Bonnie-Jill Laflin is the daughter of a law enforcement officer, so she learned her love of country and respect for veterans early. Despite her roots in San Francisco, Laflin has the distinct honor of being the first and only female NBA scout for the L.A. Lakers. She's an actress, model, former NBA and NFL cheerleader and savvy owner of the hot women's sports clothing line Double Play Sportswear. She's also the host of a fantasy football and basketball show on Sirius/XM while staying true as a hardcore San Francisco Giants and Texas Longhorns fan. Laflin even created the first sports show in China, Muho TV, which she currently hosts.
Laflin somehow still has time for her daily dose of sports from HNGN, but that's not all! Laflin is also a passionate animal activist.
From her work with PETA to using her talents for organizations like Becky's Hope Horse Rescue to her "No To Dog Meat" efforts in China to her own organization, Hounds and Heroes, which raises money for veterans, first responders and animals, Laflin is just about the total package.
What completes her? Her dog Jaclyn Chan, of course!
Laflin spoke exclusively to Headlines and Global News recently about Jaclyn Chan, rescuing pups from the dog meat trade in China and how spoiled her animals really are.
How did you and Jaclyn Chan find each other?
Since I host a sports show in China, I have been really active in helping with the boycott of dog meat there. I wanted to do more and really needed to rescue a dog from China. So my friends at "No To Dog Meat" introduced me to the wonderful ladies at TACN (Together for Animals in China). Jaclyn Chan (her name was Teddy at the time) was part of a group of dogs who were intended for the dog meat trade and she was rescued off the truck at the last minute. Her life was all about survival. Once TACN was able to save her, Jaclyn flew to the U.S. from Beijing, China. An amazing young woman, Hayley, who was headed here to start a year as an exchange student volunteered to fly here with Jaclyn and her brother. The second I saw her crate coming down the ramp, I couldn't move fast enough to let her out and take her for her first walk on American soil - well, American sidewalk, anyway, since it was outside the International Terminal at LAX. It was love at first sight.
Now that she is safe and in her forever home, how has Jaclyn adjusted? Has her personality changed?
Well she couldn't be any happier. Though she was nervous at first - after the trauma she endured in China - Jaclyn has adjusted very well. She adores her fur siblings (cats and dogs) and loves playing literally all day! (laughing) I think I've spoiled her as I do all my fur babies. She has a new toy or bone everyday. I can tell tell that she finally knows she's home (and) she will always have something to eat, a safe place to live and someone to love her unconditionally.
Is she an affectionate pooch?
She's very affectionate! l get lots of kisses. You can tell she knows her life has been changed for the better and is grateful everyday.
Tell us more about Together for Animals in China.
TACN is a foundation that was established by some amazing Chinese animal activists. They work to improve the quality of life for the dogs and cats in China while promoting compassion for all animals. They are really trying to encourage and educate the people of China to cherish the lives of animals, which is a very difficult task. They are constantly rescuing dogs and cats from the dog meat trade, then trying to adopt them out. I really encourage people to go to (TACN's) site and consider adopting or donating to help them with their mission.
Can anyone save animals from the meat trade in China?
Absolutely, and I hope more people do! Also my charity, Hounds and Heroes will be partnering up with "No To Dog Meat," rescuing dogs from China then training them as therapy dogs for veterans.
What else is exciting in your life?
Well, I'm living the dream working in sports! Nothing better than covering all different sports and interviewing the top sports stars. I literally travel all over the world doing what I love.
Any future plans?
I eventually want to own my own professional sports franchise. I want to be the kind of owner that my mentors (Jerry Buss and Jerry Jones) have been. The team isn't a trophy for them; it's a way of life!
As an animal activist, I know there is more work to be done and so many more animals that need help in China.
What life lessons has Jaclyn taught you?
Jaclyn wakes up wagging her tail and excited about life. I can tell that she knows she's a survivor and (is) very grateful. It makes me conscious about living life to the fullest. I believe we can all learn from that.
For more on Bonnie-Jill Laflin, check her out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and her own website.
