Jennifer Kirk may be no stranger to appearing on TV, but her business started with smaller ambitions. “We had Chihuahuas and our daughters enjoyed dressing [them] up; then the idea came to start offering something for dog lovers.”

That something turned into Posh Puppy Boutique, a luxury retailer of canine products with a brick and mortar in Rocklin and an online store. Kirk has been a dog lover since birth and a Rocklin resident since 1972. ”I’m a productive member of our community and give back wherever I can,” she says, which probably explains why she jumped at the chance to get involved with the Vanderpump Dog Foundation, a nonprofit run by Lisa Vanderpump of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. 

The two became friendly when Posh Puppy Boutique started stocking the organization’s dog accessories. Kirk instantly took an interest in the nonprofit’s mission to end dog overpopulation, neglect, and international abuse, specifically around China’s Yulin Dog Meat Festival. 

In 2016, Kirk assisted Vanderpump with the fundraising and opening of the organization’s headquarters: Vanderpump Dogs in Los Angeles—an adoption center, pup boutique, and groom and glam center, complete with blueberry facials. Kirk is still involved with the center, which just helped its thousandth pup find a forever home. “We just adopted two dogs from there ourselves!” she says. 

 By Suzie Dundas

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Focus on the future and don’t worry what others think of you. If you make mistakes, learn from them and move on!

What’s your biggest pet peeve? 

Being late. I was always taught that “to be early is to be on time; to be on time is to be late.”  

Are you high- or low-maintenance? 

I feel like I’m low-maintenance, but my husband would say otherwise.

What comes to you naturally? 

Working. 

What are you most proud of? 

How far I’ve come in my life and the obstacles I’ve conquered.

Favorite humanitarian cause? 

Dog rescues.

Best words of wisdom you’ve received?  

Don’t ever burn a bridge, even if you think you’ll never cross it again. Sometimes those bridges come up later in life under different circumstances.

FAVORITES

ESCAPE: Cabo San Lucas

Guilty pleasure: Margaritas

Meal in town: The Chef’s Table

Local landmark: Quarry Park

Favorite memory: Going to Taylor’s for ice cream as a child

Movie: The Breakfast Club

Musician/band: Toby Keith

Place to buy a gift, locally: Bayabelle Boutique

Local nonprofit: RRUFF Dog Park