Oprah's Dogs: Lifelong Companions and Spiritual Guides

Oprah Winfrey, 72, has shared her life with 21 dogs since acquiring her first, an Afghan hound named Kashmir, at age 20. She states that dogs have consistently been "the love of my life," offering companionship through various life stages. Winfrey credits her dogs with teaching her invaluable lessons about love, loss, spirituality, and the acceptance of aging.

She is currently narrating "Life is Better with Dogs," a mini-series on The Oprah Podcast's YouTube channel. Each episode features a different dog and owner, including a U.S. Navy veteran whose Labrador service dog helped him heal from PTSD. Winfrey emphasizes the significant impact of dog companionship, noting that "everybody who has a dog has a story."

Her own story with dogs began with a cockapoo named Simone, whom she acquired as a teen. Simone served as a refuge during a difficult period in her life. Later, her golden retriever, Luke, whom she called her "soul dog," significantly deepened her spirituality after his passing in 2018. Winfrey's current companion is Sadie, a 17-year-old cocker spaniel, who, despite health challenges, continues to inspire Winfrey with her resilient spirit.