Shashi Naidoo

Shashi, voted FHM Sexiest Woman of 2011 talks to SA Pet Pages in aid of Pug Rescue SA.

Your parents originally come from Durban, and you were born and raised in PE, what brought you to Johannesburg?

I moved to Johannesburg in 1999 to study Chiropractic medicine. My life has taken a very different course since then; I now own a model agency called Alushi Management and am still involved in TV and modeling work myself.

How has your life changed since being voted FHM sexiest woman in the world?

Since the announcement it has been a bit of a whirlwind of press and PR interviews. I wouldn't say that my life has changed too much. I am just a lot busier, although in my book; busy is never a bad thing!

You have the most gorgeous little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, what is her name and what made you decide on getting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Her full name is Anastasia Romanov after the lost Russian princess because she most certainly is royalty in my eyes; we just call her Annie though.

I didn't even know about the breed until I had made the decision to get a puppy and did some research on the Internet. They were described as the 'love sponge of dogs' and that is exactly what my little Annie is... Loving, doting, loyal and affectionate.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of Annie?

I always said my dog would never sleep in the bed with me but Annie wakes up every morning cuddled next to her mom (me) in bed. We wake up at about 6am and I take her out to the garden for a bit, she then sits outside the shower and waits for me to get ready in the morning, usually on my lap while I am doing my make up. I have a home office so she gets loads of attention throughout the day from doting staff and models. At the end of the day we go for a quick walk.

People say Annie is too spoilt because she never really spends any time on her own. If I do have an event, lunch or dinner, she will be dropped off at a friend or family for company but I think that until I get her a friend to play with, that is only fair.

What is your favourite thing to do together?

Annie loves sleeping-in more than I do. I love weekends when I can stay in bed a bit longer and cuddle with her. She loves going to the park and running. I have never seen such a fast running dog. She also loves our daily game of fetch.

What is the most expensive item Annie has ever chewed?

Aside from a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, she got into a very bad habit of chewing the cables in the office. She has at separate times had us working with no internet, phone or fax lines. That adorable face of hers lets her get away with absolute murder!

What is your life motto?

"Be the change you want to see in the world" – Gandhi