Taylor Kinney’s latest role isn’t on the set of Chicago Fire — it’s at home, as a proud new dog dad once again. The 43-year-old actor, who has played fan-favorite firefighter Kelly Severide since the NBC drama’s 2012 premiere, recently welcomed an adorable new four-legged family member with his girlfriend, model Ashley Cruger.
The couple, who have been together since 2022, quietly adopted a bulldog puppy this spring, and the internet can’t get enough of their newest addition.
From On-Screen Firehouse to Off-Screen Family House
Kinney’s life may be filled with burning buildings and high-stakes rescues on-screen, but off-camera, things are a little calmer — and a lot cuter.
On March 13, 2024, Cruger shared several photos on Instagram Stories introducing the new pup, a black-and-brown bulldog who’s already stealing the spotlight. In one sweet snapshot, the puppy nuzzles Kinney’s ear while he laughs, and in another, the pup sits proudly with the caption: “That’s a good girl if I’ve ever seen one!!!!!”
The first post simply read: “New family member,” alongside several heart-eyed emojis. Fans immediately flooded social media with congratulations, gushing over how happy Kinney looked with the new dog.
Taylor’s History as a Dog Dad
This isn’t Kinney’s first time falling head over paws. Devoted fans know the actor has long been a proud dog lover. Back in 2020, he regularly shared photos of his scruffy black rescue dog, including one where the pup nearly kissed him on the lips with the cheeky caption, “Still mad at me?” Another heartwarming shot from that year showed Kinney reading in a park with the pup curled up between his arms. “Yea she can read,” he joked.
Clearly, Kinney has a soft spot for canine companions — and now, thanks to Cruger, he has a brand-new family member to spoil.
A Relationship Going Strong
Kinney and Cruger first sparked dating rumors in early 2022. They made things Instagram official that March and had their first public appearance a month later at Operation Smile’s 10th Annual Park City Ski Challenge in Utah. While both are notoriously private about their romance, they occasionally treat fans to glimpses of their life together — from red carpet events to quiet, domestic moments like this one.
The adoption of a puppy feels like a milestone for the couple, and fans can’t help but swoon at the thought of Kinney balancing action-packed shoot days with cozy nights at home with Ashley and their dogs.
What This Means for Chicago Fire
The sweet family news arrives during a turbulent chapter in Kinney’s Chicago Fire career. The actor temporarily stepped away from the show in Season 11 for personal reasons, returned briefly for Season 12, and then exited again in the season’s third episode.
Although Severide recently reappeared in a surprise cameo as the best man at Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) and Sylvie Brett’s (Kara Killmer) wedding, fans remain unsure about the character’s future. On the show, Severide is caught between his passion for arson investigation and his marriage to Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). His storyline has taken him away from Chicago more than once — including to Tucson, Arizona, on an ATF case — leaving viewers wondering if the actor is paving the way for a permanent exit.
For now, Kinney’s off-screen family news offers fans a much-needed dose of joy amidst the uncertainty. Whether Severide stays in Chicago or not, it’s clear that Kinney is thriving in his personal life.
Fans React
As soon as Ashley Cruger shared the new puppy, fans flooded Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram with reactions:
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“Okay but this dog is already the star of Season 12.”
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“Severide with a puppy? My heart can’t take it.”
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“Taylor Kinney may leave the show, but at least he’s got his happily-ever-after IRL.”
And while questions remain about what lies ahead for Kinney’s character, one thing is certain: the actor’s newest role as a dog dad is already a hit.
