It takes a special woman to win a contest like Fox' Girl Next Door: The Search for a Playboy Centerfold without enduring a few claw marks, but Lauren Anderson emerged unscathed and even made some new friends along the way. "The whole thing was an incredible experience," says Miss July. "I got along with all the girls and want to keep in touch with them." You may recognize the 22-year-old Florida college senior from the October 2001 Girls of the SEC pictorial, but Lauren doesn't think her previous modeling experience gave her an edge on the competition. "It had no bearing whatsoever," she says. "We were judged on the pictures that were shot during the show. I love being on camera and acting -- it comes naturally to me."

Lauren is studying pre-veterinary medicine in college and is determined to open her own animal-rescue farm someday. "My favorite class was Livestock Practical," she says. "I delivered two litters of pigs and a horse for that course. At home, I have two cats and a pet duck named Marble, who was paralyzed in one leg. I assisted on a surgery to put a metal rod in his leg, which we just took out the other day. He's doing fine and likes to swim in my bathtub."

One guy who thinks waterfowl swimming in Lauren's tub is just ducky is her boyfriend of more than three years. "I love all-American boys," she says. "And I'm attracted to a guy I can't get right away. I love going bowling or just walking on the beach -- simple stuff. In five years I could see myself married, being an actress and owning an animal shelter. I believe in destiny, so I wouldn't change anything that has happened to me, because those experiences helped me become the woman I am now."

---- Photography by Arny Freytag

AMBITIONS
To graduate from college, be a successful actor and open an animal rescue ranch.

TURN-ONS
A guy who is loyal and has a good sense of humor, with a great smile!

TURN-OFFS
A guy who is conceited, has poor hygiene and doesn't brake for animals!

FIVE CDS I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT
Bobby Brown's Greatest Hits, Marvin Gaye's Greatest Hits, Fleetwood Mac's The Dance, Madonna's The Immaculate Collection and any Aerosmith.

SPORTS I LIKE TO PLAY
Basketball, softball and all water sports.

I WISH I HAD
More time to spend with my family and land to start my animal rescue ranch.

IF I HAD MORE TIME, I WOULD
Spend it relaxing at the beach!