The Cast of 'Gilmore Girls' & Their Adorable Dogs
The 2000s dramedy “Gilmore Girls” is the ultimate comfort show.
I have a soft spot or nearly every “Gilmore Girls” character (with the expectation of Rory’s absentee father, Christopher Hayden (David Sutcliffe), who simply cannot be redeemed). However, my favorite has to be Lorelai’s anxiety-ridden Polish Lowland Sheepdog named Paul Anka. I would argue, he is the least problematic character on the show. The pooch was played by a very good boy named Sparky, who reprised his role in the 2016 Netflix revival.
Not only was Sparky adorable, but he also had incredible chemistry with his co-stars, many of whom are massive dog lovers.
Without further ado, here is the cast of “Gilmore Girls” and their canine companions.
Lauren Graham
According to Nine, Lauren Graham was a devoted dog mom to a lovely lady named Mochi. She explained that the pup had “a lot of medical issues and needed quite a few surgeries,” causing her to seek out help from a "wonderful rehab lady” who lived on a farm.
"Over time it became clear that not only was she very happy on this farm with Anita [the "rehab lady"], but she fell in love with another [dog]," said the “Parenthood” star during a 2021 episode of the “The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “She really fell in love ... to the degree to which she would come back to me on the weekends and cry, like she missed her so much."
Due to her dog’s desire to be with the other pup, Graham decided to give Mochi to Anita.
“They really became companions and partners, so she was better off there in addition to living with Anita who would just take better care of her needs. So it worked out great but wow, it was quite a year. A happy ending,” shared the actress.
Jared Padalecki
Photo by Enis Yavuz on Unsplash
Unfortunately, Jared Padalecki portrayed Rory’s (Alexis Bledel) worst boyfriend, Dean Forester. Fortunately, the “Supernatural” star seems to be a fantastic pup parent. In May 2021, the actor took to Instagram to announce that he and his wife, Genevieve Padalecki, adopted a gorgeous Golden Retriever named Bridger.
Melissa McCarthy
Photo by Shayna Douglas on Unsplash
Before Melissa McCarthy cemented herself as a comedy legend, she played Lorelai’s bubbly best friend, Sookie St. James. In a 2018 interview on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” the “Bridesmaid” actress spoke about her two adorable Golden Retrievers. She explained what they lack in common sense, they make up with their looks.
“They’re pretty, they are not very bright, I love them dearly but it’s like living with models. They’re not that smart, and you know what? They don’t have to be. Because everyone just gives them things because they’re pretty. It’s like they’ll never come out of that cycle,” joked McCarthy.
Adam Brody
Photo by Cierra Voelkl on Unsplash
As much as I adore Luke Danes (Scott Patterson), Adam Brody’s Dave Rygalski wins the title of best romantic partner of all Stars Hallow. Brody and his wife Leighton Meester are proud pup parents to two canine companions.
Alex Borstein
Photo by Vitalii Khodzinskyi on Unsplash
“Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” actress Alex Borstein appeared as various characters, including Drella, Miss Celine, and Doris in “Gilmore Girls.” The actress has an adorable furry friend, who appears to be a Yorkshire Terrier.