The actress is also set to debut her new children’s book, ‘Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life,’ on Oct. 1.
Award-winning actress Jennifer Aniston is on a mission to help shelter animals in need.
Ahead of the launch of her new children’s book, “Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life,” which is set for release on Oct. 1, the “Friends” star has established The Clydeo Fund—a nonprofit charity that supports rescue groups in their efforts to improve the lives of homeless animals.
“We can help these animals, and we can get awareness out, and help the shelters that are in desperate need of upkeep because they’re falling apart,” Aniston, 55, recently told
People.
“They can’t keep up. And all you see is that we’re euthanizing innocent, beautiful, perfectly, perfectly fine 2-year-old dogs, or a puppy, or a litter. I can’t. It’s too much. It’s too many.”
Each year, more than six million dogs and cats end up in shelters in the United States alone, according to the
ASPCA. However, approximately 920,000 animals are put down annually due to overcrowding and other problems, such as illnesses, injuries, or behavioral concerns.
The Clydeo Fund works to address this issue by rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding “forever homes” for animals around the world, per the nonprofit’s
website.
“Through innovative partnerships, advocacy, and community education, The Clydeo Fund aims to give a voice to our furry friends ... to save the lives of shelter animals, improve conditions within shelters, and bring joy and unconditional love to the homes of the humans who rescue them.”
‘Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life’
Aniston has been an outspoken advocate for adopting animals from shelters, and her first children’s book is inspired by one of her own beloved rescue dogs, a gray Schnauzer mix named Clyde.According to a synopsis, the picture book revolves around a “food-loving” pup who is on a journey of self-discovery as he struggles to find his niche in life.
“Clydeo doesn’t love to surf like his uncle. He isn’t into painting blindfolded like his cousin. And digging for dinosaur bones like his aunt is definitely not his thing,” the synopsis reads. “Clydeo tries everything he can think of, but nothing seems to make his world sparkle. Will Clydeo ever find what he loves to do most?”
“Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life” will be part of a four-book series, illustrated by Bruno Jacob and published in conjunction with HarperCollins Publishers and Invisible Studio, which specializes in animations.
“I’m so excited for you to meet my buddy, Clydeo, in his first picture book ever,” the “Murder Mystery” star
shared in a Sept. 2 Instagram video.
Jacob also expressed his excitement about the book
online, writing that he was thrilled to help Aniston bring her animated pup to life. “A great honor to have been part of this,” he
wrote, noting that the upcoming book’s release will be “a memorable day.”
Clydeo, the animated version of Aniston’s real-life dog, has already amassed a following on Instagram, where the actress has been sharing videos since December 2021 under the handle @
callmeclydeo.
In a statement, the actress said she “could not be more thrilled to be taking Clydeo and his stories to publishing, where he will hopefully inspire children and dog lovers alike with his adorable journey to find his true passion.”
In addition to Clydeo, Aniston is also the proud pet parent of a white Shepherd mix named Lord Chesterfield.
The actress took to Instagram in October 2020 to share the news that she had welcomed the rescue into her home,
writing: “Hi! I’d like to introduce to you the newest member of our family….this is (a very tired) Lord Chesterfield.”
“He stole my heart immediately,” she added.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
