Who she is: Axelband first came to the attention of The Palm Beach Post back in 2004 in a story about local do-gooders. At the time, she was delivering meals to homeless people out of the back of her Mercedes. The self-employed interior designer had a successful, glamorous business in Broward County decorating the Miami homes of CEOs and professional athletes. She wanted to show her gratitude for all she’d received.

Then, in 2003, she married Mickey Axelband, a Boynton Beach veterinarian and the owner of Coral Breeze Animal Hospital. The plight of unwanted pets became her new cause du jour, and she traded the glamorous life of fine art and decadent furniture for leashes and dog poop scoopers.

She started Dezzy’s Second Chance Rescue, a nonprofit organization whose biggest fundraiser of the year is Dec. 3. The third annual Bake for the Rescues features 20 celebrity chef bakers competing for the grand prize at the historic Sundy House in Delray Beach. A $25 donation ($30 at the door) buys unlimited pastries and desserts and other food provided by the Sundy House, plus a silent auction, raffles, a candy station and entertainment. Info: dezzyssecondchance.com

Here are a few of her favorites:

Favorite breakfast place?

My favorite breakfast place is either Tom Sawyer in Boca for their egg white omelet or Christine’s in Pineapple Grove off Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. You can take your dog. It’s quaint, and it’s a great place to meet people for breakfast.

Tom Sawyer, 1759 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Boca Raton. Info: (561) 368-4634; tomsawyerrestaurant.com

Christine’s, 263 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach. Info: (561) 278-3200

Favorite fine-dining restaurant?

The Sundy House in Delray. We were supposed to get married there, and that’s where I hold my annual event. It’s filled with exotic plants with special people caring for them. The fresh-water koi pond used to be the swimming pool. Lindsey Autry, the third runner up on Top Chef, is the executive chef there.

The Sundy House, 106 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Info: 561-272-5678; sundyhouse.com

Favorite place for a quiet dinner?

The Backyard Bar on Rosemary & Evernia in West Palm Beach. Amazing food. It’s pet-friendly. Their salads are huge, and on Sunday nights the great band Westminster Trio performs.

The Backyard Bar at Palm Beach Hibiscus, 213 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Info: 561-833-8171

Favorite boutique or store for browsing or buying?

The Goodwill store and Attitudes on Palm Beach. That’s where all the ladies from Palm Beach take the clothes they bought on Worth Avenue and wore once.

The Goodwill Store, 210 Sunset Ave., Palm Beach. Info: 561-832-8199; gulfstreamgoodwill.org

Attitudes Consignment Boutique, 212 Sunset Ave., Palm Beach. Info: 561-832-1666; attitudesofpalmbeach.com