Dana Perino Finally Reveals Why She and Her 81-Year-Old Husband Chose Dogs Over Children — “One Moment Changed Everything”
Dana Perino, the poised Fox News anchor and former White House Press Secretary, has long been a beacon of professionalism in the media world. Known for her roles on The Five and America’s Newsroom, the 53-year-old has captivated audiences with her sharp political commentary and warm demeanor. Yet, her personal life, particularly her decision with her husband, Peter McMahon, now 81, to forgo children in favor of a life centered around their dogs, has sparked curiosity and debate. In a candid April 10, 2025, episode of her podcast Perino on Politics, Perino finally opened up about the pivotal moment that shaped their choice, revealing a deeply personal story that has resonated widely. This article explores Perino’s revelation, the couple’s journey, the role of their beloved dogs, and the public’s reaction to their unconventional path.
A Chance Encounter and a Life-Changing Decision
Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s love story began in August 1997 on a flight from Denver to Chicago. Perino, then 25, was seated next to McMahon, a 43-year-old British businessman, in seats 13A and 13C. As she recounted in a 2025 PEOPLE interview, their connection was immediate, sparked by McMahon’s accent and stories of his global business ventures. Despite initial hesitations about their 18-year age gap and McMahon’s previous marriages, Perino was drawn to his support and encouragement. They wed in 1998, just 11 months after meeting, embarking on a partnership that has spanned over 26 years.
Early in their marriage, the couple faced a defining moment that shaped their future. In her April 2025 podcast, Perino shared that a conversation with a close friend in 1999, while living in England, crystallized their decision to prioritize their careers and relationship over parenthood. “A friend said, ‘Don’t pass up the chance to be loved. It may be your only shot,’” Perino recalled. “That moment changed everything. Peter and I realized we could build a life that was full without children.” She explained that their demanding careers—hers in political communications and his in international business—left little room for parenting. Instead, they chose to channel their nurturing instincts into their relationship and, later, their dogs.
Dogs as Family: Henry, Jasper, and Percy
Perino and McMahon’s dogs have become central to their lives, filling the role of family with companionship and joy. Their first dog, a Hungarian Vizsla named Henry, joined them in the early 2000s and set the tone for their pet-centric household. Perino trained Henry to perform tricks, like barking at political names, a playful anecdote she shared in a 2007 TIME article. Henry’s death in 2012 left Perino devastated, but a conversation with colleague Charles Krauthammer offered perspective: “Dogs make us better people.” This wisdom prompted them to welcome Jasper, another Vizsla, just two months later.
Jasper, dubbed “America’s Dog” by Fox News fans, became a beloved figure, appearing on The Five and inspiring Perino’s 2016 book, Let Me Tell You About Jasper: How My Best Friend Became America’s Dog. His death in September 2021, at age nine from a fast-spreading cancer, was a public loss, with Perino sharing her grief on Instagram: “It is with broken hearts that Peter and I have to let you know that Jasper died today.” Fans mourned alongside her, reflecting the deep connection they felt to the couple’s furry companion.
Weeks later, Perino and McMahon welcomed Percy, another Vizsla, born in September 2021. Percy quickly became a “heart mender,” as Perino described on Instagram, bringing joy during a challenging time. In a 2021 Fox News essay, she recounted a health scare with Percy, who swallowed pebbles, underscoring the couple’s emotional investment in their pets. “They’re family, too,” Perino told PEOPLE in 2024, emphasizing how their dogs—Henry, Jasper, and now Percy—have filled their lives with love and purpose.
The Podcast Revelation: Addressing Speculation
Perino’s April 2025 podcast episode was a rare glimpse into her private life, prompted by a listener’s question about her “life choices.” She addressed the persistent speculation about why she and McMahon, who has two children from a previous marriage, chose not to have kids together. “Peter and I made a deliberate decision early on,” she said. “It wasn’t about biology or timing—it was about how we wanted to live our lives. We chose to pour our energy into our work, our relationship, and our dogs.” Perino acknowledged societal pressures, noting, “People assume you’re incomplete without kids, especially as a woman. I’ve heard it all—selfish, career-obsessed, you name it.” Her candor sparked widespread discussion on X, where fans praised her honesty while critics questioned her alignment with Fox’s traditionalist audience.
The “one moment” Perino referenced was the 1999 conversation that shifted her perspective on love and priorities. She explained that McMahon’s support allowed her to pursue high-stakes roles, from White House Press Secretary (2007–2009) to her current Fox News gigs, without the added demands of parenthood. McMahon, a former CEO and international businessman, echoed this in a 2022 podcast, saying, “I told her, ‘Go shine at Fox. I’ll handle things at home.’” Their dogs, Perino added, provided the emotional fulfillment often associated with children, with routines like walks and playtime anchoring their lives.
Public Reaction: Support and Criticism
The revelation ignited a polarized response. Supporters lauded Perino’s transparency, with X posts calling her “courageous” for defying expectations. One user wrote, “Dana’s story shows you can live a full life without kids—dogs are family too!” Her colleague Bret Baier tweeted, “Dana’s courage to share her story is why she’s a role model.” Fans also connected with her love for dogs, sharing stories of their own pets. A retiree on K9 Magazine commented, “I’m 84, and my dog George is my person. Dana gets it—dog people are special.”
Critics, however, were less kind, particularly among Fox’s conservative base. Some accused Perino of hypocrisy, given her on-air advocacy for traditional values. An X post read, “Dana preaches family on The Five but chose career and dogs over kids? Disappointing.” Others labeled her decision “selfish,” with one user stating, “She chose Fox News over a legacy.” These critiques reflect the tension between Perino’s personal choices and the expectations of her audience, as noted by a Variety analyst: “Dana doesn’t weaponize her personal life like some Fox hosts, but this makes her more human, even if it’s risky.”
A Life of Purpose and Companionship
Perino and McMahon’s choice to embrace dogs over children reflects a deliberate, fulfilling path. Their Vizslas—Henry, Jasper, and Percy—have not only been companions but also public figures, with Jasper’s fame rivaling Perino’s during Central Park walks. Perino’s 2016 book and frequent social media posts about her dogs highlight their role as family. In a 2024 K9 Magazine interview, she said, “Dogs keep a marriage happy and joyful,” a sentiment echoed by McMahon, who has read her memoirs to their pets.
The couple’s life in Manhattan, with their SoHo apartment and occasional retreats to their Bay Head, New Jersey, home, revolves around their careers and Percy. Perino’s demanding schedule—co-hosting The Five, anchoring America’s Newsroom, and hosting Perino on Politics—is balanced by McMahon’s support and their shared love for their dog. Their decision, rooted in that 1999 moment, has allowed them to thrive professionally while finding emotional fulfillment in their pets.
A Lasting Legacy
Perino’s revelation has sparked broader conversations about societal expectations for women, particularly in high-profile careers. Her openness challenges the notion that motherhood is a prerequisite for a complete life, resonating with those who prioritize alternative paths. As she wrote in her 2021 book Everything Will Be Okay, “Discipline in your choices brings freedom.” Her story, amplified by the love for her dogs, underscores a life of purpose, love, and authenticity.
As fans continue to share Percy photos on X and celebrate Perino’s candor, the couple’s choice stands as a testament to their bond and values. The “one moment” in 1999 that changed everything—choosing love and a life tailored to their dreams—continues to define their journey, with Percy as their furry legacy. Whether facing praise or criticism, Perino remains steadfast, proving that a life with dogs can be as rich and rewarding as any other.