Actress Shailene Woodley shares a deeply personal journey of transformation, revealing how her two rescue cats, Pharrah and Bear, have profoundly impacted her life, serving as emotional support and inspiring her to champion pet adoption through partnerships with Mars and Calm.
For fans of Shailene Woodley, known for her compelling roles in films like The Fault in Our Stars and the Divergent series, her recent insights into her personal life reveal a deeply grounded individual whose biggest inspirations come from unexpected sources: her two rescue cats, Pharrah and Bear. More than just pets, these felines have become her “emotional support animals,” profoundly altering her perspective on life and driving her advocacy for pet adoption.
The 33-year-old actress, who rose to prominence as Amy Juergens in The Secret Life of the American Teenager and later starred in Big Little Lies, has openly discussed how adopting Pharrah and Bear a year and a half ago “changed her life so dramatically.” She describes them as constant reminders of what is “important in life,” helping her to “relax and remember what’s important.”
The Profound Impact of Pet Adoption: More Than Just Companionship
Woodley’s experience with Pharrah and Bear highlights a truth many pet owners understand: the bond transcends simple companionship. She calls them her “emotional support animals” because they instill a sense that “everything is going to be ok,” reminding her to “breathe, slow down and be present in the moment.” This deep connection has inspired her to team up with the pet care company, Mars, and the mental health organization, Calm, for Global Adoption Weekend, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the reciprocal benefits of pet adoption.
This partnership is crucial, especially considering that globally, an estimated 16 million dogs and cats are awaiting homes in shelters, as reported by Mars. The annual event, which includes support for prospective pet owners in the UK through various shelter partnerships, underscores the belief that pet adoption is not just about giving an animal a home, but about changing two lives.
Navigating the Adoption Journey: Patience and Grace
Shailene Woodley emphasizes that the journey of pet adoption often requires a “grace period.” Speaking to People, she explained that establishing trust with an adopted animal takes time and patience, much like any healthy human relationship.
“When you bring an animal home, don’t assume that it’s going to be immediately symbiotic — things take time, relationships take trust and patience. It’s the same way for animals and humans,” she noted. This period of understanding and grace, according to Woodley, is essential for building a productive and comforting relationship for all involved parties.
For Woodley, the stress often associated with the “what ifs” before adoption is immediately replaced with gratitude and comfort once a creature is welcomed into one’s life. “I can’t remember what my life was like before they were there,” she candidly shared, showcasing the depth of her bond with Pharrah and Bear.
A Pet Parent’s Perspective: Celebrations, Travel, and Social Media
As a devoted pet parent, Woodley fully embraces the joys of including Pharrah and Bear in her life’s journeys. This includes celebrating holidays and milestones. She revealed to People that her cats have stockings at Christmas and receive treats for Valentine’s Day. For Woodley, celebrating her pets’ lives is a non-negotiable part of their family dynamic, echoing memories of singing to her former German Shepherd on his birthday.
However, being a pet mom to two cats while maintaining an active acting career does present challenges. Woodley admits that traveling for work often requires an extra person to accompany her, and being apart from her feline companions is “hard.”
Regarding social media, Woodley has a thoughtful approach. While she generally isn’t a “social media person,” her personal Instagram feed features a blend of architecture, food, and, notably, her cats. Her close friends’ Instagram stories, she quips, are almost exclusively filled with photos of Pharrah and Bear, underscoring their beloved status.
Advocacy for Animals and Mental Well-being
Shailene Woodley’s collaboration with Mars and Calm extends beyond merely encouraging adoption. She recorded a sleep story for Calm, titled “Finding Four-Legged Friends,” inspired by her own journey. This initiative further solidifies the link between pet companionship and mental well-being, providing practical tools for prospective adopters and existing pet parents alike.
Her work with Mars, a leader in pet care, highlights the company’s commitment to finding homes for shelter animals. The Mars Global Adoption Weekend, now in its second year, partners with numerous shelters across the UK, offering adoption boxes filled with food, treats, expert advice, and access to training programs from Kinship to support new pet owners, as detailed by Mars Veterinary Health.
Woodley’s journey with Pharrah and Bear is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of pet adoption. It’s a reminder that service to others, even our animal companions, often results in an even greater exchange of love, trust, and profound personal growth. Her story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless animals awaiting their forever homes and for individuals seeking a deeper connection in their lives.
