Oprah Winfrey Says Dogs ‘Allowed Me to Hold on’ When ‘Everything Else Was Falling Apart’ (Exclusive)

**Oprah Winfrey Narrates New Miniseries Celebrating the Bond Between Dogs and Their Owners**

Oprah Winfrey, the renowned media mogul and philanthropist, has shared her life with an impressive number of 21 dogs over the years. In her latest venture, she narrates a miniseries titled *Life is Better with Dogs* on The Oprah Podcast’s YouTube channel, which focuses on the strong connections between dogs and their owners. This collaboration comes in partnership with the dog food company, The Farmer’s Dog.

At 72 years old, Winfrey reflects on how her canine companions have profoundly influenced her life, teaching her invaluable lessons about love, loss, and acceptance. “Dogs have always been the love of my life,” she expressed as she shared her story of growing up and her early ambitions to own a dog—a dream she fulfilled upon moving out of her father’s house at the age of 20.

Winfrey’s first dog was an Afghan hound named Kashmir, a significant step in her long-standing relationship with pets. In her five decades of dog ownership, she has welcomed numerous furry friends into her home, each with a special place in her heart. This new miniseries aims to highlight the transformative impact of dogs, showcasing not only their affectionate nature but also their roles as emotional support and healing companions.

The episodes of *Life is Better with Dogs* each run for approximately four minutes, featuring a diverse cast of dogs and their owners. One poignant story presented in the series revolves around Chad Brown, a U.S. Navy veteran who, upon returning from service, faced the challenges of PTSD. His service dog, Axe, has played a crucial role in his recovery, highlighting the importance of dogs in mental health support. Brown has since established a non-profit called Love is King, which assists both veterans and at-risk youth.

Winfrey’s early experiences with dogs have shaped her worldview. She reminisced about acquiring her first dog, a black cockapoo named Simone, during a difficult time in her childhood. Living in an apartment with her mother, who was struggling financially, Winfrey recalled saving her lunch money to afford the $7.25 purchase. To convince her mother to keep the dog, Winfrey fabricated a series of stories, emphasising the companionship Simone provided during a tumultuous period in her life marked by hardship and abuse. “He was my refuge. Dogs have always been the friend in my life when everything else around me was falling apart,” she shared.

Throughout her life, Winfrey has navigated the pain of losing numerous pets, with each loss deepening her spiritual understanding. She spoke movingly about her “soul dog,” Luke, a golden retriever who passed away in 2018. Winfrey credited Luke with enriching her spiritual journey, stating, “I’m telling you, when I transition, Luke will be there to greet me.” Such connections underline the deep emotional ties that can exist between dogs and their owners.

Winfrey attributes her current vitality to the lessons she’s learned from these life experiences with dogs. “One of the reasons why I actually believe I’m in the prime of my life is because I’ve learned presence from my dogs. I’ve watched my dogs, who are just living in the moment,” she explained, underscoring the calm and joy that dogs can inspire.

Currently, Winfrey cares for her 17-year-old cocker spaniel, Sadie, who has experienced health challenges over the past year. Following a scare where Sadie seemed to be nearing the end, Winfrey was relieved to see her beloved pet return to her playful self. “We call her Lazarina! Back from the dead,” she joked, highlighting her affection for Sadie. Despite requiring special medical care, including a diaper and fluid injections due to kidney issues, Sadie remains spirited and full of life, which has encouraged Winfrey to embrace the aging process with optimism.

In her reflections, Winfrey encourages others to appreciate the moments they share with their dogs. “I’ve learned even when you don’t move as well and things go wrong, life is still good,” she affirmed, embodying the resilience and joy that dogs can bring into human lives. Through her miniseries, she hopes to inspire more people to recognise the significant role that dogs play in enhancing the quality of life, nurturing both the heart and soul.