Among the 23 million American families who welcomed a pet during the pandemic, Justin Baldoni’s home is one of them.

“We brought him into our home in early 2020,” Baldoni shared with YSL News on Wednesday while visiting New York City for the 9th New York Dog Film Festival. “I’m not sure it was the wisest choice. We thought, ‘Let’s get a dog; the kids will adore it!'”

“It felt like having another child around,” he chuckled. “It was quite the experience.”

At 40 years old, Baldoni chose the name Happy for their new furry companion, a golden doodle.

Currently, Happy is four years old and deals with quite a bit of anxiety.

“His name might not entirely fit his demeanor,” said the actor from “It Ends With Us.” “Although he is genuinely sweet and happy, he has his quirks.”

The only family member who can soothe Happy’s anxiety is Baldoni’s father, Sam Baldoni.

“Happy has formed an incredible bond with my dad,” Baldoni expressed. “I joke that my dad is essentially Happy’s service companion. My dad is this calm, kind-hearted person, while Happy tends to be a bit anxious.”

“My dad can easily bring him back down to earth,” Baldoni noted. “It’s such a lovely dynamic.”

Happy follows a gluten-free diet due to rashes and hot spots and is incredibly “spoiled” when it comes to food. Baldoni mentions the dog’s favorite treats include anything he can steal from the table, especially steaks.

Despite his anxiety, Happy has a way of brightening any room, according to Baldoni, particularly with how he shows excitement.

“He doesn’t quite know how to wag his tail,” Baldoni explained. “So he shakes his entire backside. It looks like he’s doing a little dance!”

Dogs express their feelings openly

Baldoni emphasized that one of his favorite aspects of dogs is their honesty in expressing emotions.

“You always know where you stand with them,” Baldoni noted. “They don’t hold back how they feel. When they are genuinely joyful, their happiness is contagious.”

As someone who promotes mental health awareness and addresses issues related to toxic masculinity—having authored the New York Times bestseller “Boys Will be Human”—Baldoni believes that dogs can significantly assist those facing mental health challenges. A study published in 2019 in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes indicated that dog ownership is connected to increased longevity, especially among individuals with heart issues.

Nonetheless, Baldoni pointed out that it doesn’t mean everyone should rush out to adopt a dog.

“I wouldn’t say that dogs are a cure-all for anxiety or mental health issues,” he clarified. “If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, it’s important to ensure that you can dedicate the time and care necessary for a dog, as it is a significant commitment.”

Honoring service dogs

The “Jane the Virgin” star recently collaborated with Purina Dog Chow for this year’s NY Dog Film Festival, where he had the honor of selecting the winner of the new “Service Dog Salute” category, which recognized the crucial role of service dogs for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Dogs provide unconditional love,” Baldoni remarked. “The bond you share with them is truly special.”

While advocating for additional resources for the training of service dogs and support for those with PTSD, Baldoni emphasized the broader conversation about mental health and challenging toxic masculinity norms.

“I’ve devoted substantial time to examining masculinity and engaging with men,” Baldoni shared on a panel during an exclusive screening of the nominated films for the “Service Dog Salute” category. “I believe that it’s just as courageous, if not more so, to admit that you’re dealing with PTSD or that something isn’t right.”

“Instead of just going into battle,” he expressed further. “It’s a topic that often gets overlooked.” He added, “Seeing these brave men who reach out for assistance brings a wave of emotion over me, as it’s a testament to their incredible courage. That’s what true bravery is all about.”

‘The Impact of a Dog’

Baldoni also recognized Dog Chow and the NY Dog Film Festival for using film to convey a message he believes can inspire people to develop an interest in causes they might not have cared about previously.

“After watching the winning film, I felt compelled to be a more active supporter in this area and eager to understand the Service Dog Salute program and how these dogs assist veterans,” Baldoni shared. “It moved me to tears at one point.”

A recent study conducted by the University of Arizona in collaboration with the National Institute of Health indicated that service dogs significantly improve the lives of veterans dealing with PTSD by reducing symptoms such as anxiety and depression, while also enhancing their social and emotional wellbeing.

The actor explained that his filmmaking approach always aims “to touch hearts.”

“The goal is to evoke feelings through my work, and that was my initial quest—what film would resonate with me the most?” he shared.

For each view of the winning film “A Dog Can Make a Difference” from October 24 until Veterans Day on November 11, 2024, Purina Dog Chow will donate $5, up to a maximum of $75,000, to the Association of Service Dog Providers, a coalition of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping train more PTSD service dogs for veterans at no charge, as stated in a company announcement.