Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have adopted a puppy. The addition comes as pet adoption rates have risen nationwide in the past year.
The celebrity couple have revealed via Instagram that they’ve adopted a puppy called Dudley from Wags and Walks, a pet adoption service in Los Angeles. The non-profit organization has facilitated thousands of successful pet adoptions since its founding.
“In honor of National Puppy Day, meet Dudley – the newest member of our fam!! [dog paw emoji]” the couple wrote. “When we first met Dudley, he was fighting for his life. Thirteen days in the hospital, endless love from his foster family, and an incredible recovery later – he’s officially home. (sic)” Their announcement post quickly garnered significant attention, highlighting the public’s interest in celebrity adoptions.
Earlier this year, Wags and Walks revealed that Dudley was receiving around-the-clock care after contracting “severe” pneumonia. But Teigen, 39, and Legend, 46, are now “in love” with their new puppy. Canine pneumonia affects many shelter dogs annually, with strong recovery rates when given proper medical care.
“Nothing can replace the dogs we’ve loved before, but sometimes, the universe sends us the reminder that we need to open our hearts again. Call it kismet. [dog and star emojis]” they said. “Adoption saves lives, and there are so many more dogs waiting for their second chance. Thank you @wagsandwalks – we are in love. [heart emoji] (sic)” Research shows that rescue dogs often form particularly strong bonds with their adoptive families, with many owners reporting increased levels of loyalty and affection.
Lesley Brog, the founder of Wags and Walks, is thrilled that Dudley has “found such a wonderful forever home” with Teigen and Legend. The organization specializes in rescuing dogs who might otherwise be overlooked in traditional shelter settings.
She also hailed the loved-up couple’s “compassion and commitment to rescue.” Celebrity adoptions often lead to increased public awareness about pet rescue, with organizations typically seeing an increase in adoption inquiries following high-profile adoptions.
“Seeing him go from fighting for every breath in the ICU to now being cherished by Chrissy, John and their family is nothing short of incredible. Their compassion and commitment to rescue mean the world to us, and we couldn’t be more grateful that Dudley has found such a wonderful forever home,” Brog said in a statement. “This is exactly why we work hard to give dogs like Dudley the second chances they deserve.” Veterinary costs for treating severe cases like Dudley’s can be substantial, making donations and support crucial for rescue organizations.
This isn’t the first time Teigen and Legend have opened their home to rescue pets. The couple has long been advocates for animal adoption, previously adopting several dogs, including their beloved bulldogs who have been featured prominently on their social media accounts. Families with multiple pets often report higher levels of household happiness and reduced stress levels.
Dudley joins the couple’s growing family, which includes their children Luna, Miles, Esti, and Wren. Child development experts note that growing up with pets can teach children important values like responsibility, empathy, and compassion, while also providing companionship that contributes to emotional well-being.
The timing of the adoption coincides with National Puppy Day, an observance created to raise awareness about the need for puppy adoptions and to celebrate the joy that puppies bring to people’s lives. The annual event has helped place many puppies in loving homes since its inception.
Los Angeles-based Wags and Walks has become increasingly popular among celebrities, with several high-profile adoptions in recent years. The organization focuses on matching pets with suitable families based on lifestyle and living situations rather than just breed preferences, resulting in a lower return rate than the national average.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to the news, with many sharing their own rescue pet stories in the comments of the couple’s announcement post. This community engagement helps spread awareness about the benefits of adoption over purchasing from breeders or pet stores, where animals may come from problematic breeding facilities.
Animal welfare experts estimate that many companion animals enter shelters nationwide each year. Celebrity adoptions like this one help spotlight the ongoing need for pet adoption across the country.
