With the number of pets being abandoned and turned over to rescues and animal shelters reaching new highs, there has been a lot of chatter about the importance of the “adopt, don’t shop” movement. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States annually – a startling and mind-blowing number.
There have been many unique ways to help get these incredible animals out of the shelters. One that the average pet lover may not realize is the number of television shows and movies that bring on adoptable animals as furry costars on the set.
You may wonder, if these animals search for their forever home, why was something not said to the general public?
The truth, in many cases, is quite heartwarming! Many of these animals are adopted right off the set by their costars or others working on the movies. This includes adoptions involving some of our favourite celebrities! Here are a few such happy endings…
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Chris Evans and DodgerAnimal
While on the set of his 2017 film, Gifted, Chris Evans was introduced to a high-energy and loving 1-year-old dog that was an “extra” during a scene filmed in a kennel setting. After discovering that this pup was up for adoption, it didn’t take long for Evans to know it was meant to be. Today, Evans reports that Dodger plays an essential role in his daily routine, including cuddling up to sleep and exercising regularly.
Sophie Turner and Zunni
Quite a few animals were seen on the Game of Thrones set, but one in particular had a happy ending. Her character’s direwolf, Lady, may have died on the show, but that certainly wasn’t the end of the bond and connection between these two. Turner convinced her parents to welcome Zunni into the family.
Sylvester Stallone, Cuff, and Link:
Looking back a little further into the history of pets adopted off the set, Cuff and Link were adopted back in 1976 from the set of Rocky. These two have enjoyed a long, happy life in the Stallone household. While it’s unclear whether they are still alive today, Stallone did share a post in 2019 featuring the 44-year-old turtles. They also made a cameo appearance in CREED 2.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Lotus Animal
A more recent adoption, Lotus joined the Parker/Broderick family in April 2023, having been adopted off the set of Season 2 of And Just Like That… In the show, Lotus played Shoe, Carrie Bradshaw’s cat. Not only has Lotus been adopted to spend the rest of his life with Parker, but he will continue to start on the show alongside her.
Taylor Swift and Benjamin Button:
This may not be an example of a show or movie set, but Benjamin Button’s claim to fame was his role in Swift’s music video for ME! In 2019. When the cat was played in Swift’s arms to film the scene together, he started purring and snuggling into her. He knew right away this was his forever person, and it didn’t take long for Swift to reciprocate those feelings.
