Mother, businesswoman, ex-wife, author and entrepreneur, Ivana has become a worldwide symbol of independence for women. Former wife of New York business tycoon, Donald Trump. From 1987 to 1991 Ivana served as President of The Plaza Hotel in New York, which was named 7th best luxury hotel in the world and best in the United States. For her work at the Plaza, Ivana was voted by her peers "Hotelier of the Year". Ivana was also the CEO of The Trump Castle Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City from 1983 to 1987. Under her leadership, the Trump Castle became one of the most profitable casinos in the world. Ivana has made a name for herself as much more than just a famous ex-wife. Her company "House of Ivana" produces a popular line of clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, jeans, and a fragrance collection. The sales of her House of Ivana products have topped all Home Shopping Network charts.

She has appeared in commercials for Comfort Inn and Pizza Hut where she joined her ex-husband Donald Trump to nibble on crusted pizza. She made a cameo appearance in the 1996 box office hit The First Wives' Club and even sported a milk mustache for the national milk campaign. Not only a savvy businesswoman, Ivana lends her time to causes that are more philanthropic. She is very active in charitable organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy, The March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society, Diabetes Foundation, and The North Shore Animal League among many others. She has written two novels and a motivational book for women. She is the mother of three children from her marriage to Donald Trump, and her eldest daughter Ivanka models for Thierry Muglier. Ivana divides her time among New York, Greenwich (Connecticut), West Palm Beach, London, the Czech Republic, and on her recently acquired yacht The M/Y Ivana.

KT: How many pets do you have?
IT: Two dogs. Choppy, a miniature poodle, and Dodo, a Yorkshire terrier.

KT: Growing up did you have any pets?
IT: As a child, I spent my weekends at my grandparents' farm in the country. I became friends with many cows, chickens, pigs, and dogs.

KT: What do you propose should be done to eradicate animal abuse?
IT: We first need to make this a kinder, gentler world.

KT: Do your pets travel with you?
IT: Unfortunately it is hard to bring them everywhere because I travel so much; however, they always accompany me when I go for long stay in either Greenwich (Connecticut) or Palm Beach (Florida).

KT: Do you work with or support any animal organization?
IT: I work closely with the North Shore Animal League.

KT: Which animals are your favorites and which do you dislike?
IT: Dogs and horses are my favorites. I definitely dislike snakes, but doesn't everybody?

KT: What do you think should be done to eradicate the pet overpopulation problem?
IT: Animals should be humanely spayed or neutered, and more organizations should offer those services for free.

KT: As a parent do you feel children should be given pets?
IT: Yes, I believe a child learns to love and be responsible by having a pet.

KT: What are your feelings on animals that are used for therapy and police work?
IT: I think it's a wonderful way for both humans and animals not only to give and receive help, but love and affection as well.

KT: Do you support the use of dogs in police work?
IT: The K-9 force is one of the most powerful tools used to eradicate crime in this country.

KT: Do you think enough attention is being given to the fact that statistics prove that in a household where animal abuse exists, child abuse is also likely to exist?
IT: I would assume not, considering that I was unaware of the fact. But, they are both terrible problems and a greater effort to stop them should be made.

KT: You have been fortunate to work in several projects. Of those, which were you most proud of?
IT: Founding the IT Inc. and creating all of my many product lines. I'm also proud of my publication, advice columns, and speech engagements.

KT: What would you like to be remembered for?
IT: Being a loving, caring, compassionate citizen, and a mother of three healthy children.

KT: If you could be any animal which one would it be?
IT: A beautiful, sleek, race horse who is pampered and taken care of, then set free to run like the wind and preferably win the Kentucky Derby.

KT: Do you think you will be able to make enough room in your house for another pet?
IT: There is enough room already, but my love and attention is taken up by the two I have already. I will always have two (my dogs are playmates together), so if one were to go, I would most certainly replace it.

KT: What is the biggest misconception about you?
IT: I'm always seen as the person I am in front of the cameras; I have a whole other side of me that only family and friends see.

KT: Is there a message that you would like to convey to fellow animal lovers throughout the world?
IT: Continue loving and being supportive.

KT: What is the hardest or most difficult task you must do as a pet owner?
IT: Saying good-bye when I have to go away on business and when they don't feel well and can't communicate.

KT: What do you find most surprising about your pets?
IT: Their energy!

KT: What kind of roles have animals played in your life?
IT: There is a lot one can learn from watching an animal. I have learned patience, respect, and especially how to take life a little less seriously sometimes!

-Kareem Tabsch is a freelance writer who specializes in celebrity interviews. He has interviewed celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Julio Iglesias, Barbara Mandrell and others. He writes frequently on animal related issues as well as on the entertainment industry.