Roseville Woman Finalist In PETA Contest
ROSEVILLE (CBS13) - She's got that girl-next-door image down.
That's because it comes natural to Stephanie George-Mello. This Roseville woman cares for her animals like she would her kids, if she had any.
She's named her chickens.
"The big one is Jared cause I love Subway," said George-Mello. "He reminds me of the Subway guy."
Born and raised in Grass Valley, she thinks of all animals as beloved pets. That's why she gave up eating or wearing anything that involves the slaughter of animals.
"They see it as their meal," said George-Mello. "If they go a little deeper they may see otherwise."
This soon-to-be physician's assistant is not here to preach to meat lovers on why they should give it up cold turkey; but she proudly represents PETA in their efforts to teach the ethical treatment of animals.
"I don't push a veg lifestyle on everyone. I feel everyone should do their own research," said George-Mello.
She was introduced to the vegetarian lifestyle while serving for the US Navy in Spain.
"I thought it was crazy and foreign," said George-Mello.
But after her first vegetarian meal, she was hooked. Now at 31, the EMT graduated student has gone vegan.
"A lot of fruits and vegetables, a lot of grains, the options are endless," said George-Mello. "You just have to look."
She says her lifestyle has kept her thin and trim.
"My hair grows great, my fingernails, everything is always on optimal level," said George-Mello.
It has earned her a top 10 spot in PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door contest.
"Just to get this far was a blessing," said George-Mello.
No matter what happens with the votes, she says she'll keep spreading PETA's message.
Vote for Stephanie here: http://features.peta.org/sexiest-vegetarian-2012/Contestant.aspx?cid=8610&r=2
