Shawn Johnson Adopts Golden Retriever Puppy from Rescue: 'He Was Meant to Be Here'
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03/21/2025 09:45 PM
The former Olympic gymnast welcomed 9-month-old golden retriever Oakley to her family
Mike Marsland/Getty';Courtesy of Shawn Johnson
Shawn Johnson, OakleyShawn Johnson and her husband Andrew East are proud pet parents once again!
On Thursday, March 20, the former gymnast, 33, revealed through social media that she and East, also 33, adopted a new puppy from Wags & Walks Nashville.
"We chose adoption because we knew our family wasn't complete — and we felt called to give a pup like Oakley a forever home. He's already filled our house with so much love and the kids are OBSESSED. It truly feels like he was meant to be here," Johnson said in a statement to PEOPLE.
Shawn Johnson/Instagram
Shawn Johnson adopts OakleyAfter sharing pictures of their big day picking up Oakley, a 9-month-old golden retriever, from the rescue organization, Johnson shared photos of her furry family addition getting settled into his new home.
"The kids are in love," the mother of three wrote over a photo of herself sitting on the sofa with Oakley. Her kids — Drew Hazel, 5, Jett James, 2, and Barrett Madison, who was born in December 2023 — also gathered around for the photo.
She added, "Don't worry NASH was behind the camera getting ALL of the love," referring to their other golden retriever.
As her Instagram Stories went on, Johnson said Oakly "had the best first night," calling him a "good boy" and "handsome" as she pet him.
Johnson continued the updates Friday, March 21, as she went into detail on the adoption experience while filming a GRWM (Get Ready with Me).
Courtesy of Shawn Johnson
Shawn Johnson with her kids and Oakley"Okay, story while I get ready," she said in a clip of herself doing her makeup in a bathroom.
"Not even 48 hours ago Wags & Walks posted two goldens that were up for adoption," Johnson explained. "[I] didn't really know their story other than they were 9 months old, so beautiful, and looking for homes."
She added that she'd been wanting to begin looking for a puppy, but they'd always wanted a golden and preferred that it was a rescue, "which is kinda hard to find."
When she saw Wags & Walks' post, she immediately reached out.
"I drove and saw them at 2:30 yesterday, and then had to pick one, which was the hardest thing ever," she said of the tough decision. However, Johnson did say her mother was considering adopting the other.
Courtesy of Shawn Johnson
OakleyShe described Oakley as "the bigger one and more hyper" of the two.
Johnson intended to go home and prep her house for the new puppy and then going back to get him the next morning, but ended up leaving with him that same day.
"And you guys, he is the biggest baby and he's the perfect addition to our family," she said while blending her makeup. "Our kids are obsessed with him. He's obsessed with our children."
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The Olympian added that Oakley and Jett spent time playing in the yard together this morning, and Johnson has already contacted a dog trainer, though the pup already does well with several commands.
Expanding on Oakley's first night in their home, Johnson said he slept on the couple's bedroom sofa.
"They did recommend a crate, but it just worked out that way," she said smiling. "He preferred the couch."
She also said the "sweet" boy has acquired "a million nicknames," including "Oak," "Smokin' Oakin,'" and "Oaker."
"Shawn and Andrew have been incredible supporters of our mission over the last few years, even hosting a ping pong tournament to help raise critical funds for our work." said Kathryn Hurley, founder of Wags & Walks Nashville. "They've always had such a genuine love for dogs and have expressed interest in a few pups along the way, so it's been so special to finally help them find their perfect match. We're so grateful they chose to adopt a Wags pup and support rescue in such a meaningful way."
