Kaley Cuoco opens up about her deep-rooted love for animals and how her ranch has become a sanctuary for her and her family, offering a much-needed escape from the demands of Hollywood.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Thousand Oaks, north of Hollywood, California, lies Kaley Cuoco's serene ranch, a haven where the actress finds solace surrounded by her beloved dogs, horses, cows, chickens, and even an exotic zonkey (a half-zebra, half-donkey). The ranch has become a haven for Cuoco, providing a much-needed escape from the bustling world of Hollywood.
"I wanted something away from L.A.," Cuoco, 38, revealed to People magazine. "I love being an actor and I love the business, I really do, I’ve been in it my whole life. I know nothing else for 30-plus years. But I knew I needed a special place that wasn’t that and that felt more grounded, felt more real, felt more family-oriented because I do love that side of my life, but this is equally as important to me."
Cuoco's passion for animals has long been evident, especially her unwavering devotion to rescuing dogs. Her ranch has become a sanctuary for a wide range of animals, including rescue dogs, farm animals, and even retired racehorses. "You name the animal, and we probably have it," Cuoco said. "We even have ones you’ve probably never heard of before like a zonkey."
Her partner, Tom Pelphrey, has witnessed firsthand the positive impact the ranch has had on Cuoco and their family. "Kaley came to me and said, 'We have to get this dog.' And this happens a lot," Pelphrey joked. "I usually only pay attention if the dog is mentioned more than twice, then I know that the dog is coming regardless of what I say."
Cuoco's dedication to her animal companions extends to her 1-year-old daughter, Matilda. "I said, ‘Matilda, if you don’t like animals I’m sending you back, like this is what’s going to happen. We’re forcing this love," she joked. Unsurprisingly, one of Matilda's first words was "dog."
The actress believes her ranch is an ideal environment for her daughter's growth and development. "I think it’s a great place for a kid to grow up. Learning responsibility, doing chores, taking care of the animals and seeing how animals live together. It’s so important for us in our house for her to see how animals are treated and just kind of living in it," she explained.
Cuoco's love for animals knows no bounds. She is particularly grateful for the unwavering support her beloved dog Norman provided during a difficult period in her life. "You have those moments and they’re just like there for you," she said. "Like these dogs, they change your life."
Despite the challenges and heartache that come with caring for so many animals, Cuoco finds immense joy in giving them a second chance at life. "They’re all so happy. They’re happy animals and to be able to give them that second chance at life — a lot of them are so much older — it’s like living out their golden days here. It means the world to me to give them that. Animals mean the world to me."
