1. David Muir – Axel the Unofficial Co-Anchor
David Muir may be known for his polished delivery, but his dog Axel adds just the right touch of real-life charm. Introduced in a joyful Instagram post, Axel is a German Shorthaired Pointer with energy and elegance to match. He’s more than a photo companion. He’s a daily reminder that there’s a world beyond the newsroom. Axel tags along for hikes, morning walks, and everyday messes that never make the news. In the quiet before or after work, Axel is right there, tail wagging and ready for whatever comes next. Every journalist needs a good lead. Muir found his in Axel.
2. Walter Cronkite
Long before the cameras rolled and headlines broke, Walter Cronkite enjoyed a slower rhythm with his dogs at his side. Often spotted walking near his home in Martha’s Vineyard, the news icon looked happiest with his pups trotting beside him. They weren’t famous, but they brought a certain calm to his daily routine. His love for sailing, storytelling, and his four-legged friends painted a picture of a man who knew the value of simple things. After delivering the nation’s news, Cronkite found his own peace with the soft jingle of dog tags and the crunch of gravel underfoot.
3. Gayle King – Granddogs with Personality
Gayle King may not have dogs of her own, but her daughter’s dachshunds have certainly claimed her heart. She affectionately refers to them as her “granddogs,” often sharing snapshots of their adventures together. From birthday parties to spontaneous selfies, these spunky pups have become unexpected stars in her personal life. Gayle’s updates show the playful chaos and joy they bring into her world. Whether she’s working early mornings or winding down after interviews, there’s something grounding about those tiny paws. Sometimes, the pets we don’t plan for end up becoming our most cheerful companions in the background of life.
4. Lester Holt – Quiet Voice for Rescue Dogshol
Lester Holt is known for his calm presence on-screen, and that same quiet warmth extends to his rescue dog at home. He and his wife adopted a shelter dog, choosing love over pedigree. Holt doesn’t flaunt his pup in the spotlight, but his occasional posts and mentions show a genuine appreciation for adoption. His story is a reminder that sometimes, behind the polished suits and serious headlines, there’s someone picking up chew toys and heading out for early morning walks. Rescue dogs don’t just need homes. They give back just as much, sometimes more than we ever expect.
5. Robin Roberts – Lukas the Soft Spot
Robin Roberts has always been a source of strength and warmth on television, and her rescue dog Lukas seems to mirror that spirit. Adopted in 2021, Lukas is often seen in her social media updates, either curled at her feet or lounging peacefully nearby. There’s something soothing about their bond. It’s not loud or showy. It’s quiet, gentle, and deeply mutual. Robin calls him her “sweet boy” and often credits him for helping her slow down. In a life filled with cameras, lights, and scripts, Lukas offers something pure. Just presence, love, and the joy of simply being there.
6. Dan Rather – The Ranch Life with Dogs
Dan Rather’s words have carried weight for generations, but at home, it’s the quiet sounds of the ranch that speak to him most. Living on Texas land for years, he shared space with horses and dogs who were more than pets. They were part of his rhythm. His dogs didn’t care about ratings or deadlines. They cared about walks, meals, and resting at his boots after a long day. There’s something grounding about that lifestyle, where the only noise is wind through the grass and the soft shuffle of paws. In that calm, Dan Rather found his true peace.
7. Rachel Maddow – Poppy the Snuggle Partner
Rachel Maddow’s world moves quickly, but her black lab Poppy seems to slow everything down in the best way. A rescue with soulful eyes, Poppy is often mentioned in passing during her show, usually as her go-to cuddle buddy at the end of a long day. Their bond feels easy and natural, like a favorite sweater or warm tea. Maddow never needs to say much. You can tell that after all the research, debates, and scripts, there’s one quiet constant waiting at home. Poppy doesn’t ask questions. She just shows up, with tail wags and silent loyalty that never fades.
8. Anderson Cooper
After long days reporting global stories, Anderson Cooper finds peace in the quiet presence of Wyatt, his Welsh Springer Spaniel. During the lockdown, Wyatt became more than just a pet. He was a steady routine, a comforting presence, and often, the only other heartbeat in the room. Cooper speaks of him with the kind of quiet affection that says it all. Wyatt isn’t about the glitz of headlines. He’s about the long walks, the warm silence, and the tail wags after tough broadcasts. In Anderson’s fast-paced world, Wyatt offers something rare and calming. Just companionship, no questions asked.
9. Katie Couric – Bennie the Unexpected Scene-Stealer
Sometimes pets just know how to charm their way into any space, and Katie Couric’s dog Bennie is proof of that. This fluffy sidekick has appeared during video calls, in interviews, and even on magazine covers. With expressive eyes and a calm nature, Bennie adds softness to Couric’s dynamic presence. But behind the playful snaps, Bennie is part of the everyday. He’s there during writing breaks, evening reflections, and early morning routines. Katie might lead conversations for a living, but Bennie often takes the final word with a stretch, a sigh, or a nudge for one more belly rub.
10. Tom Brokaw – Big Sky, Big Dogs
Far from the buzz of the newsroom, Tom Brokaw’s ranch life in Montana is filled with crisp air and loyal dogs. These aren’t apartment pets or social media darlings. They’re working companions, following him through fields, guarding gates, and resting beside him on quiet nights. Brokaw’s relationship with his dogs is the kind built over time, through trust and shared routine. It’s the kind of bond that doesn’t need many words. In a world where stories constantly change, his dogs remain the same. Steady, present, and full of quiet devotion. And that, perhaps, is the best kind of news.
This story 10 News Anchors Who Love(d) Their Pets was first published on Daily FETCH
