In the world of broadcast journalism, few names are as trusted and beloved as FOX News Channel’s Dana Perino. As the co-anchor of America’s Newsroom and co-host of the top-rated The Five, Dana captivates millions daily with her insightful coverage and approachable style.
Yet, beyond the newsroom, there’s a softer side her fans adore: her love for her dog, Percy Perino.
Recently celebrating his third birthday, Percy is more than just a pet—he’s Dana’s fluffy sidekick, often appearing on her shows to the delight of her viewers.
On TikTok’s “The Running Interview Show,” Dana and Percy take a break from politics, bringing a lighter, fun side to her audience. Her passion for dogs even extends to Presidential Pooches on FOX Nation, where she explores the history of White House pets.
Whether she’s breaking down the latest headlines, podcasting on Perino on Politics, or sharing heartwarming stories with Percy, Dana Perino proves that even in serious news, there’s always room for a touch of joy.
Tell us all about all the dogs you've loved in your life. (this is your chance to tell us everything about your dogs, past or present. Names, ages, breeds - we want to know everything!)
I grew up with dogs - our pet dog when I was a kid was a poodle named Joco. Then there were a bunch of dogs on my grandparents’ ranch — mostly Australian shepherds that helped gather the cattle for my family.
My grandpa was an excellent dog trainer and they loved him so much. As an adult, I’ve had three Vizslas — Henry, Jasper, and now, Percy. My heart has grown bigger with each of them.
You're obviously a huge dog lover. How long have dogs been a major part of your life and how would you explain the importance of dogs to someone who hadn't ever experienced the joy of a canine/human relationship in their life?
I remember how Henry had been with me from age 26, when I got married in England, nearly to age 40, when I was working at Fox News Channel and had just moved to NYC.
In between, we’d lived in San Diego and then moved to Washington, D.C. after the terror attacks on 9/11. From there my career took a wild turn, and I eventually became the White House Press Secretary. That’s a lot of change in one life - and Henry was there, my constant companion, for all of it.
And to him, I was just his mom. And Peter and I bonded further over him, and it just made us better people. I still grieve for him — but more than anything, I’m grateful for his life because it helped me stay steady during those heady years.
What are your favorite things to do with your dog(s)?
I love to walk with Peter and Percy in Central Park or the West Side Highway when we’re in the city, and on the beach at the Jersey Shore when we are at our weekend place. I also love to throw balls down the hallway for Percy to fetch - he loves that game so much.
And he knows where I keep the new, fresh balls — and he’ll lead me to that cabinet when he’s ready for his next toy. I also enjoy taking Percy to The Little Point Bookshop in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.
He’s a minor celebrity there. And he makes himself at home. The store is owned by my friend, and she recently got Percy’s son, Sullivan, to add to her family. So it’s a great time when we all get together.
View this post on Instagram
You have a really interesting career... What advice would you give to the many people who wanted to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work?
The best thing about my work is that I get to do something I’ve always wanted to do - and that I’d like to do no matter what else was on offer. I love reading and gathering and talking and writing about the news — it’s the best.
And then I also get to analyze the news, which is right in my wheelhouse from my public relations experience and background. The worst thing is that there are just not enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things I want to do.
Here are our quick-fire questions, are you ready?
Big dogs or little dogs?
I’d take them all - I have a medium-sized dog in Percy. He’s 54 pounds - and I can still pick him up! I’d love to have a small dog I could put in my bag. And I love the majesty of the large breeds.
Calm, relaxed dogs or dogs who live at 100mph?
I like a calm, athletic, and very well-trained dog (like Percy!)
Dogs who do as they're asked most of the time or dogs who do pretty much whatever they like whenever they like?
Must be trained very well. I have no tolerance for an untrained dog. When they’re trained, they can also then have their personality — discipline in a dog’s life actually leads to more freedom for them in the long run.
Dogs who love to walk by your side or dogs who like to race off and cover ten thousand yards in 3 seconds?
They must be able to do both. Percy is the fastest dog I’ve ever had — it’s astonishing how much ground he can cover. But when I say “heel” he better walk right by my side.
Days off or days at work?
Days off, of course….but I love coming back to work on a Monday.
The fastest route or the scenic route?
Scenic.
Nighttime or early morning?
Early morning, always and forever amen.
Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw a dog do.
Percy got all comfy on the porch swing and fell asleep with the breeze rocking him to and fro. It was so beautiful I laughed.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I read a lot of novels, and I love to have time to tuck into a book and escape into another world. It also helps if I can learn something at the same time.
Let us in on a secret that very few people know about you.
Two years ago, I started taking ballroom dancing lessons, and that’s become a great hobby.
@thedanaperino Percy and Sullivan having a play date
What is your current favorite…?
TV show?
Hacks.
Album?
Ummmm....are there still albums? I love country music. Looking forward to the new album Dierks Bentley is putting out in 2025.
Film?
Oh gosh. I still love Coming to America.
Website?
Substack - it’s actually where I find a lot of great writing on a variety of topics — from politics to pop culture.
Animal charity(s)?
If you had to choose just one, what product or service would you say has most changed your life do you think and why? (can be technology, beauty, food, pet-related, book - anything)
Books for sure. I’ve learned so much, stretched my imagination, and found something that helps me connect with other people as I recommend books to them. It’s a source of great joy for me.
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments from your work.
There are so many to choose from - to pick one from my White House days, it would be when I got to go with President Bush to have him swear in several wounded warriors who became U.S. citizens.
I’ll never forget that. And for my time at Fox News, I just love election nights — we have so much fun and laugh a lot, but we also have the best analysis in the business. It’s such a pleasure to be a part of the best team in the news.
Finish the following sentence, "Dogs are…”…
One of the best ways to keep a marriage happy and joyful.
And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires some serious thought… If dogs had the ability to speak and you could ask your dog just one question and one question only, what would you ask them and what do you think that they'd say?
“What is your favorite thing about your life?” And he’d say, “Balls."
This is an opportunity to talk about any causes, projects, business ventures, etc that are important to you and you'd like us to tell our readers about.
I’m at a wonderful stage in my life where I’m not worried about what’s next — I’m just worried that I won’t have enough time to do everything I want to do. Peter and I want to do a longer mission trip to Africa, so that’s on our list.
I keep my eyes and ears open at all times — there’s so much to be done, and thankfully we live in the best country from which to launch into any direction you want!
Thanks, Dana!
Love ❤️ your article. Thank you so much. I’ve learned that as a Christian, our pets will be waiting in our mansion for us. Also, they will speak to us in heaven. God will open their vocal chords.
Enjoyed this “visit” with Dana (& Percy) more than I thought. It felt more like a visit than an interview; credit to K9 interviewer. The questions were set in such a way to make it feel like a conversation. I adopted Duke when he was 7 (10 in March ’25), he’s as “trained” as he’s going to be. Would love to take him Little Point Bookstore. Not sure they let dogs other than Percy in. lol. Thanks for the peek inside Dana. 01
I enjoy you and thoughts and I enjoy when you talk about your dogs. I’m 84 years old lost my husband two years ago and have my little dog George. I don’t know what I would do without him. I have a conversation with him always a dinner because he sits up on a chair at the table and I said it’s a food and that’s what he eats with me. People think it’s gross but that’s my person, he has pancreatitis causes me over $6000 so far but if I had to pay out another 6000 and I would that’s my person I think that’s why I love you and your stories because you’re a dog person and I really prefer dog people to people people you have to have And her a separate brain to talk to a dog and they do have wonderful conversations just looking at their eyes keep up the good work sweetie and you give me so much enjoyment anybody that loves the dogs got a very, very good heart
Hi Dana, my husband and I are retirees just south of Fort Worth. We happily watch you and Bill almost every morning. I just now realized that you have had and currently have Vizslas…Henry, Jasper and Percy. We had 3 dogs and a cat for years. An English Bulldog, a Miniature Schnauzer and a Standard Poodle. They all slowly passed on these past few years from old age. My husband is not in good health, but he nonetheless encouraged me to get a puppy. I researched dog breeds based on a certain criteria and I came up with a Vizsla. We ordered Sadie from a reputable breeder in South Texas and picked her up in April, 2024. I’m sure I do not need to tell you what wonderful company Vizsla’s are, but boy, is she a stubborn girl at times! She is a beautiful girl, around 35 lbs now and will be 1 year old in mid February. She has been through training, but I’m taking to heart your emphasis on being firm with her training. Anyway Dana, keep up the great work you do. From one Vizsla lover to another, all my best, Cindy Price
An excellent articles I’ve been a fan of Dana Perio many years. She’s classy, well informed, articulate & a follower of the Lord. Her love for her dogs make her even more special. This world needs more people with her “manners” and ability to articulate with wisdom. She’s a gem.