(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Denise Richards says its important that ex-husband Charlie Sheen gets to spend time with their children over the holiday period.

The 39-year-old actress was married to the Two and a Half Men star for four years before divorcing in 2006. The pair have two daughters from their union, six-year-old Sam, and Lola, five, and Denise insists they will grow up in a stable family unit.

Despite suffering an acrimonious split, Denise has revealed that she enjoyed spending time with Charlie over the festive holidays.

"He came over for Thanksgiving. It's definitely important for everyone to enjoy the holidays together. It's great for the kids. I'm sure we'll see him at Christmas, too," she told Extra.

Denise is a full-time mum and actress, but passion for animal rights takes up a lot of her free time. The star is set to lend her expertise to the Pup My Ride project which helps move dogs from overcrowded shelters to a haven in Utah. Denise has explained why she has such an affinity to the project.

"I've always been a huge animal lover ever since I was a kid. I brought home every single stray dog. Best Friends Animal Society, which I do a lot work with, came up with the idea. Every Monday, we go to shelters and send 40-50 dogs up to their facility in Utah, she added. (C) Cover Media