For Jennifer Aniston, a perfect day off is refreshingly simple. The Friends star, who has worked tirelessly in Hollywood for nearly four decades, says her dream day begins with one key ingredient: “It looks like a blank schedule — there’s not one thing on it,” Aniston told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.
But her most important companions on these peaceful days? Her dogs, of course.
“Of course! That’s a given,” she said when asked if her beloved pets are part of her ideal day. “The dogs are everything. They’re living, breathing, pure, good love. It’s literally having love bombs just sitting on either side of you.”
Her current canine family includes Clyde, a Schnauzer mix known for tagging along on set, and Lord Chesterfield, a white Shepherd mix she rescued in 2020. Aniston’s late pit bull mix Sophie also holds a special place in her heart. Over the years, her dogs have remained a constant source of comfort and joy — her most loyal companions through life’s busiest seasons.
A Lifelong Dog Lover
Aniston’s devotion to dogs isn’t just a hobby—it’s deeply woven into her identity. She has always been a passionate advocate for rescue animals, regularly adopting from shelters and even fostering dogs in need.
One of her most famous dogs, Norman, a corgi-terrier mix, was with her for over a decade. She loved him so much that after his passing in 2011, she got his name tattooed on her foot as a permanent tribute.
Her dog Dolly, a white German Shepherd, was another cherished family member, co-parented with ex-husband Justin Theroux. Aniston later honored Dolly’s memory by keeping a wind chime in her home as a sweet reminder.
Even her creative work has been influenced by her pups. Clyde inspired an animated dog character named “Clydeo,” who now stars in children’s books and helps raise awareness and support for animal rescues.
Learning to Slow Down
Despite her full schedule, Aniston admits she’s learning to prioritize rest. “I’m a bit of a workaholic, so I’m forcing myself to try to take some time to travel and not work,” she said.
The Morning Show actress recently launched a new Smartwater campaign and continues to grow her beauty brand, LolaVie. But now, she’s focusing more on life outside of work. “Our work is diminishing returns at the end of the day if you’re just working so much that you don’t have any wonderful life experiences.”
Her sense of humor shines through as she imagines setting up auto-replies that say, “I’m away forever. But call me in December, I’ll be back.”
Dogs Keep Her Grounded
Aniston’s love for dogs keeps her connected to what truly matters. In a world filled with “awful and ugly” moments, she says it’s essential to hold on to simple, joyful experiences. For her, that means being surrounded by her furry family, spending time outdoors, and embracing unscheduled days.
Whether it’s Clyde riding along to work, Lord Chesterfield playing with his toys, or the cherished memories of Sophie, Dolly, and Norman—Jennifer Aniston’s perfect life always circles back to her dogs.
Through every chapter of her life, her dogs have remained her steady companions—offering comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. For Aniston, they are more than pets; they are family, grounding her in the present and reminding her to slow down and savor life’s quiet, beautiful moments.
