Jennifer Aniston, 57, Shows Off Puppy Love in Throwback with Norman

Jennifer Aniston’s love for dogs started on the set of Friends, long before she became known for her rescue work and advocacy.

Fans have been sharing a throwback photo of the actress with her first dog, Norman, the Welsh corgi-terrier mix who would stay with her for fifteen years. Norman not only became a loyal companion but also inspired Aniston’s lifelong dedication to animals, according to multiple interviews and social media posts.

The bond between Aniston and Norman began by chance during a second-season episode of Friends.

The scene called for Joey and Chandler to leave baby Ben on a bus, and a dog walker with a group of dogs was part of the shot. One of those dogs was Norman. “Norman was my first. It was just a fluke. He was in a scene with Joey and Chandler when they left baby Ben on the bus,” Aniston told reporters about their first meeting.

Jennifer Aniston and her adorable dog, Norman pic.twitter.com/AXXn4CGpS8

— CarolAniston (@jenanistoworld) February 25, 2026

Trainers on set were not impressed with Norman’s acting skills, but Aniston immediately fell in love. “Initially dismissed by dog trainers on set because ‘he didn’t really hit his mark,’ I jokingly offered, ‘I’ll take him!’” She added, “I had that moment of, ‘Oh God, am I really doing this?’ But that was it. I got addicted to dogs and what they bring to your life!”

Norman stayed with her through the peak of her Friends fame and her transition into movies. When he passed in 2011, Aniston honored him with a tattoo of his name on the inside of her right foot.

She said it was a reminder of the dog who first inspired her to adopt and rescue shelter animals. Norman’s influence can still be seen in her work today, including The Clydeo Fund, an initiative that supports animal rescues worldwide. Her current dog, Clyde, is also part of a children’s book series she created, continuing the legacy Norman began.

On the career side, Aniston is still a major presence in Hollywood. She stars in and executive produces Apple TV+’s The Morning Show alongside Reese Witherspoon. The fourth season has wrapped, and a fifth season is already confirmed. The series has been praised for its strong storytelling and tackling modern issues in media and business.

Jennifer Aniston’s story with Norman shows how a simple on-set moment can change a life forever. It’s inspiring to see her turn that first dog into a lifetime of advocacy for animals. Which of Jennifer Aniston’s rescue dogs do you love the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.