True Blood star's ‘umbrella of love’ for animals and husbands too

Watching the HBO hit series True Blood, you’ll hope you never run into someone like vicious vampire Pam De Beaufort in a dark alley.

But run into Kristin Bauer van Straten, the actress who plays her, and you’ll be instilled with hope for the world. You’ll hear about puppies she has cuddled, about the singer-songwriter husband she adores, and about her “umbrella of love” for him, for needy animals, and for the rest of the planet she incessantly campaigns to rescue, because those are the things that fill and fuel her heart.

Bauer van Straten spent a recent day at Best Friends Sanctuary’s Independence Paw’rade demonstration against puppy mills where, predictably, she fell for a pawfect stranger, as described in her report below, exclusive to Animal Policy Examiner.

Falling in love at the Paw’rade

by Kristin Bauer van Straten

My rescue Rottie mix Asher and I went to the Paw’rade in Studio City for the Best Friends Sanctuary on July Fourth weekend.

It was great fun to see such an amazing turn-out all for the purpose of helping those furry critters who deserve help. Nobody there was getting paid, they do this just to help and that gives my heart a real lift.

We gathered on a corner and passed around the bullhorn. Anyone who knows me knows that when it came to my turn to speak, I cried. I always try not to and I always do. I am so moved by people caring for others less fortunate, especially the innocents.

I also have lived with so many rescues and as cliché as it may sound, they have rescued me. I could never give back what they have given me and I just can’t rest easy knowing so many souls just looking to love someone are homeless. They are not even looking for love, they are looking to give. That is a four-legged trait and that unconditional love has gotten me through so much and also made every day more pleasurable.

We walked down Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, led by Asher and I but also a three-piece band including a banjo, performing this one song over and over, and I am laughing as I type that I can’t remember it now! It was very cute actually.

We got to one of my favorite pet stores in L.A., Maxwell Dog in Studio City on Ventura. A portrait I did of the store (rescue) dog, Murray, is actually hanging on the wall (you can see it on my site www.kristinbauer.com)--he’s a big gorgeous purebred chocolate Lab.

I held a sweet puppy, I flirted with so many beasts, and Asher had a grand time sniffing butts. I tried to refrain as I am on a TV show and you know how Hollywood likes to start rumors.

As I was leaving I felt a tension on the leash and turned back to see Asher making another new friend, Rango, so I went over to meet him too and in 2.6 seconds I was in love. Truly in love. I have thought about him every day.

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I like most critters and I feel protective towards them all, but here and there you fall head over heels. Rango is so pretty and so sweet and so easy going (after a walk anyway, just like my guys). He just reminded me so much of Asher’s perfect personality and Asher has been a rock for me in my life and pours love at me through his face every day. I could see that Rango also has that ability.

He is at Brent-Air Animal Hospital. Tel: (310) 478-0011. He is a gem in my opinion. He is very young and very handsome and about the age Asher was when I got him, which is perfect for me, after the stage of eating and peeing on everything, and into the stage where you can see their personality so you know if you are a match.

Rango and I are a match, but I have five rescues already, well four if you don’t count my husband [Abri van Straten], but he counts! He’s another mutt, like us all, who is under my umbrella of love and care-taking and also who I can’t imagine life without.

To see more Rango, video too! http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19760118

To stay in touch with Kristin Bauer van Straten:

on twitter @BauervanStraten and on Facebook: The van Stratens.

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