Stefanie Powers
Has a Big Hart

For instance, when Powers is in California, she lives with her five dogs: Sunny, a 76-pound Golden Doodle. BB, short for Bridget Bardot, because according to Powers, she thinks she is. There is Ozzy, who Powers says is mostly terrier. Bailey, who Powers describes as a mix of terrier and schnauzer, and finally Luna, the newest member of the family who is a rescue.

During this exclusive interview for New York Lifestyles Magazine and Pet Lifestyles Magazine from her West Coast residence, Powers was chuckling as her dogs were vying for her attention or barking at the squirrels running outside. “There is no such thing as a quiet night at home,” Powers said, “and if I walk around the house, I always have an entourage.” 

While juggling five dogs may seem like a lot for some people, it’s not for this Hollywood icon because she says her dogs are her priority. In fact, Powers has a simple trick to keeping all the moving parts running smoothly. “I developed a system,” Powers confesses. “The key is, to stay calm especially during mealtime. For example, I make sure to separate the big dogs from the little dogs and not let them steal each other’s food.” 

Another habit Powers constantly enforces is making sure every dog follows the rules and routines she sets forth. “I really believe structure has a positive effect on my dogs, and they feel more comfortable with the familiarity of the environment and their surroundings.” Take for example the SUV Powers purchased specifically to shuttle her furry troop around. “I replaced the back seat with little beds,” Powers tells us, “So when I go somewhere with the dogs, they each have a place to sit and know which space is theirs.

When Powers jets overseas to visit The William Holden Wildlife Foundation in Kenya, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization the TV star founded in 1983, she soaks up the love from three of her other dogs: Simba, Chui and Kali. Powers tells us, “They are a combination of street and rescue dogs and when I saw them, I knew they needed my help.” 

The mission of the 501(c)(3) is wildlife conservation through education and alternatives to habitat destruction. 

The organization’s main education center serves nearly 11,000 Kenyan students every year beginning at age nine, by offering education programs, lectures, field trips, camping, practical displays of sustainable farming, cooking, composting, and bio-energy.

The William Holden Wildlife Foundation’s rural outreach program is available in seven different remote areas of central Kenya, for an additional 6,000 students and their parents. According to the website, it has fully equipped libraries, visits from speakers to support environmental protection, and renewable farming techniques. Powers notes, “This is not a tourist facility or attraction but rather a place for the people of the land to learn about their environment.”  

In addition to being a mommy to eight dogs, Powers also owns 14 horses. They reside in three different countries: the United States, England and Kenya. Not only does Powers see her horses on a regular basis, but she also schedules ample time to go riding every week.  

Powers’ passion for animals began when she was just a kid. She recalls fond memories of how much of her childhood was spent around racehorses, dogs, and a sun-bear she purchased from a pet shop named Eugene. “He lived for 12-years,” Powers tells us, “And he loved to eat peanut butter and climb trees.”  

Despite her many years of advocacy work and being able to reach many different generations, the tone in her voice drastically changes when Powers explains how it deeply upset her to discover how the kill rate in Los Angeles shelters has reportedly gone up 30% due to the individuals who allegedly got a pet during the pandemic and then returned them after they went back to the office because they were no longer able to care for them on a full-time basis.  

“That is why” Powers adds, “there is still so much more work to be done and love to provide to animals everywhere.”