Gerard Butler Adopts Stray Dog in Bulgaria While Filming Dragon

During the shoot of the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon in rural Bulgaria, Gerard Butler discovered a stray dog he later named Shuska. The 55-year-old actor recalls finding her ill and abandoned eight years ago, forming an instant bond that echoed the connection between Hiccup and Toothless.

“It was an untrained dog…we started bonding…learning a whole new language,” Butler shared, reflecting on how this real-life connection parallels the brotherhood forged in the film.

He officially rescued Shuska and brought her home—calling her the “real star” in a social media post celebrating their bond. Her name came from a playful shout on set that sounded right—though Butler later discovered it meant “hey there” in Slavic.

This heartwarming real-life adoption mirrors the themes of How to Train Your Dragon: understanding, compassion, and forging unexpected friendships. As Butler promotes the new film—as Stoick the Vast—Shuska’s story continues to inspire fans worldwide.