Nikki Reed has finally found a way to connect her love for style and her passion for animals. In early October, the actress debuted an exclusive dog collar and leash she created with Found My Animal to benefit the ASPCA.
Sold only on Gilt.com, Reed’s limited-edition leather collar ($56) and leash ($62) were unveiled at a September 30 event in West Hollywood, where the Twilight Saga star opened up to Us Weekly about the cause so close to her heart: Animal adoption.
“As long as I can remember, I’ve been donating and volunteering for the ASPCA or local shelters. I couldn’t be more excited that Gilt wants to shine a light on animal adoption, and I love what Found My Animal stands for,” Reed, 26, said of the nautical-inspired pet accessory line.
The proud owner of two German Shepherds, Enzo and Ira, Reed takes pride in fostering animals as they wait for their new homes. “I pick up dogs on the kill list, bring them to my house, and rehab them,” Reed said, adding that she works with Shannon von Roemer of L.A. pet shop Bark n’ Bitches to adopt out the animals. “Puppies get adopted faster, so my priority is always adult dogs and cats.”
In recent months, Reed expanded her animal outreach beyond dogs and cats. Filming The Sunday Horse in Atlanta, the actress fell in love with two of the horses that were used in the film, so she brought them home after production wrapped. “I was so attached and couldn’t let go,” she said of the animals that she shares with boyfriend Ian Somerhalder. “Acting is my profession . . . my craft. It inspires me,” Reed said. “[Caring for animals] is like my second job. It’s my other passion.”
