Reality Star Terra Jolé—Big Personality, Bigger Heart

Anyone who’s watched Little Women: LA can see that the breakout star of the show—Terra Jolé—is full of personality. Fortunately, she channels a lot of her energy and enthusiasm into rescuing animals.

Always prepared, she makes sure to keep leashes and cat food in her car in case she crosses paths with an animal in need. In a fantastic chat with PETA, she told us how she met her animal companion, Peggy, and talked about her passion for advocating for animal adoption. She also said that Peggy is “one of the happiest dogs, and I wouldn’t give her up for the world.”

Check out more of Terra’s big personality when PETA threw some fun questions at her.

Each year, more than 6 million dogs and cats are left at animal shelters in the U.S.—and almost half of them must be euthanized because of a lack of good homes. Terra explains, “I would always adopt and never, ever, buy from a pet store—ever.” Her dedication to animal adoption is so strong that she makes time to save lives by fostering.

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This is Griswold. (Named after Clark Griswold) – He was set to be put down at a high kill shelter Valentines Day 5 years ago. Thanks to @farescue I was able to rescue, foster, and adopt what I've been told is a Chinese Crested Powderpuff mix. He absolutely prefers dogs over most humans, life of the party (dog park) kind of man. At night he's a cuddling under covers bed warmer. Never knew dogs could smile until i met him. Griswold isn't perfect and due to the fact that he's unsure of strangers, I ended up adopting my 35th foster dog. When I adopted him he was already a young man of 4 years. He's been my most challenging rescue, but also one of my most rewarding. Not just puppies need love, adult dogs need love too. #nationalpuppyday #rescuedog #rescuedontbuy #chinesecrested #powderpuff #christmasvacation

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Every time that someone buys a dog or cat from a pet store or breeder, another home becomes unavailable to an animal desperately waiting in a shelter or left roaming the streets. Dogs sold in pet shops often come from puppy mills, where they’re housed in cramped, filthy, and unhealthy conditions and lack proper veterinary care. And in light of the current animal-overpopulation crisis, it’s clear that there’s no such thing as a “responsible breeder.”

If you’re thinking about bringing an animal into your home, be sure to adopt—don’t shop. Head over to your local animal shelter, where you’re sure to find many eager animals of all breeds, shapes, sizes, and ages who’d love to become a member of your family. Plus, shelters and rescue groups often include vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering in the adoption fee.

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 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind