When actors bond with their on-screen animal co-stars, it’s easy to assume it’s all just part of the job. But for some celebrities, that bond doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. These stars decided to take their pet friends home for good. Here are 12 of the sweetest real-life pet adoptions that started on set.
1. Ryan Reynolds Gave Baxter A Home After The Proposal
Baxter, a stray dog who played a minor role in The Proposal, charmed Reynolds so much that he ended up adopting him. They quickly became inseparable, and Baxter lived with Reynolds for years, even making appearances in social media posts. Ryan has often mentioned how Baxter’s laid-back attitude and quirky nature helped him unwind after long filming days.
2. Sandra Bullock Gave Poppy A Forever Home
Just like Reynolds, Sandra found herself a pet from the same set when she met Poppy, a lovable dog. Their adoption became public when Sandra shared photos of their new life. Since then, Poppy has been by Sandra’s side through thick and thin. Her pup accompanies her on various trips and even makes occasional appearances in social media posts.
3. Robert Downey Jr. Took Dodger Home
Dodger’s sweet nature won Downey over, and he made it official by adopting him. In interviews, Downey has spoken about how Dodger became a part of his family, bringing comfort during his personal challenges. So, while filming The Judge, he got more than just a character to play—he found a lovely pet.
4. Tom Hanks’ Unlikely Bond With Cast Away’s Amigo
When Tom adopted Amigo, their connection became a favorite topic for interviews, with Hanks sharing how the dog’s calm and affectionate nature played a big role in bringing out his own emotional performance. While Cast Away was centered around his character’s survival story, it was Amigo who became an unexpected co-star.
5. Miley Cyrus Welcomed Floyd Into Her Family
Miley Cyrus wasn’t expecting to find a new family member while working on The Voice, but it did happen when she met Floyd. Miley’s love for Floyd was undeniable, and she frequently posted about him on social media, sharing photos and stories of their time together. Floyd became one of Miley’s most cherished pets before his untimely passing.
6. Jessica Chastain’s Lifelong Friendship With Chaplin
Chaplin, a rescue dog who was part of Mama, captured Chastain’s heart. After filming, Chastain took Chaplin home, where he fit perfectly into her family. Famous for her deep connection with animals, Chastain has shared that adopting Chaplin was a rewarding experience that enriched her life in ways she hadn’t imagined.
7. Sophie Turner’s Game of Thrones Pet
Sophie adopted Zunni, a Northern Inuit dog who played the role of her on-screen pet on Game of Thrones. Since Sophie was a minor at that time, she needed her parent’s permission before adopting a dog; they said yes! Zunnie then became a cherished member of her family. Sadly, Zunni passed away in 2017, leaving behind lasting memories.
8. Kaley Cuoco Found Shirley through 8 Simple Rules
Kaley had always been an animal lover. So, she didn’t hesitate when she got the chance to adopt the rescue dog, Shirley, from the sets of 8 Simple Rules. In interviews, Kaley often recalled how Shirley was an unexpected but delightful addition to her household. Shirley’s playful energy and loyalty helped lift Kaley’s spirits during her off-screen moments.
9. Chris Hemsworth Took Leo From Thor to His Home
Leo’s adoption wasn’t a typical movie star story. Leo had been part of the production’s animal team, and when Thor‘s filming ended, Hemsworth couldn’t just leave Leo behind. He brought him home to Australia and shared that Leo’s easygoing personality made him the perfect companion. Leo helps him unwind after an intense filming schedule.
10. Natalie Portman and the Unexpected Adoption of Whiz
Natalie Portman’s adoption of Whiz, a dog she met on the set of Black Swan, was a natural step in their growing connection. She advocates for animal rights, and her decision to adopt Whiz made sense. The two have been inseparable ever since. Whiz now enjoys a quieter life, far from the cameras, but still by her side.
11. Hilary Swank and Karoo’s Rescue Journey
While filming The Resident, Swank crossed paths with Karoo, a rescue pup who won her heart. The bond between the two grew as they spent time on set, and Swank couldn’t resist offering Karoo a forever home. Her connection with the dog also reflected Swank’s commitment to animal welfare. Since then, Swank has been a strong advocate for rescuing animals in need.
12. Hugh Jackman’s Special Bond With Dali from The Prestige
Hugh Jackman met Dali while filming The Prestige, where the dog was cast as the pet of Christian Bale’s character. Jackman was immediately drawn to Dali’s easygoing nature and intelligence and adopted him right after the production concluded. He calls him a “constant source of joy” and has talked about a lot of their memories over the years.
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