John Travolta has taken to social media to share an adorable moment with his family dog, Peanut, following a bath. The clip, posted on Instagram on 17 September, features the 72-year-old actor snuggling with his dog, which has become a beloved member of the Travolta household.
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In the heartwarming video, Travolta can be seen lying in bed with Peanut, asking, “Did we just have a bath?” The dog, affectionately licking Travolta’s face, prompted the actor to exclaim, “You’re so clean!” Travolta then kissed Peanut and expressed his pride for the pup, saying, “I’m so proud of you.” This charming snapshot of their bond was captioned, “Peanut is happy after having a bath.”
Peanut, initially named Mac N Cheese, has been a fixture in Travolta’s Instagram posts since she came into their lives. She was adopted for Travolta’s son, Benjamin, aged 15, during a poignant moment at the 2022 Academy Awards. Peanut made her debut when actress Jamie Lee Curtis honoured the late Betty White in the Oscars In Memoriam segment. White was renowned for her tireless dedication to animal welfare, and Curtis felt it fitting to showcase a rescue dog.
The backstory of Peanut’s adoption reveals a more troubling narrative. Peanut and her siblings were found abandoned in a box outside the Avenal Animal Shelter in California—a plight that highlights the darker side of pet abandonment. According to Chad Atkins, co-founder of Paw Works, Peanut was left at the shelter with three siblings and their mother, and by the time of the awards show, she was the only one yet to be adopted.
Initially, the Oscars event planned to feature a trained dog, but Curtis insisted on featuring a rescue animal instead. “No, no, no, we can’t do that,” Curtis argued, advocating for a rescue in honour of White’s legacy. “It has to be a rescue animal.” This pivotal moment led Travolta to meet Peanut, as he locked eyes with the pup following the ceremony and held her for a lengthy 30 minutes before deciding to adopt her.
Atkins recounted the joy of Peanut’s new life with the Travolta family. “So it’s happily ever after for her now,” he remarked, noting the happiness she found with her new family. The following day, Atkins took Peanut to her new home, setting the stage for her new reality filled with love and care.
Since her adoption, Peanut has been the star of many of Travolta’s social media posts, capturing the hearts of fans. Notable moments shared include photographs of them enjoying a slice of cheese pizza together and taking a seat in a cockpit, showcasing their growing companionship.
John Travolta’s open affection for Peanut illustrates a tender side to the Hollywood star, highlighting the significance of rescue animals and the joy they can bring into people’s lives. As Travolta continues to embrace his role as a devoted “dog dad,” his story with Peanut serves as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the life-changing impact of adoption.
With each post, Travolta not only shares delight in daily life but also helps spread awareness about the plight of animals in shelters, potentially inspiring others to consider adopting a furry friend in need. As fans continue to enjoy these glimpses into their sweet bond, it’s clear that Peanut has found her forever home with one of Hollywood’s beloved icons.