Meet Ashley Paige August 15, 2008

I love all of the fashiony-type shows on TLC—particularly the ones in which the fashion-challenged are helped. Those are my faves, or were until I caught the first episode of Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust that is.

Ashley's making some of the hottiest bikinis you'll ever see—I'm talking so hot they've been on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition. She's also helping animals at the same time by promoting animal rescue through her own org, RuffHouZen Rescue, and PETA, too!

In that first episode, Ashley and her staff were sporting PETA tees as they prepared for her LA Fashion Week show. And when she took her celebratory runway walk, she had Georgie with her—he's that handsome little guy in the photo and was adopted shortly after his catwalk stroll. Ashley said she always takes a dog on the runway with her to promote animal rights. Good girl! Check out what Ashley told us below.

As a fur-free fashion designer, what do you think of designers who continue to work with fur—sometimes even on bikinis?
They truly disgust me.

What has been the best part about running RuffHouZen, your animal rescue group? Has there been a particularly memorable rescue?
When people who have adopted animals from me and bring them by to visit, it's so adorable that I can't help but think back to when I first rescued them. Sometimes it makes me cry. I'm "sensitive," I'm year of the dog. I have so many memorable stories, here's two:
Memorable story 1
One day my boyfriend was coming down hard on me for bringing too many strays home. Later that same day he called and said, "I just spent the last hour chasing a little 'mangy' mutt all over Sunset Blvd." I laughed and said, "Well, did you catch him?" and he said, "Yes, he's sitting in my lap!" Funny how passion persuades!!!

Memorable story 2
So I eventually got a new boyfriend, who was much more supportive of my love for rescuing animals. He also happens to be year of the dog, like me. One morning, a little stray dog decided to play chase with us in the center divider line during rush hour morning traffic. I was in a bikini and Alek was wearing only his underwear. After we managed to catch the little "wild" dog, we slowly let traffic continue and thanked everyone for stopping. One woman rolled her window down and commented, "How cute!" I couldn't help but wonder if she was talking about the dog or my new boyfriend.

You say your favorite breed of dog is the mutt. Why is that?
I'm against breeding and selling animals, and puppy mills break my heart. People who showcase their purebreads to better their image are such sad, delusional people. The Mutt is humble, and I believe the world could use more humble people!

Your mom seems like such a sweet, caring woman. Did she influence your love for animals? Did your family have companion animals when you were growing up?
When I was a little girl, my mom would always bring home strays, but we lived in an abusive home where she could never keep them for long. It angered me for many reasons, and I would always tell myself, when I grow up, I'm going to have a house full of animals that need a loving home. And I did!

What animals do you share your home with now?
I have 8 dogs and 2 cats, but it fluctuates, between successful adoptions and "rescued newbies." My permanent guests include a Pit/Wiener dog mix named Petunia, a Senior Shepherd named Cali, a Wiener dog named "The Flying Peeing Weiner," and a feral cat that lives under my bed named Crazy Eyes!

What advice would you give to somebody who's looking to adopt a dog?
Adopt two! Haha, no really, it's usually much easier for both you and your rescues. Remember, dogs like to be in a pack and they get lonely when you're not around. Just make sure you're the pack leader!

Do you frequent any of the vegetarian restaurants in L.A.? Have any favorites?
There's a great little Thai vegan restaurant right by my shop named the Vegan House on Wilcox. They even make vegan sushi, one of my favorites. And my boyfriend likes Real Food Daily on La Cienega, which specializes in raw.

We love Bikini or Bust. Can you tell us what's coming up on the show?
The final episode is me having to choose between a corporate apparel job or sticking it out at "my little company that could." I announce my decision during pet adoptions in my store. You guys probably could guess the answer ... but make sure to tune in.

What are your ideas for next season?
I am praying for a second season, but the new president has not given us a green light yet. I know how important it is to stay on the "boob tube" as long as possible, for the animals. If we do get it, you bet there will be a great anti-fur demonstration in NYC during Fashion Week, lots of dramatic animal rescue, and probably some friendly fashion thrown in there somewhere. Oh—and as for mom, she's planning a cross country road trip with Spring Louisee to pick up maw and paw paw to bring them out to California. So let's do the math, 5 people, 8-10 dogs, 2-5 cats, and hopefully a camera crew of about 30.

You can catch Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust every Saturday morning at 11 Eastern Time on TLC. Tune in and let the network know how much you love the show and want a second season. E-mail them at viewer_relations@discovery.com or fill out their Web form here.

xox
Patricia

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