Kristin Chenoweth doesn’t hold back when it comes to talking about her deep bond with her dog, Thunder.
The Broadway and television icon, best known for her powerhouse performances and magnetic charm, made it crystal clear in a recent conversation that Thunder isn’t just a pet—she’s family, full stop.
And to anyone who questions that? Kristin has a message: “She came out of my vagina.” That mix of humor and passion perfectly sums up how seriously she takes her role as a dog mom.
Thunder, a cockapoo mix, isn’t Kristin’s first dog, but she holds a special place in her life. Speaking with warmth and intensity, Kristin explains that her love for animals—especially dogs—runs deep. Thunder, she says, knows her at her best and worst.
Instagram | kchenoweth | Thunder is family to Kristin Chenoweth, a bond she openly expresses.
Their connection is more than companionship; it’s about shared moments, mutual comfort, and unspoken understanding. Thunder looks at her with eyes that seem to say everything without a word. And in Kristin’s world, that’s as real as it gets.
She’s never shied away from being open about how her dogs have shaped her emotionally. Losing her previous dog, Madeline Kahn Chenoweth, was a heartbreak that still lingers. Named after the beloved actress and comedian from “Paper Moon” and “Young Frankenstein,” Madeline was more than a pet—she was a soul companion.
Kristin recalls the grief she felt when Madeline passed, questioning why such pure love is taken so soon. But she believes there's a deeper reason behind it: dogs are here to teach patience, presence, and unconditional love.
That perspective shapes how she sees dog ownership. For Kristin, having a dog is a privilege, not a pastime. It’s not about just having something cute to play with; it’s about forging a deep, emotional connection with another being who loves without condition.
This philosophy is what drives her partnership with Nom Nom, a pet food company known for science-backed nutrition.
As part of their “Make Mealtime Magical” campaign, Kristin took on the role of the Enrichment Witch, a nod to her iconic Glinda role from “Wicked.” Through this, she’s learned that enrichment goes far beyond toys and walks. It’s about creating rituals and routines that stimulate, comfort, and bond—things that Nom Nom’s specially crafted meals now provide in her home.
Instagram | kchenoweth | Losing Madeline Kahn Chenoweth taught Kristin Chenoweth how dogs truly heal the heart.
Thunder’s current obsession? The Lamb Pilaf. Kristin describes how just seeing the food come out of the fridge sends Thunder into a happy dance, a moment that lights up her day. That joy, that simple act of mealtime, becomes a shared celebration. And when a dog is truly happy, it’s impossible not to feel that same joy reflected back.
Kristin’s day-to-day with Thunder has become more intentional and mindful, something that resonates with dog parents everywhere. It’s not about spending more—it’s about caring more. With Nom Nom’s enrichment-focused approach, the goal isn’t just feeding but fostering connection.
Kristin’s story isn’t just about loving a dog—it’s about reshaping how we define family. Her connection with Thunder is a powerful example of how deep and genuine the bond between a person and their pet can be.
For some, it might seem unusual to refer to a dog as a child, but for millions of pet parents, that kind of love is completely real. Thunder isn’t “just a dog” in Kristin’s eyes—she’s a source of comfort, joy, and unwavering loyalty.
In her world, pets aren't accessories—they're companions who see us through our best and worst. And for Kristin, Thunder is family. Plain and simple.