Dog ‘Saved’ Superman Star Henry Cavill From Mental Health Struggles

Dogs are some of the most loyal pets one could have. They always offer companionship and lift their owners’ spirits with boundless affection. Studies have shown that dogs can boost people’s well-being and mental health—and this fact resonates with people across all walks of life, even big Hollywood stars. Recently, one famous superhero actor shared how deeply his dog has impacted his life. British actor Henry Cavill, known for his portrayal of Superman in films like Man of Steel and Justice League, as well as roles in Mission: Impossible — Fallout and Enola Holmes, recently revealed the tremendous support he receives from his beloved dog, Kal.

Cavill’s fans may already recognize his furry companion, an American Akita who has made frequent appearances on the actor’s social media. Kal, who is now 8 years old, is described by Cavill as “part dog, part bear, part pig, and all soul,” and an “absolute gem.”

In a heartfelt post, Cavill shared, “I’ve had him since he was 10 weeks old, and we’ve been through thick and thin together. We actually spend so much time together, I’m not sure who imitates who anymore!” It’s clear that Kal is more than just a pet to Cavill—he’s a close friend and a constant source of comfort.

Cavill’s recent appearance on the British talk show Lorraine highlighted just how much Kal means to him. Fans were delighted to see Kal by Cavill’s side as he chatted with host Lorraine Kelly, who asked about the bond between the two. Cavill explained, “He really is my best friend; we go everywhere together. He has saved my emotional and psychological bacon plenty of times. We have an incredibly close bond.”

“He senses it when I’ve got my own stuff on,” Cavill continued. “He’ll be close — he’s almost always close, but he’ll be closer.” This close connection means that Kal accompanies Cavill wherever possible, even on set. While filming The Witcher for Netflix, Kal stayed with Cavill in his trailer, as having him nearby was a source of comfort. “He was there the entire time, mostly in the trailer,” Cavill told People. “If he can see me but can’t get to me, he’ll start making a lot of noise. We didn’t want him running in the middle of a scene or a sword fight, taking people down!”

Reflecting on the impact Kal has had, Cavill said in an interview with On Demand Entertainment, “He has been an absolute savior for me. He’s a true companion in those moments where I just need another being around.” He added, “He’s fantastic. To me, he’s very much a person as well as a dog.”

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