppy love with a person, like you have with your dogs?
DR: I do. I still believe in unconditional love with a person. It’s different with your dogs though. Dogs are always there for you, no matter what.
AF: Any advice to the single people out there searching for puppy love?
DR: Yes! Rescue a dog and go to the dog park. Dogs are people magnets. I get stopped for my dogs constantly.
AF: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
DR: I spend all my free time with my girls. They are my top priority. Hanging out with them makes me happy. I go to class with them, we have play dates. Motherhood is such an amazing experience. No one can ever prepare you for it. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love being a mom.
AF: If you could pick your perfect mate, what breed of dog would he be?
DR: Probably a French bulldog. They are strong, compassionate, loyal, and funny. I like that in a companion.
AF: You know the old saying, men are dogs? What’s your take on the difference between men and dogs?
DR: I believe you should love someone unconditionally. Every dog has their quirks and flaws. Every man has their quirks and flaws. If there are things that are not right, then you need to make a choice. Some people may not like my quirky, flawed dogs. I personally do. Just like some people might not like a man whose particular flaws just don’t work for them. But they may work for someone else. Is that diplomatic enough? (laughs) No really, not all men are dogs. I have hope.
AF: What is your motto in life?
DR: I’ve just realized that life is too short. It’s important to do what makes you happy. You only live once.
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