From The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to Vanderpump Rules, it’s safe to say people are pretty obsessed with one of Bravo’s MVPs: Lisa Vanderpump. The restaurateur and animal rights activist came to the Big Apple this week to celebrate Vanderpump Pets, a luxury lifestyle product line (think: lots of pink) that ups your furry friends’ chic quotient. We caught up with Vanderpump at the launch, where fans flocked to meet husband Ken Todd and their dogs Giggy and Harrison, and Insta-famous pups who walked the pink carpet.
Lisa, was launching a line of pet products something you always wanted to do?
It was! We actually started it a couple of years ago but we got side-tracked because we’ve been working on The Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which has taken up around 50 percent of my time this year—doing PSAs, documentaries, marches, rallies, and galas…it’s a lot!
How are your dogs liking the products?
They love all the little toys. I have eight dogs—they devour them!
Do you have any other pets?
I have two ponies at home, and swans, and turtles.
Your dog Giggy is on social media. Why not create accounts for all your pets?
Giggy is on Twitter—he has like 100,000 followers. I do all the social media and it’s really difficult keeping up with my own. If I had someone do it, sure, but then it wouldn’t be be authentic. I can’t believe all the good looking dogs that are here!
Do you talk to your pets?
I actually do. I’m not a great advocate for the sanest person in the world [Laughs] but I love them—they’re companions. And I know what they’re thinking—Giggy talks when he wants something.
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- NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Dog “Toast” attends Vanderpump Pets Launch at Petco Union Square on December 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
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- NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Freddie tinkles and Poochofnyc attend Vanderpump Pets Launch at Petco Union Square on December 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
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- NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Dog named Hollyhappyhavanese attends Vanderpump Pets Launch at Petco Union Square on December 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
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- NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Dog named Giggy attends Vanderpump Pets Launch at Petco Union Square on December 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
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- @Guinnethepoo Vanderpump Pets Launch at Petco Union Square on December 8, 2016 in New York City.
Given that you own restaurants, where do you eat when visiting NYC?
I went to Beauty and Essex last night. That was fabulous, and they treated us really well. I also love eating upstairs at Bergdorf Goodman for lunch, and I also like ABC Kitchen and Lavo.
If you were single and ready to mingle, which server from Sur (and the cast of Vanderpump Rules) would you want to go out with?
Oh god, none of them! But I love Tom Schwartz.
You’ve had a 7-year run, and counting, on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. What’s new this season?
Last season was horrendous, so it’s all up from there! They kind of beat me up then, so this season is good. It definitely has a lot of surprises, which is fantastic.
How much longer do you want to stay on the show?
I really have no idea…I just take each year as it comes.
Are you still in touch with Yolanda [Foster]?
I’ve seen her once since, but I think she’s really busy.
Any holiday plans for December?
Staying home and cooking. I’m making turkey, stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce…everything! I love cooking.
