Kathy Griffin with Olivia, Elliot, Mary & Maggie
What’s the best thing about sharing your life with a pack of dogs? I honestly believe that if every person across the globe had just one dog to love and take care of, we would be able to conquer anything together. We would just be better people for it.
Their ages and best-guess at breed?
My husband, Randy, and I are doing Dog DNA tests and are eagerly awaiting the results to find out what breed(s) they are. Expecting some type of “Super Mutt” for all four, but it will be interesting to see if there are particular genes for specific dogs that are more prominent. Ages - Olivia and Elliot are 5. Mary and Maggie are 3.
Is there a story behind any of their names?
Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler were named after the main characters played by Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni on “Law & Order: SVU.” Or, as my mother, the late, great, Maggie Griffin (which Maggie and Mary are named after), would call it “Law & Order: SUV.”
What is your idea of a perfect afternoon together?
Cuddling in bed with the whole pack!
If you could tell them one thing, what would it be? You have saved my life.
What’s the greatest extravagance you afford them? These dogs are all pampered beyond belief! They live in a Malibu mansion!
What is their motto? Leave no one behind. We are legion.
“ These dogs are all pampered beyond belief! They live in a Malibu mansion! ”
— Kathy
Ken & Tran Jeong with Mocha
Who was the first canine love of your life? Mocha is our first dog, on both sides of our family.
Mocha’s age and breed?
Mocha is a Mini Goldendoodle, born November 13, 2019.
Is there a story behind naming her Mocha?
We let our daughters name her Mocha. They wanted a food-based name and narrowed down their choices to Mocha or Mochi.
What is Mocha’s best physical characteristic? Her expressive long-lashed brown eyes and her deadpan face.
What is your idea of a perfect afternoon together?
We love hiking with Mocha. She is everyone’s best friend and loves meeting new people and especially other small dogs.
If Mocha was an historical figure, who would she be?
Do Ewoks count?
What’s the greatest extravagance you afford her? Private jet travel every once in a while, yeah she’s spoiled for sure!
What is her favorite occupation?
S he loves getting her head and ears scratched and will paw at you if you stop for even a moment.
What is Mocha’s motto?
FOMO - She always wants to go with us, and loves riding in the passenger seat of the car. Her worst fear is being left at home.
Angelica Ross with Hammer & Candy
What’s your favorite quality in a dog? Companionship, loyalty, trustworthiness, playful, best friend, motivation to stay fit by walking every day.
What’s the best thing about sharing your life with dogs? They are there through thick and thin and unconditionally love.
Who is (was) the greatest canine love of your life and why? Candy! She’s beautiful, majestic, well trained, loves to travel with me, and she’s my protector.
Hammer & Candy’s age and breed?
Hammer is a 4-year-old short-haired chihuahua and Candy is a 3-year-old Doberman Pincer.
Is there a story behind any of their names?
Candy’s name comes from my role in Pose as “Candy.” Her attitude is just as fierce and does not budge when someone tries to intimidate her.
How did you meet them?
I found Candy through a dog breeder, and it was love at first sight!
What are their best physical characteristics?
Hammer is small and perfect size to travel with. He has a beautiful shiny blonde coat. Candy has a beautiful muscular body that her black and brown coat embellish.
What is your idea of a perfect afternoon together? Laying by the pool sunbathing
If you could ask them one question, what would it be? What would you like to do today?
If you could tell them one thing, what would it be?
I feel like I talk to both my dogs throughout the day frequently.
If Hammer & Candy were historical figures, who would they be? I’m not quite sure, but someone who’s fierce and poised!
What’s the greatest extravagance you afford them? Pet Spa, plane rides and professional dog training.
What’s your favorite quality in a cat? The need to be loved, even though they are independent.
Who was the first canine love of your life? Duke - a large Fox Terrier.
Is there a story behind naming him Billy Bob? The animal shelter had his name listed as Billy Bob.
How did you meet him?
Through an animal shelter in Arizona. There was a photo of Billy Bob on top of a refrigerator with an FU look on his face.
What is Billy Bob’s best physical characteristic? He’s Sturdy.
What is your idea of a perfect afternoon together? Relaxing on my porch swing together in the garden.
If you could tell him one thing, what would it be? I love you.
If Billy Bob was an historical figure, who would he be? A world leader.
What’s the greatest extravagance you afford him? About 12 cat beds, including hammocks, trees, condos and pop-up tents. Excluding my bed, chairs and sofa which, of course, he uses regularly.
What is his favorite occupation? Sunbathing on the dirt in the garden
What is Billy Bob’s motto? Everything is mine.
June Squibb with Billy Bob
David Oyelowo with Maui, Marmite, Lucy & Levi
What’s the best thing about sharing your life with dogs? They give you the gift of looking beyond yourself.
Maui, Marmite, Lucy & Levi’s age and breed?
Maui is a 2-year-old Bernese mountain dog. Lucy is a teenage golden retriever mix. Marmite is a 5-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Levi is a 6-year-old Siberian husky.
Is there a story behind any of their names?
I love big dogs and my wife loves small dogs. Marmite is a very polarizing British food, so we called her that as my wife snuck a small dog into our pack. She’s grown on me though.
What are their best physical characteristics?
Marmite has cute floppy ears. Levi has a blue eye and a brown eye. Lucy has a funny walk. Maui has eye you could get lost in.
If you could ask them one question, what would it be? Why do you like sniffing other dog’s butts?
If you could tell them one thing, what would it be? Please sit when I ask you to.
If Maui, Marmite, Lucy & Levi were historical figures, who would they be?
Maui - Don King, Marmite - a female Napoleon, Lucy - Margaret Thatcher, and Levi - Brad Pitt.
Judy Greer with Mary
“ I wish she wouldn’t bite my husband.”
— Judy
W What’s the best thing about sharing your life with dogs? How easy it is to make a dog happy.
Mary’s age and breed?
She’s about 9 years old. Her DNA test said part Shih Tzu and Pekingese, part mutt.
How did you meet her?
My vet at the time, Dr. Werber, called me a year after my sweet Buckley passed away and told me it was “time”. A rescue he worked with needed fosters over the holidays. I agreed to foster Mary (Betty was her name at the time) and that was true love.
If Mary was an historical figure, who would she be? Sybil.
What is your idea of a perfect afternoon together? A long walk with a hot coffee and then a major sofa cuddle.
If you could change one thing about her, what would it be? I wish she wouldn’t bite my husband.
What’s the greatest extravagance you afford her? Everything!! She gets nothing but the best.
What is Mary’s motto?
Every day is a new day, you never know what you’re going to get.
—What’s the best thing about sharing your life with a dog? The constant mutual affection. They have no alternative motives or hidden agendas. They just want to love and be loved in return.
Cooper and Fitzgerald’s age and breed? Cooper is a nine-year-old Golden Retriever and Fitzgerald is a six-yearold Terrier mystery.
What is your idea of a perfect afternoon with them? We love taking them for strolls on the beach and playdates at the puppy park, then back home for a good Netflix binge. They also love watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for some reason.
If you could ask them one question, what would it be? “Where are you hiding the balls?” We’ve gone through hundreds. Or “Is that really necessary?” For multiple occasions.
If you could tell them one thing, what would it be? I would tell Cooper the water dish isn’t going to bite him and I’d tell Fitzgerald the housekeepers deserve his respect.
If they were historical figures, who would they be? Cooper would be Hugh Hefner and Fitz would be General Patton.
What’s the greatest extravagance you afford Cooper and Fitzgerald? Our king bed is theirs. We’re just happy to be included.
“
Cooper would be Hugh Hefner and Fitz would be General Patton ”
Chris
Chris Colfer with Cooper & Fitzgerald
Dan Bucatinsky with Nika & Robbie
Who is (was) the greatest canine love of your life and why?
Each of my dogs has felt like the greatest of my life – at the time they were in my life. My childhood German Shepherd Baron made me feel seen, heard and less-alone at a time when I was hungry for those things. The first dog I had with my now husband of 30 years, Basia – was like our first BABY, before we had a real baby. And then, of course, NIKA. The greatest rescue dog ever – may she rest in peace - she was loyal and loving and smart and intuitive. Miss her.
Robbie’s age and breed?
Robbie is 3. He is a mix of chihuahua, poodle, pit and a tiny bit Pomeranian.
Is there a story behind naming him Robbie?
We LOVE naming dogs with human names. We were set on KEVIN, then realized we have an important Kevin in our lives, so my kids voted on Robbie.
If you could ask him one question, what would it be?
What’s so appealing about socks?
If you could tell him one thing, what would it be? Give me back my socks.
If Robbie was an historical figure, who would he be? Napoleon.
What’s the greatest extravagance you afford him?
I let him sleep each night in bed with our teenaged son – curled up, under the covers. He seeks out the most delicate, soft and expensive blankets, natch.
What is his favorite occupation? Sock manufacturing and distribution.
“ My childhood German Shepherd Baron – made me feel seen, heard and less alone at a time when I was hungry for those things
”
— Dan
Chris Gorham with Pika & Suki
What’s the best thing about sharing your life with dogs?
The unconditional love a well-treated dog offers is good for the soul, and the discipline needed to care for a dog is good for the mind and body.
Pika & Suki’s ages and breeds?
Pika is an almost ten-year-old labradoodle and Suki is a three-year-old yorkie.
Is there a story behind any of their names?
Pika came into our family to be a service dog for our son Lucas, who named her Pika after his favorite Pokémon, Pikachu. Our son Ethan named Suki after a character in The Last Airbender.
What are their best physical characteristics?
Pika’s eyelashes that go on for days and Suki’s expressive ears.
If you could ask them one question, what would it be? What do emotions smell like?
If Pika & Suki were historical figures, who would they be?
Pika would be Eleanor Roosevelt and Suki would be Joan of Arc
What’s the greatest extravagance you afford them? Emergency medical care. If you know, you know.
What are Pika & Suki’s mottos?
Pika - “How can I help?” and Suki - “I will cut a bitch.”
Rebecca Wisocky with Carlo, Primrose & Tank
What’s your favorite quality in a dog? Humor.
What’s the best thing about sharing your life with dogs? So much love. So many snouts.
Who is (was) the greatest canine love of your life?
My childhood dog Rascal would meet me at the school bus stop every day. We had a real bond. But I’m pretty seriously in love with all three of our pups.
Age and breed of Carlo, Primrose and Tank?
All three are lab/pit/various mixes. Carlo is 9 and Prim and Tank are 3.
What is your idea of a perfect afternoon with them? Dog park, snacks and snuggles.
If you could ask him/her one question, what would it be? What’s your beef with the Schnauzers on the corner? You used to be friends.
If you could tell him/her one thing, what would it be? I think they’re pretty clear on my feelings. But, I’d make sure they know that we love them forever.
How did they come into your life?
When I was filming Devious Maids, I went to Puerto Rico to participate in Roselyn Sanchez’s charity event, The Great Paw Paw Race. Ros put the then 10-week-old Carlo in my arms. I felt his little heart beating in my hands, fell in love and never let him go.
My husband, Lap and I adopted Primrose and Tank from a local rescue organization called HIT Living Foundation at the beginning of the pandemic. Raymond and Charlie actually took some beautiful photos of the litter at that time which we only realized during this shoot! Prim and Tank were always together in those photos, side by side. It was kismet that we ended up with the 2 best buds in the group.
If he/she was a historical figure, who would he/she be?
This doesn’t really answer the question, but it gives a sense of their personalities I think: Tank reminds me of some alluring high school foreign exchange student who’s the captain of the baseball team. Primrose’s nickname is The Butterscotch Fox. And Carlo was named after Carlo Ponti.
What is your pups’ motto?
Stick together!
Ashley Fink with Fred
“ If someone goes to the pantry, they give me a treat, it’s a rule, it’s a tax and it is mandatory ”
— Fred
What’s the best thing about sharing your life with a cat?
Coming home and knowing my little guy is going to be there is the best feeling. Also I feel like cats, whether they are usually affectionate with humans or not, have a sixth sense emotionally. If you’re feeling down, or in pain they feel it too and do their best to cheer you up and support you.
Fred’s age and breed?
Fred is 12 and he is a rescue so I’m not sure of his breed. Long haired, black with a brownish tummy and giant green eyes!
How did you meet him?
Funny enough, I was visiting a shelter with a friend who was looking for a pet, and then I saw this little, black fur-ball with huge green eyes, staring right at me and then sneezing for about a minute straight. I asked someone about him and they said he was scheduled to be put down the following day because he need an antibiotic the shelter couldn’t afford. I told her I would adopt him on the spot.
Is there a story behind the name Fred?
Oprah actually named my cat. I was desperately trying to name him something spooky, Burton, Vincent, etc. He was not having it whatsoever. Then Oprah was on TV talking to someone named, “Fred” and every time she said, “Fred” he would look at the television. So I asked him, “do you think your name is Fred?” And the rest was history. To jazz it up a little he’s officially named Fredrick Von Fink. Fredrick means, “peaceful ruler” and that just about purrfectly sums him up.
If Fred was a historical figure, who would he be?
I’m thinking Lord Melbourne because he was, and I quote, “Possibly the laziest man in history, Melbourne became Prime Minister by accident and then slept his way through seven years of British history.” And funny enough, he had a brother named Frederick!
What is Fred’s motto?
If someone goes to the pantry, they give me a treat, it’s a rule, it’s a tax and it is mandatory.
If Fred could say anything to you, what would it be?
PLEASE stop singing! He literally puts his little paws over my mouth when I’ve been singing for too long and he’s trying to get his 18 hours of sleep in.