Rachael Ray, the renowned celebrity chef, has opened up about her decision to remain child-free, revealing that she has no regrets despite facing criticism over the years. Speaking on the latest episode of her podcast I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, Ray shared her preference for raising dogs over children, a sentiment she shares with her guest, celebrity trainer Bob Harper.
“I’ve been bashed for it over the decades,” Ray said, reflecting on societal pressure to have children. However, she finds immense joy in the unconditional love provided by her pets. “They never talk back, they always want to hug you,” she continued, describing how her dog brings her a “ray of light” during tough times. “If I have the absolute worst day, the thing that makes me feel best is to go home and climb into bed with my dog.”
Ray’s love for dogs is evident in her long history with her pets. She recalled the deep bond she had with her dogs Boo and Isaboo, who lived well into their teens. After their passing, Ray and her husband, John Cusimano, decided to adopt their current dog, Bella, continuing the cycle of love and companionship that she believes makes people “better humans.”
“I don’t understand folks who aren’t into having animals in their lives,” Ray said. “It just makes you happier and better.”
In a 2009 Nightline interview, Ray explained that the demands of her career made it difficult to envision herself as a mother, saying that she felt more capable of being a good dog mom than a human one. She also expressed that raising children would be unfair to both the child and her professional responsibilities.
Ray’s views reflect a broader societal shift, with a growing number of millennials opting to raise pets instead of children. A 2021 Pew Research study highlighted this trend, noting that rising childcare costs and changing attitudes towards parenting are influencing these choices. In many urban areas, even countries like China are seeing the number of pets surpass toddlers, as pet ownership continues to rise globally.
Despite her child-free choice, Ray remains committed to providing a loving home to her pets, emphasizing the fulfillment they bring to her life. “You have all this love in your life all the time, no matter what,” she said.
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