Justin Theroux & Jennifer Aniston needed a custody agreement for their four dogs

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux have separated

As it turns out, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux’s separation was just a one-week story, really. JustJen Drama blanketed the tabloids and weeklies last week, but this week… it seems like most people have moved on. The question, in my mind, is whether that’s by design, or whether someone is actually irritated that the “Dumped Again Jen” narrative doesn’t have more of a shelf-life. Since we know Justin and Jennifer didn’t have any kids – although they allegedly “wanted” a baby – it seems like they are mostly fighting about their dogs.

In Touch is exclusively reporting the details of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux’s custody agreement for their dogs. Between them, the exes have four dogs: Dolly, a white shepherd mix, Clyde, a terrier, and Sophie, a pit bull mix, in LA, while Justin keeps another pit bull in NYC.

“They’ve always referred to them as their children, and it looks like Jen will keep the LA dogs with her and Justin will keep the pit bull in NYC. But it was the biggest bone of contention in the split,” a source tells In Touch.

Another friend adds that Justin won’t have to say goodbye forever: “They’ve made an arrangement for visitation.”

[From In Touch Weekly]

Dolly, I know, is Jennifer’s dog, full-stop. I think she even adopted Dolly before she even got with Justin, if I’m remembering correctly. The other dogs were brought in during the JustJen years and it seems like an equitable split. Plus, I bet the dogs prefer the spacious accommodations in Bel Air rather than a cramped apartment in New York.

Did you read this dumb story in People Magazine a few days ago? It’s like a carbon copy of all of the dumb stories that are always written about Jennifer, rain or shine. Sources told People that Jennifer “has a huge group of girlfriends who make sure she isn’t alone. Jen truly has the best friends. They are real friends that she has had for many years. They always support each other.” Jennifer Aniston always has her goddess circle.

As for dogs… Justin Theroux went back on Instagram, after staying radio silent during Jennifer’s birthday and the first week following the separation announcement. He posted this a few days ago:

Photos courtesy of WENN, Backgrid.

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96 Responses to “Justin Theroux & Jennifer Aniston needed a custody agreement for their four dogs”

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  1. Snowflake says:

    Awww, puppies! 😀

  2. Kimma1216 says:

    I understand this. I dont have kids and my dogs are my babies. Plus, she had a Shnauzer, Norman, for 15 years and I remember she was devastated when he passed. I think this is normal and completely support it. I would hate to lose my dogs in a divorce..it would be the worst part for me..

    • Esmom says:

      I hear you. A friend of mine got divorced about a year and a half ago and thank goodness he got the dog because I’m not sure he would have survived the devastation he felt — and still feels — without him.

    • Zapp Brannigan says:

      My brother is mid-separation at the moment and his ex stole his dog (that he had pre-wife) from his new house, it nearly broke him, I have never seen him so hurt.

      • Sophia's Side eye says:

        That is terrible! Can he sue her to get her to return the dog? I hope your brother gets his dog back.

      • savu says:

        @Zapp oh I’m so sorry, that’s awful. When I’ve worked with domestic violence survivor advocates, they’ve talked about how abusers often use our pets as pawns, and use them to manipulate partners. What a cruel thing to do. I hope he gets his dog back. I’m sure he’ll need him as he heals!

    • OriginalLala says:

      I have told hubby that if anything happens to our marriage (god forbid) our fur babies come with me, no discussion. I rescued them, rehabilitated them – yes we both love them but I am so much more attached to them and I would be devastated if he took them or if we had to share them.

      • Lady D says:

        If I ever got a dog with a guy, I guarantee the dog would come with me. I’d have the agreement notarized before we got the animal.

    • knotslaning says:

      I do have kids, young ones actually and I’ve already told my huz (of 19 years) that if our relationship breaks, I get the dog! We would obviously work out a good custody arrangement for the kids but the dog is mine!

  3. KNy says:

    The gray baby pitbull in the Instagram photo seems to have the same reaction as me to the JustJen break-up. I feel you, little dude.

  4. Snazzy says:

    This has nothing to do with the story but I love the jacket and the boustier she is wearing in the top pic

    • Kitten says:

      Yeah I really like that jacket/top combo as well. It’s a bit lame that they coordinated their outfits but I’d wear the crap out of her outfit.

    • Sophia's Side eye says:

      I was just thinking how nicely fit that jacket is. Want.

    • notasugarhere says:

      I was thinking it looked like 80s soccer mom trying to be hip.

      • magnoliarose says:

        The styling isn’t a help. It looks like she threw it on after a business meeting.

  5. VirgiliaCoriolanus says:

    So people in NYC can’t have dogs? I doubt Justin is in a one room apartment.

    • Mara says:

      I think it depends how big your apartment. Generally though I don’t think you should have a dog if you live in an apartment, it just doesn’t seem fair.
      Except for guide dogs of course.

      • VirgiliaCoriolanus says:

        His neighbor has been talking to the press bc he’s renovating his apartment by buying the one next to it and merging them. While obviously JA has more room….it’s not like the dog is going to be locked up without enough space to move.

        I don’t doubt/hope they have an agreement. A major contention in my grandparents’ divorce was who got the dog. Didn’t he get a new dog a few months ago?

      • knotslaning says:

        Wow, really? People in the city can’t have dogs because they don’t have the same luxuries as the burbs? This is obviously a comment from someone who has no clue what they are talking about. I live in a 600 sq.ft. apartment in Brooklyn with two kids, a partner and a 45 lb dog. He is the happiest animal in the world and gets plenty of stimulation and exercise. I’ve seen dogs treated poorly in the more rural areas being forced outside all of the time so location has nothing to do with it. If you are a good pet family, you will have a happy and healthy animal. Also, did you know NYC has one of the highest pet adoption rates in country, meaning people here give a shit and adopt from all over the world.

      • Kitten says:

        Lol I live in a city and there are dogs everywhere. That’s a whole lotta people you’re judging right there.

      • Plantpal says:

        Oh, Mara, bless your heart. It’s not the size of the dog that’s ever the issuel. A great Dane can live quite happily in an apartment….it’s what happens outside NO MATTER the size. If the dog gets walked regularly (and properly, folks, keep your dog beside you or behind you. If dog IS in front, be sure the dog understands it’s their responsibility to keep a loose leash, and it’s guardian’s responsibility to make it easy for the dog to keep the leash loose). You could stop hundreds of adoptions with a closed attitude. A small dog can get some exercise indoors but still needs the great outdoors for mental and emotional balance. ALL dogs need to get outside AT LEAST 3 x daily, rain, sleet, snow or shine. It’s never about the size of the dog, or the size of the home. It’s ALWAYS about the guardian’s committment to their pets’ physical, mental and emotional health. Please reconsider your stance. XOXO

      • ABC says:

        Re the apartment / dogs thing. Depends on soundproofing. We have elderly neighbours downstairs and we try to be respectful and not let the dogs run in the house – which is impossible when you come home, they prob sound like a herd of elephants. Having lived with noisy neighbours it’s hell on your nerves. (This applies to kids too, not everyone loves the sound of them yelling their heads off). In an ideal world everyone would be detached with a secure garden. I’m sure that’s what the OP meant. Whilst it’s perfectly ok it would be better all round for us all to be living detached and in peace. JMO.

    • Beth says:

      My dogs always liked to run around outside and play in our yard. An apartment in the city doesn’t give the dogs that kind of space and freedom

      • minx says:

        It depends. I’m in the suburbs and have a yard, but it’s not fenced. So we still have to walk the dog or take her to the dog park so she can run off leash. So we might as well be living in the city as far as the dog is concerned.

      • Kitten says:

        They’re called parks and we have them alllllll over the city. Parks, biking paths, walkways, beaches, riverfront trail ways….I’d be willing to bet that most cit dogs have more fun in terms of socialization and outdoor playtime than a lot of suburban dogs that sit in a fenced-in yard all day.

        That being said, a good dog owner is a good dog owner, regardless of where they live.

      • minx says:

        Kitten, yes, our dog absolutely loves the dog park. I take her leash off and VOOM, she’s off sniffing other dogs and running around. I sometimes walk around the perimeter of the park to get some exercise, or I bring a book and read on a bench while I keep an eye on her. She has a great time.

      • N. says:

        Lot’s of people in rural areas or suburbs chain their dogs up in the yard and leave ’em there all day, every day regardless of the weather. Maybe it’s not against the law but it sure is neglect at best, and animal cruelty at worst. One that very few people seem to care about.

      • Lua says:

        I actually walk my dogs and take them to parks now that I’m in the city. When I lived in the burbs I just let them out every few hours for ten minutes to be in the yard, so no. My dogs are much happier in the city.

      • Dazed and Confused says:

        In the 90s/00s had a Dalmatian who hated it outside. He had allergies. He couldn’t tell me, but I think the grass made his feet itch (based on his biting). He didn’t really care for concrete, either. He was happiest when he was sitting on the couch next to/on top of me. We could have easily lived in a small apartment in the city. Instead, I mowed the ignored yard. (When I would go in the yard and he would follow, it wouldn’t be 5 minutes before he was at the back door waiting to go in.) I miss him. He was a great dog.

    • Carmen says:

      Depends on the rules of your building. Some buildings allow dogs, others don’t. Buildings are usually more accepting of cats.

    • Sherry says:

      You can have dogs in an apartment. When my husband got a 2 year consulting job in DC, we left our 5 bedroom/3 bath 3600 square foot house with a 1 1/2 acre lot in TN and moved into a 1300 3/2 apartment. We had 2 adults, 3 kids, 2 large dogs (rough collie and german shepherd) and a cat. There was a huge park with a nature preserve across the the street from our apartment and we all did just fine. I learned from that experience you can live quite comfortably and happily with less than you think you can.

      • Jamie says:

        but there is two of you to take the dog to the park. Justin works alot, whose gonna watch the dog? His assistant?

      • Sherry says:

        I don’t know his schedule, but I understand dog walkers are pretty big in NYC. He’s probably a big enough “star” he can bring his dog to work with him as long as he’s well-behaved.

        I agree with you that my situation is different. If I were a single working woman, I’d either just have a cat or find one of those doggie daycare centers where you drop your dog off to play with others while you’re at work. I have a friend who does that while she and her husband work and their dog loves it!

      • lucy2 says:

        Jamie, a lot of people in NYC have dog walkers and probably a pet sitter or friend to take care of the dog when he can’t.

      • Bridget says:

        This was a part of his neighbor’s lawsuit. Theroux doesn’t take the dogs with him, he leaves them for a dog walker to check in on periodically when he’s gone.

      • Jamie says:

        The part thats different between him and us normal people is that we’re home at night. His dog would have to go sometimes days if not weeks without him when he is off filming.

        No amount of doggie day care or dog walkers can replace being home with their human.

        Yes, for most people you can totally have a dog in the city (I live in boston, i have a dog in a condo). But if you have a job that requires you to be away for days at a time, that’s not ideal for a dog.

      • ennie says:

        Just as JA does when she goes to work on location or on vacation. Not everyone do takes their dogs everywhere, he has actual family he can leave the dog with or he does have help. In JA’s case, it’s more probable that the dogs stay with the house workers when she goes out. Dogs need stimulation, a big yard is not enough or them.

    • Cynical Ann says:

      Every time I’m in NYC I see people walking their dogs. We always laugh and say our 80 pound lab would be a great apartment dog-she likes one walk in the morning, and then she’s the biggest coach potato ever! We could live in a 1 bedroom, and as long as she has someplace soft to sleep, she’s good. We have a big yard, and she only goes in it to do her business, and 3 minutes later she’s at the door to come in.

    • Luca76 says:

      NYC is a dog town. So many people have dogs and if you have a non traditional schedule you can spend a ton of time with them. OTOH there’s much less space so they will be in a cramped apartment all day alone and dogs always have to be on leash when outside since nobody has a yard.
      My roommate has two rescues we live on the Upper West Side and walking them in the neighborhood was like walking an obstacle course because of the constant stimulation. Now they’ve relocated out west(she’s bicoastal) and when I went to visit them it was a completely different experience. They have much more indoor and outdoor space and walking them in the hood is completely calm and drama free.

    • magnoliarose says:

      We have a dog, a kitten, cat, bird, guinea pigs, and fish. It depends on the size and type of apartment a person has and the location. We have yard space and are somewhat secluded and don’t have to worry about neighbors. It isn’t technically an apartment.
      My husband had a dog in his loft style apartment and I had usually one or two pets tops in my much smaller apartment. They were fine and usually I had cats and all my cats are strictly indoors unless I put an enclosure out for them to bask in the sun in the Spring or Summer. I definitely would never let them out in California with coyotes roaming around.
      Even though Jack Russells are small I have a friend who has one and that dog acts like he’s been ingesting street drugs and never stops. He has to be walked several times a day and then let loose in the park to run until he collapses. She thinks he is just adorable and I think he’s a brat. Not the best in her small one bedroom. He gets destructive if he isn’t run into the ground daily.
      There are many factors at play.

      • Beth says:

        My best friends Jack Russell is cute, but the hyper nonstop energy the dog has is uncontrollable. That’s a good example of a dog who needs to be running and playing in a big, open area all day, because when they step out of her small apartment, where it’s torn up her furniture, books, and clothing over the past few years, it’s energy is the craziest thing I’ve seen. It would probably win a fight with the alligators in the neighborhood. If I’m wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt, I end up covered in big scratches from head to foot. Cute looking dog, just not meant for an apartment

      • magnoliarose says:

        Truth. They need space. Period.

    • willowisp says:

      Native NYer, here. People do have dogs. My parents wouldn’t let me have a dog, apartment was too small, but I worked as a dog walker as a kid and loved it. It’s agreed that it’s cruel to keep a dog in a small apartment all day, and so many working adults hire dog walkers, who take dogs to dog parks and to large parks, such as Central, and Riverside, for exercise and socialization. That said, NY, full of tiny apartments, and hard sidewalks, and busy traffic, is not a great place to keep a dog. People also aren’t the greatest at picking up after their pets. NY passed poop scoop laws in response to the minefields of excrement all over the city in the 1970s.

    • Bridget says:

      You mean the dogs he left in the apartment even when he was gone to California?

      Can dogs live in apartments? Of course. But they still require space and a ton of exercise. And yes, they would rather live somewhere with more space. That is just their nature.

  6. Clare says:

    I sweat this could be a headline off The Onion.

    But hey gotta love the doggos

  7. Jan says:

    I’m amazed that Jen always takes this poor pitiful me stance. Have some self respect!

    • Jayna says:

      I don’t believe she is. I honestly think that’s the last narrative she wants in this breakup the poor-Jen-dumped/unlucky-in-love narrative. So I take articles like this with a grain of salt where they are making her the victim and she’s pitiful Jen, not strong Jen. I read an interview one time with an actor who said it’s shocking how most of the rag mag stories are completely made up, but that people believe it’s true if printed. He said no matter how much he would tell his parents these articles are fake, his mom would still call him all concerned when some article came out, and he had to keep reminding her they were fake stories.

      • Kileen says:

        Did that actor have his own agent caught red-handed from his own phone sending in stories, as Jennifer/Huvane have? If not, they couldn’t be more different and irrelevant. The victim storyline is vintage Jennifer and of course she wants that narrative!! Without it, she is nothing. Many stories are made up but when her agent is giving these stories to the magazines that says it all.

      • tracking says:

        I agree with you, Jayna. Her PR made a point of letting it be known via People and Us Mag that she’s attended a number of soirees in the last few weeks. I don’t think she wants people to see her as forlorn at home. Don’t get me wrong, I think she cares deeply about her image, just don’t think “sad Jen” is what she’s going for. However, that narrative sells and the tabs will run with it regardless.

  8. Nancy says:

    Remembered the episode of Friends where Ross wore a pair of black leather pants and how they all goofed on him….twenty years ago! Justy is so darned cool. Jennifer has always loved her pets, probably more than him. Believe she had Norman tatted on her foot as a tribute to her baby. If we’re now on pet custody, hopefully the stories are fading. Please be fading.

  9. Wellsie says:

    She looks great in the first pic. Not sure why he had to double down with the leather, too. Oh right.. so edgy, much arty… I forgot for a second.

    • Sullivan says:

      It looks like her leather bustier and the leather pants he’s wearing are actually a set, which cracks me up. Did he borrow her pants or did she borrow his bustier?

      • Beth says:

        My bf is an excellent dresser, but I wouldn’t want to look like we’re sharing an outfit like this couple

    • tracking says:

      He’s repping LV and they went to Paris together sometime last year for a show. I remember this because I was curious about that incredible bustier. My guess is he was sent particular LV clothes to wear; LV seems to be all about leather menswear these days.

  10. minx says:

    Yes, she’s got wonderful “girlfriends”, the best, no one has as wonderful girlfriends as she does, they are wonderful., blah blah blah.

    • starkiller says:

      That statement cracked me up. Sounds like i was pulled directly from a BLOTUS tweet storm.

      • minx says:

        Right? “Jen truly has the best friends. They are real friends that she has had for many years.” As opposed to what, her imaginary friends lol? I’m trying to think of another celebrity around her age who always has to assure people that, indeed, he or she has lots of wonderful, wonderful friends. There’s something so needy about it.

  11. Feedmechips says:

    I don’t understand the Selena Gomez shout out.

    • Josephine says:

      She has rescue dogs and has been vocal about adoption from shelters.

    • Sullivan says:

      I think it’s because she has a kajillion followers. Theoretically, his worthy cause will be reaching a wider audience.

    • Jessica says:

      She’s the most followed person on Instagram; she’s also from Texas.

  12. lower-case deb says:

    why is Justin tagging Selena Gomez btw? i can barely read the long last tag because it went offscreen on my phone and it won’t let me scroll sideways for some reason.

  13. Jayna says:

    I don’t think Justin has a dog in NYC. He was walking a foster dog around, posting that it was up for adoption. He’s done that before on his instagram. He’s connected to some animal rescue organizations.

    I also don’t believe he would want to separate the three dogs from each other and take one to go live in his apartment, when he’s gone for months for acting jobs, and the dogs are used to being together and having a yard. He’s been gone for the past couple of years working a lot. Jen, I would imagine, is probably closer to all three pets, even the ones adopted when they were together.

    • magnoliarose says:

      Eh maybe. I took my pet with me a lot and if not they camped out with one of my relatives. Usually my cousin or my parents or grandparents.
      Actors travel with their dogs often so that is an option for him. The dog can stay in his trailer watched by an assistant.
      That might be the only true part of the story. lol
      His hair plugs are on full display. Spiky is not good though.

    • Bridget says:

      His neighbor mentioned dogs in his countersuit.

  14. tracking says:

    If he’s mostly been in NYC, then she’s been caring for the dogs in LA mostly on her own anyway. And they’re probably bonded. If none were his alone before they got together, doesn’t make sense to split them up. I thought they had three though, sounds like maybe he adopted the fourth after he decided to stay put? This story is probably made up though. If he ditched the dogs for the better part of a year, what about that suggests he cares about doggy visitation?

    His Insta pic cracks me up. No, the Edgy One doesn’t care whether people like him AT ALL. He’s learned something about PR from his ex.

  15. Beatrice says:

    I still think Justin is a whiny high maintenance poser, but I give him points for using his fame to promote adopting shelter cats and dogs. Shelters like Austin Pets Alive do such an amazing job for animals and deserve support and recognition. Good for you, Justin.

  16. blndcvnthairs says:

    Adorable pups

  17. Mrs. Darcy says:

    He seems to be a particular advocate for pit bull and shelter dogs so it seems only fair he gets to keep a dog. Hopefully the only child dog will get a new brother or sister if it’s not used to being alone (yes I am only thinking about the dogs here, I could care less about these two splitting, glad they have made the doggies a priority though).

  18. lucy2 says:

    The divorce story has fizzled out because there’s no story – it didn’t work out and they split. Simple, no matter how much the tabloids tried to make out of it.
    Austin Pets Alive did a lot during the Houston flooding, glad they are getting support and attention here. Whatever else people want to say about him, he knew his return to social media would draw attention, so supporting a great animal rescue with that is pretty good IMO.

    • Jayna says:

      Great post. I agree.

    • minx says:

      Yes, thankfully the split story seems to be fading. And I appreciate any kind of pet promotion, so good for him.

      • Lady D says:

        How long before she reappears in the magazines as the ex Mrs. Pitt again? Which magazine will be the first to go there? I vote US or Radar Online. They just won’t get the same play with Mrs. Theroux.

  19. gatorbait says:

    I had a friend whose girlfriend left him right after his mother died. She also guilted him into letting her take the dog he’d had even before he met her. He instantly regretted the decision but didn’t fight it. It worked out okay for a little while. They shared custody (not a legal form but a verbal agreement) until she got a new boyfriend. Poor guy ended up heartbroken. What Justin and Jennifer are doing doesn’t remotely surprise me and I support it. May as well make it legal so no one can go back on their word.

  20. Tallia says:

    Can’t wait to see him kissing some babies in his next IG post. Just make sure that shoe polish from your hair doesn’t come off on their faces, Poor kiddos.

  21. JA says:

    My husband “technically” bought our dog as I was working and couldn’t get to shelter to pick him up and sign the papers. However Atticus is my baby and my dog would always choose me over my dear husband( no offense babe). If we divorced it goes without saying the dog comes with me

  22. But no “diivorce”

  23. bcgirl says:

    Dolly isn’t a “white shepherd mix”, she’s a full breed white shepherd.
    But I guess you can’t say you “rescued” or “adopted” from a breeder, so…

    • tracking says:

      There are numerous white shepherds available for adoption through rescue orgs right now. Why assume she didn’t adopt?

      • Sophia's Side eye says:

        Also, why can’t she get a dog from a responsible breeder if she wants to? Ijs

    • Jussie says:

      There’s loads of pure-bred dogs in shelters. Many people buy a pure-breed dog because they like the look of it, then realise that the breed they’ve chosen is high maintenance and dump it. Working dogs like Shepard’s find their way to shelters a lot.

      All my dogs are pure breds, all came from shelters. Some were there for months and months with no interest before I adopted them.

    • bcgirl says:

      haha I knew someone would say that.
      I just remember where she got her white shepherd from, that’s all.
      I never slagged breeders. Just said you don’t “adopt” from them.
      semantics. sigh.

  24. Laura Dawe says:

    I have two small dogs (chihuahuas) in my one bedroom apartment in a large city. My dogs sleep all day (they’re really lazy) but I do take them for walks. They’re very happy in our little home! I’m not sure I could handle a larger dog though because I’m a very petite lady and would likely be over-powered by a larger dog. I love all dogs though! Animals are the best companions I’ve ever encountered ❤ 🐶 🐺

  25. Mabs A'Mabbin says:

    So he was papped at a fashion show and instagrams himself cuddling puppies. That’s some razor edge.

  26. Laura-j says:

    I have to laugh that so many people here seem to think a rich actor can’t manage to take care of his dog in the ‘proper’ way.

    I’ve had apartment dogs and house with a yard dogs. All the dogs were loved and happy because they had their person.

    And get this I’ve even had a full time job out of my apartment and I managed not to abuse my animals. I managed to make adjustments for the walks etc. Weird right?

  27. Julia says:

    He may be a tool, but Austin Pets Alive is a tremendous organization. Shout out to him for the kind words to an organization that is passionate about the animals to whom it provides care

  28. WMGDtoo says:

    I think Jennifer adopted the pit bull Sophie? because of Theroux. He is the one that seems to be involved in changing the narrative on theses dogs.