Jennifer Aniston has a new addition to her family! The little dog was adopted from a Los Angeles animal shelter and given a special three-letter name that pays tribute to her late friend Matthew Perry

Jennifer Aniston has a new reason to smile — and it comes with four paws, a wagging tail, and a name that holds deep personal meaning.

The Friends actress revealed over the weekend that she has adopted a rescue puppy from a Los Angeles animal shelter, adding a new member to her already pet-loving household. But it’s the puppy’s name that’s capturing hearts worldwide — a tender three-letter tribute to her late co-star and beloved friend, Matthew Perry.

“I’d like everyone to meet Mat,” Aniston wrote in an Instagram post that quickly went viral. “He’s a little bundle of love, mischief, and joy — and yes, his name is Mat. For someone very special.”

The tribute is unmistakable. Matthew Perry, who passed away in 2023, was not just Aniston’s co-star on Friends but one of her closest companions for nearly three decades. The two shared a famously strong bond both on and off screen.

In a series of photos, the floppy-eared pup is seen curled up on a plush gray sofa, playing with a toy shaped like a coffee cup — a subtle nod to Central Perk, the fictional café where the Friends gang spent countless scenes.

Aniston adopted Mat from Paws and Hearts Rescue, a non-profit shelter in Los Angeles that focuses on finding homes for abandoned and special-needs animals. According to the shelter, the puppy is a terrier mix — scruffy, playful, and full of personality.

“From the moment I saw him, something just clicked,” Aniston told Entertainment Today in an exclusive phone interview. “There was this little look in his eyes — playful but kind of cheeky. It reminded me of Matty. The mischief, the charm, that twinkle.”

The name, she said, felt instantly right.

“Calling him Mat just felt natural. It’s my little way of keeping Matthew’s memory close — but also celebrating the love and laughter he brought to all of us.”

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

Since Perry’s sudden passing, Aniston has spoken candidly about the grief and the process of healing. Friends and co-stars have regularly paid tribute to him over the past year through reunions, charity work, and social media memories.

“Matthew had a huge heart,” Aniston said. “He struggled, yes, but he loved deeply. He made us laugh like no one else. This little guy — this silly, happy dog — somehow reminds me that joy is still here.”

Fans were quick to flood the comments section of Aniston’s post with messages of love and support.

“This is the sweetest tribute ever,” one fan wrote. “Mat would be proud.”

Another added, “I’m crying at how perfect this is. Chandler Bing would absolutely approve.”

A Lifelong Animal Advocate

Jennifer Aniston has long been known for her love of animals. Her home has always been filled with rescue dogs — including Clyde, a Schnauzer mix, and Lord Chesterfield, a white shepherd mix she adopted during the pandemic.

“I always say my house has more fur than furniture,” Aniston joked. “And that’s how I like it.”

The actress also used the announcement as an opportunity to encourage others to adopt, writing, “There are so many little souls waiting for homes. If you’re thinking about it, visit your local shelter. You never know — you might just meet your Mat.”

Healing in Fur and Friendship

Aniston admitted that bringing Mat home was both emotional and healing.

“Grief is strange,” she said quietly during the interview. “It comes in waves. But then something like this happens — this little life walks into yours, and you realize there’s still so much love to give.”

According to friends, Mat has already settled comfortably into Aniston’s home. He’s reportedly particularly fond of napping in sun patches, chasing tennis balls, and — in true Friends fashion — stealing bites of her sandwiches when she’s not looking.

When asked if Mat has picked up any traits reminiscent of Matthew Perry’s iconic character Chandler Bing, Aniston laughed.

“Well… he’s definitely got some sass. And he already knows how to steal the spotlight.”