 Home | Table of Contents Volume 4 Issue 3 
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KT: Growing up did you have many pets? DL: I've always had pets. I have had everything from an African Bessengi, to a fox terrier, to a mutt. I even raised German Shepherds for while. I remember that in college, I would go home every weekend, and between home and college, I'd always manage to bring something back and vice versa. The time I really got in trouble is when I saved a baby boar. At the time, I wanted to be a veterinarian. KT: Have you ever been able to work with animals? DL: Well, we had a dog on our show, "The Land of the Giants". I had a Poodle and a Wheaten whom I got in Connecticut, and I brought her to Hollywood and everyone wanted to put her into the movies, I also had a mutt who had star qualities. I work with Shambala. KT: How did you get most of your pets? DL: Well, a lot of them were rescue dogs that I saved, but the Wheatons I got from breeders. I feel that the mixed breeds are usually smarter. KT: Do Zeke and Zelda travel with you? DL: Everywhere! When I had my toy poodles, they went right with me in my lap, but with the big dogs, they've got to go below. So I try to get direct flights. I've never left a pet in a kennel, although I know they have kennels that are like country clubs or better, but I have used pet sitters, just never boarded. KT: You have been able to work in several different projects. Which are you most proud of? DL: Well, you know when I first came to Los Angeles, I worked in a show that the late Lloyd Bridges did called "The Loner". It comes to mind since we just lost him. It was one of my best works. I was the only female among incredibly talented men. KT: What would you like to be remembered for? DL: I think I'd like to be remembered for being a real caring person. I have never been driven by a career, and I think people know that about me. KT: If Deanna were an animal, which animal would she be? DL: Well, I have a bear thing. I would love to be a Polar Bear because I just think they are the cutest. They are so amazing. I'd love it unless I ended up as somebody's rug. So it would have to be in a no poaching allowed area. KT: What would you like to tell your fellow pet owners? DL: My message to all of you is there are so many animals looking for a home. We must control over reproducing and overpopulation. We must be responsible. KT: What is it that's hard about being a pet owner? DL: It is difficult to take that extra time every day to walk them, and let them socialize. Sometimes I get really tired, and the day gets so busy that I just want to forget about it, but they so look forward to it, and I know it is important to their well-being so I have to do it. I also have to start being a better disciplinarian. Was not good at it with my kids, good at it with my pets. I gotta work on that. KT: So is their room in the Lund home for another pet? DL: Oh, undoubtedly. I am already thinking about what the next one will be. Zeke and Zelda are in love with each other, so another animal would have to be introduced very carefully. KT: Are Zeke and Zelda spoiled? DL: Oh yes. They live on my couches. A guest will come over and say, "Your dogs on the couch". I'll say, "Yes, and where would you like to sit?" I was like that with my kids; I believe the home is meant to live in, not as a showplace. KT: What have animals meant to you in your life? DL: They have been extremely important. I have always had my pets in pairs; I once had two Siamese cats. I cannot understand how people are not animal people. I can't imagine ever having a life without animals. My dream is having like eight more. I always thought I'd raise Arabian or something when I got older, but somehow that energy escapes you. Photos by Mark Robertson | |
