Carole Lombard (1908–1942), the beloved Hollywood actress of the 1930s known for her wit, warmth, and screwball comedy brilliance, was also a devoted animal lover, especially fond of dogs. Her bond with them reflected her generous and down-to-earth personality — a rare quality among Golden Age stars.
From her Indiana childhood, Lombard had a deep affection for animals. Growing up outdoorsy and energetic, she often befriended stray or neighborhood dogs. When she moved to Hollywood as a teenager, she brought that love with her, and soon her home became a lively haven for pets.
During her years as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Lombard always kept several dogs at her homes in Beverly Hills and later with Clark Gable at their ranch in Encino. Friends often joked that Lombard preferred the company of dogs to people — though she was famously friendly to everyone.
Dachshunds and terriers were among her preferred breeds — small, lively, and full of personality, much like Lombard herself. One of her most photographed companions was a wire-haired terrier often seen accompanying her on set or in candid home photos.
When Lombard married Clark Gable in 1939, their mutual love of animals bonded them even more deeply. Their ranch became a sanctuary for dogs, horses, and even stray animals they adopted together. Gable once said Lombard treated their pets “like part of the family,” often letting the dogs sleep indoors despite his protests. She would sign holiday cards to friends as being from “Carole, Clark, and the kids” — referring to their dogs.
When Carole Lombard tragically died in the 1942 plane crash returning from a war bond rally, Clark Gable was devastated. After her death, he found comfort in her dogs, especially one small spaniel that had been deeply attached to her. The dogs stayed at the ranch, and Gable kept them cared for until their natural deaths — a living memory of the woman he called “the love of my life.”
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