Mariska Talks Life On and Off Camera

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit may be wrapping up its 25th I season, but for Mariska Hargitay who's starred as commanding officer Olivia Benson for more than two decades the end is nowhere in sight.

"I feel like SVU I'm still in the race and I've got a ways to go before the finish line," the actress, 60, told Us while helping Purina unveil its Courageous Together statue, which was commissioned as part of the Purple Leash Project aiming to make domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly. "The fact that anyone would have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pet is just heartbreaking and unacceptable," says Hargitay. "We need to support them in every way that we can." Here, she tells Us more.

Q: What drew you to this partnership with Purina? It really spoke to my heart.