In an uplifting turn following her recent breakup, Dakota Johnson adopts a new puppy after breakup, welcoming an adorable rescue named Tokyo into her life. The Madame Web actress introduced Tokyo just days after news broke of her split with Chris Martin, finding solace and companionship through adoption at the Santa Barbara Humane Society in California.
Finding Comfort with a New Companion
On the June 10 episode of the Good Hang podcast with host Amy Poehler, Johnson shared the story behind Tokyo’s arrival. The Materialists star explained that adopting was unplanned.
“We rescued her on Saturday from the Santa Barbara pound,”
—Dakota Johnson, Actress. Johnson was still grieving the loss of her previous dog, Zeppelin, who passed away in December at age 17, when Tokyo’s gentle nature caught her attention unexpectedly.
Reflecting on her openness to another pet, she admitted,
“I thought, ‘It’s gonna be a while,’”
—Dakota Johnson, Actress. Yet seeing Tokyo changed her mind instantly.
“But then I saw her, and she’s an angel.”
—Dakota Johnson, Actress.
During the podcast, Dakota brought Tokyo along, mentioning that the rescue pup’s playful antics in the studio were new. Typically timid, Tokyo began thriving in the spotlight.
“Honestly, she has come alive on camera. She normally hides in the back of her crate. She’s really timid. And now she’s like, ‘Here I am.’”
—Dakota Johnson, Actress. Addressing her dog, Dakota joked,
“You’re an actress just like your mom!”
—Dakota Johnson, Actress.
Moving Forward After Heartbreak
Only six days before Tokyo’s podcast debut, multiple outlets had confirmed Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin’s breakup after nearly eight years together. While Johnson has not commented directly on the split, she revealed a new standard for future relationships, telling Craig Melvin on the June 9 episode of Today that the most important trait is simply “Just like, not an a–hole.”
Johnson’s love for animals has been a recurring element in her life, with her late dog Zeppelin playing a major supportive role. In a June 2024 TalkHouse interview, she reminisced,
“He is extremely smart and sweet and perfect and soulful. He’s always been a very healing dog for people, so I made him a certified emotional support animal. Which is just the sweetest thing ever.”
—Dakota Johnson, Actress.
Other Celebrities Embracing Animal Adoption
Johnson is not the only celebrity to welcome furry friends into their lives recently. Brie Larson, who already cared for her dog Six-Thirty, introduced a new pet to her Instagram followers in October 2024, writing,
“Proud to announce there’s a new *star* in my life.”
—Brie Larson, Actress.
Kevin Costner, the Yellowstone star, expressed his affection after bringing home a new dog in February 2024, stating,
“I’m already in love with this special guy.”
—Kevin Costner, Actor.
Sarah Jessica Parker, recognized for her role as Carrie Bradshaw, adopted the same kitten her character rescued during the second season of And Just Like That, while Jimmy Fallon’s dog Gary became a notable companion during his remote monologues through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reese Witherspoon relied on the comfort of her dogs, Pepper and Lou, to help her through a sinus infection, and singer Taylor Swift continued her well-known affection for her cats, especially Meredith, which translated even to her role in the movie Cats.
Kaley Cuoco, beloved from The Big Bang Theory, cares for several pets, keeping her days busy with their company. Ariana Grande publicly celebrated her dog’s birthday, exclaiming,
“Guess what everyone it’s time for me to post THIS photo again. happy birthday to the light of my life. my gooooszeeessskeh. i love u i love u i love u,”
—Ariana Grande, Singer.
Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry embraced the joy of Perry’s dog Nugget, sharing moments of happiness as a family. Jennifer Aniston has also shared how much she cherishes her dog Clyde. Beauty mogul Jeffree Star is well known for caring for several Pomeranians, while YouTuber Emma Chamberlain’s cats, Frankie and Declan, are social media stars in their own right.
Animals Who Steal the Spotlight
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shares spirited moments with his pet, noting their energetic pre-workout ritual:
“Our pre-workout ritual. We throw on ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ from Joe Walsh and get to rough housin’. He’s definitely ‘on one’ and feelin’ himself today cause he killed a lizard,”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor.
“He also knows when I lay down its a trap! Smart boy. Let’s get to work.”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor.
Liam Hemsworth, the Hunger Games alum, highlighted equine companionship, saying,
“Nothing beats riding your horse on the beach,”
—Liam Hemsworth, Actor. Cara Delevingne, known for her vibrant personality, is mom to a rabbit named Cecil Bunny Delevingne, and Ice T & Coco openly adore their bulldogs, King Maximus and Princess Alexus, whose charm has built their own following online.
Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback, celebrated a new addition by sharing,
“New Pup Alert!!! Welcome to the Wilson Family!”
—Russell Wilson, Athlete. Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick closed out the holiday season with their dogs Ramen and Pinot, continuing the trend of animal companionship serving as a source of joy and comfort for public figures.
Why Animal Companions Matter
The stories of Dakota Johnson, Brie Larson, Kevin Costner, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, and many others underscore the emotional benefits pets offer, especially during times of transition. Johnson’s decision to bring Tokyo into her life reflects both her ongoing healing and a broader message about the strength animals provide their humans. These relationships, formed through adoption and mutual care, highlight the pivotal bond between celebrities and their beloved pets.
