JENNIFER ESPOSITO

Actress Jennifer Esposito is best known for her roles as a no-nonsense Detective on Blue Bloods, NCIS, and Law & Order: SVU. But these days, she can be found behind the camera for her latest project, Fresh Kills, a film she headlines, wrote and directed for Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

“When I wasn’t able to find satisfying roles,” Esposito tells our sister magazine, Pet Lifestyle Magazine, “It motivated me to create a script and pitch it to Hollywood.” Esposito finds the work fulfilling, and she credits her dogs with ingraining a permanent smile on her face and bringing laughter into her New York home.

In this interview, Esposito reveals why her dogs are in a league of their own and how they pulled this Hollywood star out of tough times when no one else could.

Tell us more about how being a dog Mom.  
I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have dogs. Dogs are the best things on earth. I would take dogs over anybody, and my husband would agree.

How long have you been a dog Mom?
I begged my mom when I was a kid to get a dog, and she did. When I was on my own at 18, I got a Golden Retriever named Frankie Beans, who I describe as the one and only love of my life. I had him for 17 years, and he was with me through everything. When Frankie Beans got sick, I found a 13-pound Goldendoodle named Goose, and now I have him and a Sheepadoodle named Gus, who is 85 pounds and a sweetheart.

How did you decide what breed was right for you?
I recommend you do your research before getting a dog. The only time I didn’t do much research was when I got my Sheepadoodle. Here is something people should know: there is a herding aspect to them, at least with Gus there is, because he tries to herd the squirrels in the yard, and when they don’t come to him, he gets frustrated. It is hilarious to watch.

What other vital considerations should be on our radar?
People must understand dogs are more than cute members of the family. You must understand what the dog is about, what the dog needs, and how a dog fits into your life because having a dog is a responsibility and obligation. Yes, it will bring you so much joy, but it is not a decision you should make on a whim. 

What are some of the significant differences with all your dogs?
Goose is my protector. He may be only 13 pounds, but if anyone comes near me, it’s like he’s thinking, “Don’t even think about it!” Goose likes to have his bed underneath mine. We call it his apartment. He loves being cozy underneath there. He is also extremely intuitive. If I shed a tear in silence, he senses it, immediately jumps up on my bed and lays on my chest. He is the sweetest little man.

What do you like to do with your dogs when you are not on a television set?
We like to play in the yard, be in nature, or go for a long walk on the beach. They love to run, catch sticks and stroll on our favorite hiking trail. When they sense I want to go to the park or beach, they start running around the house and get all excited.

Dogs are reportedly known to help lower stress. Do you agree?
I have had a lot of stress over the years and Frankie Beans was there. At one point in my life, I got sick with Celiac Disease, and it was Frankie Beans who would sit with me on the floor when I was in so much pain. He never left my side or walked to the door to signal he needed to go outside. He just stayed with me, and I credit that dog with saving my life. Goose is like that too, which is why I get so much joy from my animals. 

Fresh Kills starring Jennifer Esposito and Sopranos alum Annabella Sciorra is now airing on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. The full interview is available in the PAWliday Edition of Pet Lifestyles Magazine