Amanda Seyfried reflects on her Hollywood journey

Amanda Seyfried recently shared how her rescue dog Finn played a vital role in her life, especially in navigating the challenges of Hollywood. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 38-year-old actress reflected on the impact of her 15-year-old Australian shepherd, stating, "I don't know what my twenties would've looked like without Finn. I really don't know." She added that Finn helped her stay grounded, allowing her to avoid trouble during her early career.

Seyfried, who partnered with Synchrony’s CareCredit and Pets Best insurance, emphasized the value pets bring to their owners. "Pets give us purpose... to have that responsibility of taking care of animals... it gives you so much more than we could ever give them," she explained.

The Mamma Mia! star adopted Finn while working on the HBO series Big Love and described the immediate connection she felt with him. "As soon as he was mine... I realized something about me needed him," she told PEOPLE. Seyfried also revealed that Finn helped her cope with anxiety and OCD, saying, "I think he grounded me in a way that nothing else could have."

In September, Seyfried celebrated Finn’s 15th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing images of her beloved pet. "Finny’s 15," she captioned the photos, expressing her gratitude for Finn’s continued presence in her life.

Seyfried, reflecting on Finn’s age, told PEOPLE, "I feel so lucky that he's still alive and he's thriving."