WHO RESCUED WHO?

When Lauren Buglioli isn’t busy portraying Vanessa McBride on the new CBS daytime series, Beyond The Gates, the actress likes to spend her downtime with her two dogs, Vixen and Beverly Hills Cop II; and volunteering at the Chastain Horse Park in Atlanta, Georgia where she resides.

Not only has surrounding herself with animals kept this Hollywood star, who shared the screen with Vince Vaughn on Apple TV’s Bad Monkey and Damon Wayans in the 2023 film Cinnamon grounded, but Lauren says, being with her four-legged besties serves as a constant reminder of what’s important and how the simple things equal the greatest value. Pet Lifestyles Magazine caught up with the gifted performer who revealed why she credits a dog for saving her life and instilling the importance of paying it forward.

PLM: When you are not starring in the CBS series, Beyond The Gates you’re busy tending to your two dogs and proudly wearing the title of dog mommy.

Lauren Buglioli (LB): I am very proud of that title.

PLM: Instead of going to a breeder to find your dogs you wanted to adopt. Why was this important to you?

LB: It’s funny because I have a very core memory of when I was living in New York and I saw a guy with his dog, and this was the happiest dog I have ever seen. I walked over to tell him that his dog was the most precious thing in the world and his reply was, “I think he knows I saved him, and he saved me. I adopted him.” Those words really stuck with me and watching that dog exhibit pure joy never left me. It made me think, I can’t wait to adopt. When I moved to Atlanta, I met some great people from Drama, Inc., a local drama studio, and they talked a lot about adoption. They inspired me to check out LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta, Georgia who I am now partnering with.

PLM: You must be excited about this new collaboration?

LB: Yes, I am so excited because that is where I got my two dogs, Vixen and Beverly Hills Cop II. I saw the power of adoption, what happens when we talk about it and the importance of bringing awareness to shelters such as LifeLine Animal Project. The experience was so positive, I was inspired to talk it with my cast and colleagues and one of them adopted a dog from the organization.

PLM: When did you adopt your dogs? 

LB: I adopted Vixen, an Australian Shepherd mix puppy, at the height of the pandemic in 2020 and then I adopted Beverly Hills Cop II, a three to six month old Shepherd mix I call Beverly for short, in 2021, one-year later.

PLM: With so many dogs to choose from, how did you know your little pooches were the ones for you?

LB: When I walked into the shelter, Vixen locked eyes with me. She was shaking and alone in a corner. I turned to my friend and said, “That’s my baby. I am getting her out of here and taking her home with me.” When I took her out to meet her and held her for the first time, she was so sweet, cuddly and was pure love. With Beverly, I was playing a character on Florida Man on Netflix, and I saw her online. I knew I had to meet her and when I did, she was just so precious, and I knew she was mine.  

PLM: Tell me about when you introduced Beverly to Vixen and began to blend your happy family. 

LB: They got along well from the start and my gut told me they were going to be sisters. I got very lucky because they really love each other and are very attached. 

PLM: You mentioned Vixen was scared and vulnerable when you met her and brought her home. How did you help Vixen overcome those challenges? 

LB: I worked with a trainer. When I brought them both home, Beverly too, I experienced a little aggression. I also remember they were scared of everything and those moments bonded us so much more. By going through that difficult period, it allowed us to gain a trust with one another and build a deep connection.  

PLM: What was the turning point where your dogs realized you were their protector? 

LB: When they started letting me rock them to sleep. Having that time has become so meaningful. 

PLM: When you are not filming Beyond the Gates, what do you like to do with your dogs? 

LB: I love to take them hiking. One of the great things about Atlanta is there are so many great trails to explore. I also like to go to the park, and they go with me to get coffee. We also love taking trips to get-away cabins a couple of times a year where there is no cellphone reception, and it’s the perfect way to unplug and rewind. The resort is also super dog friendly, so we spend our days walking, enjoying nature and I spoil them when we do movie night.  

PLM: How has being a dog mom changed you or made an impact on your life?

LB: When I was living in New York I was diagnosed with bi-lateral pneumonia. I was in the I-C-U because I had a near death experience. The Good Dog Foundation brought in a therapy dog to cheer me up and when I made contact with the dog it was the first time I smiled. I remember saying, when I get out of here, I am going to do this with my dog. 

PLM: How scary. That must have changed your perspective on everything?

LB: My 20’s was all about getting my health back. Now, when my to-do list is a mile long and I’m stressing about having abundance in my life, my dogs help me reframe my thought process and center myself. I see everything through their eyes, meaning when they wake up, they are happy. My dogs are my constant reminders of what is important in life.  

PLM: How did you come up with their names, especially Beverly’s? 

LB: (laughs) The shelter did, and I kept them. Vixen looks like a little fox and Beverly Hills Cop II? I don’t know why they chose that name, but it makes me laugh every time I say it. I use the name is Beverly on a day-to-day basis but if she is being a little bit naughty, I always say, “Beverly Hills Cop II” and it always gets her attention.  

PLM: Aside from your love for your dogs, you also have a big space in your heart for horses? 

LB: Yes, I do! I grew up riding horses and I have a degree in early childhood education and special education. While my dream was always to act, I also knew I wanted to continue my work with children of all abilities. There is an incredible facility in Atlanta called, Chastain Horse Park and they provide volunteers the opportunity to work with riders of all abilities in horse therapy. The organization’s mission is to give adaptive horse-riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities. It is an incredible way to bring all my passions together. People can go to www.chastainhorsepark.org to learn more about it. 

* Beyond The Gates airs weekdays at 2pm ET on CBS, and is also available to stream on Paramount+