Fri Nov 01 19:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Isabella Rossellini, Actress and Animal Behaviorist, Advocates for Temperament Over Looks When Choosing Dogs

**BOSTON, MA -** Isabella Rossellini, known for her iconic roles in films like “Death Becomes Her,” has a lesser-known passion: animal behavior. The 72-year-old actress, who holds a Masters degree in Ethology, has been volunteering for 20 years to raise future service dogs for the Guide Dog Foundation.

Speaking at the Museum of Science in Boston alongside Dr. Brian Hare, author of “Puppy Kindergarten,” Rossellini shared her experience fostering dogs for the organization, including a recent Christmas when she took in a breeder dog in need. “They called me on Christmas Day,” Rossellini recalled, “and said, ‘There’s a breeder dog that doesn’t have a place to stay.’ I said, ‘Of course, Rosie can come!'”

While dedicated to her work with service dogs, Rossellini also owns two mixed-breed dogs, a trained acrobat named Darcy and a rescue dog named Pinocchio. She revealed her desire to add a herding dog to her farm menagerie, which already boasts sheep, chickens, goats, and even bees.

Rossellini passionately advocates choosing dogs based on temperament over appearance, urging potential owners to consider their lifestyle and needs. “I think that there’s great ignorance about dogs,” she said, “and we generally nowadays select them for looks, which is bad.”

She highlighted the plight of certain breeds like bulldogs, which she believes have been bred for aesthetic appeal at the expense of their health. “These dogs suffer tremendously because they cannot breathe,” Rossellini said.

Rossellini encourages potential adopters to discuss their lifestyle and family situation with shelters to ensure a good match. “If you adopt a dog, you can say, ‘I have children, I have cats,’ and they can find a dog that matches your lifestyle,” she said.

Beyond her acting career, Rossellini has dedicated herself to understanding and promoting responsible dog ownership, demonstrating her deep commitment to the welfare of animals.

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