Being loved by a dog is one of life’s greatest experiences. Our fluffy companions can be our best friend when it comes to giving us kisses and cuddles, and lifting up our spirits when we are feeling down.
Science supports this conclusion. In fact, dogs are known to improve a person’s overall well-being and mental health. Henry Cavill, a British actor can confirm that this is true.
Best known to audiences for playing “Superman” in blockbusters such as “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and “Justice League,” Cavill recently opened up about the difference that his American Akita, named Kal, has made in his life.
As it turns out, even “superheroes” like him need saving, and Cavill says Kal has been instrumental in providing him with the support he needed during tough times.
Cavill shares photos of his dog friend on Instagram regularly, so that his 17.7 million followers are familiar with the well-groomed eight year-old dog.
In a post from last year, he described his pet as “part dog, part bear, part pig and all soul,” and said he is an “absolute gem.”
“I’ve had him since he was 10 weeks old and we have been through thick and thin together,” Cavill wrote. “We actually spend so much time together, I’m not sure who imitates who anymore!”
Cavill recently appeared on the British morning talk show “Lorraine” and, of course, brought Kal along during his interview. He came to the show to promote the second season of “The Witcher,” the Netflix series he currently stars on, which will premiere on December 17.
The actor was joined by the dog as Lorraine Kelly chatted with him about his pet and how much it meant to him.
The 38-year old explained that Kal has greatly helped his mental health throughout the years.
“He has saved my emotional and psychological bacon plenty of times. We have an incredibly close bond,” Cavill said. “He senses it when I’ve got my own stuff on, he’ll be close — he’s almost always close, but he’ll be closer.”
During the interview, Cavill also revealed that he keeps his Superman suit in his closet in case he needs to reprise the role, saying he is “ready and waiting for the phone call.”
The duo is so close that Cavill likes to keep him around at all times—even at work.
Cavill reportedly brought Kal with him on the set of “The Witcher.” In an interview with People, he said: “He was there the entire time, he spent most of his time in the trailer rather than on set. Because when he can see me, but he can’t get to me, he tends to start making a lot of noise.”
“We didn’t want him running in halfway through a scene or a sword fight especially, because he would be taking people down. But he was always there.”
Like many dog owners, Kal has been his owner’s savior.
“He is a true companion and in those moments where I just need another being around but not necessarily to be putting lots of effort in that person,” Cavill told On Demand Entertainment.
Cavill treats Kal like a family member, and considers him more then a pet.
“He’s fantastic. To me, he’s very much — he’s a dog but he’s a companion. He’s a person as well.”
Cavill is blessed to have found his best friend in the form a dog.
Watch Cavill’s interview with “Lorraine” in the video below.
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