Be In The Moment w/ Alan Cumming

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How Alan Cumming's Dogs Helped Form His Pack With His Husband, Grant Shaffer

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About The Episode

Honey was the first dog that Alan Cumming had as an adult, and it proved to be an important and foundational relationship in his life. He had made a gut decision to get Honey the day after meeting her and carved out space in his life for them to be together.

Soon, their pairing met another pairing. Grant Shaffer, Alan’s now-husband, had a dog named Leon at the same time that Alan had Honey - so they all became one big pack together. Both dogs were only around four years old at the time, so this was still in the earlier stages. Honey and Leon formed a bond of their own, too.

Alan and Grant could never quite escape the presence of their dogs (in only the best way, of course), even when traveling. They would go to another country and would talk about imaginary scenarios of seeing the dogs there, too, and getting into various activities. After both dogs passed away, they even made two books off this idea: The Adventures of Honey and Leon (2017) and Honey and Leon Take The High Road (2019). Grant, who is an illustrator, did the drawings for each of them. There’s even an animated show on the way, too, based on the books.

Now they have Jerry and Lala, another pair of dogs, who they already have formed a tight-knit bond with as well. And they are excited about what the future holds for this new version of their human-dog family.

Alan’s connection with dogs has continually helped him tap into his emotions more, which can especially be beneficial with his acting. And after coming back from time away, no matter how short or long, he knows his pack will be there. 

About The Guest - Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a three-time Emmy-nominated and Tony-award winning actor. With his husband, illustrator Grant Shaffer, they have always had dogs as part of their pack. Along with strengthening their relationship, the dogs have also taught Alan about being more in the moment at all times. He and Grant have also created two books around their previous dogs, Honey and Leon, and are working on an upcoming animated TV show based on them. Currently, they have two other great dogs by their side in Lala and Jerry.

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