Martin Clunes, 64, is well known for his love of animals, but over the past year, his bond with them has become even more profound. In the face of heartbreaking losses, Martin says that his pets have not only helped him heal but have made him a happier, more grounded person.
The past year has been especially challenging for Martin, who faced the loss of his beloved Jack Russell, Jim, to liver cancer in 2024. Jim had been Martin’s faithful companion for over 14 years, and their relationship had weathered everything from the demanding filming schedule of Doc Martin to early-morning lambing sessions at their 135-acre farm in Dorset. The loss of Jim was a devastating blow, not only for Martin but for his entire family.
“I miss him every single day, but I can still smile when I think of him,” Martin shares. “Jim and I went through so much together. He was my right hand.”
In an effort to say goodbye in a deeply personal way, Martin built a wooden coffin for Jim and filled it with squeaky tennis balls—a nod to Jim’s playful spirit. “We were all here with him. We all went down the garden and we paid our respects,” Martin reflects. It was a moving moment for the family, a way of honoring Jim’s life and the years they spent together.
For Martin, animals have always played a central role in his life. His love for them started at a young age, when, at eight years old, he lost his father and was sent to boarding school. It was there that he found solace in caring for the school’s animals. “A teacher put me in charge of the menagerie,” Martin recalls. “It was a good call. It kept me grounded at a very tough time in my life.”
Today, Martin’s “menagerie” includes five dogs, six and a half horses (including a miniature Shetland pony), two cats, and a number of sheep and cattle. Despite his demanding career and packed schedule, Martin has always made time for his animals—and he feels they’ve had a significant impact on his ability to connect with others.
For over two decades, Martin and his animals have visited local hospices, offering comfort to patients in their final days. “It’s a privilege,” Martin says of this work, recalling a particularly emotional moment when his dog provided comfort to a terminally ill woman on her last day. “She was a lovely lady, and I got such a nice letter from her sister after she passed saying it was the best day she’d had in a long time.”
But for Martin, the bond with his animals goes deeper than just comforting others. He believes they have the power to heal us, especially in times of grief. “When a pet dies, there’s this unique kind of grief. It’s different from losing a human, but it’s no less significant. And having animals around has definitely made me a nicer, less needy person,” he admits.
Throughout the years, Martin has had the chance to experience the joy of being surrounded by animals, but it’s clear that their presence has also been transformative during difficult times. From his grief over Jim’s passing to the unconditional love of his new puppies, Martin’s relationship with his animals has provided a sense of balance, healing, and joy.
As he continues to work on new projects and keep up with his busy career, Martin is reminded daily of how much animals have shaped his life. His farm remains a sanctuary, a place where love, healing, and the natural rhythms of life continue. Through all the challenges he’s faced, Martin Clunes is grateful for the animals that have helped him not just survive—but thrive.
In the end, Martin’s message is simple yet powerful: life with animals is a life well-lived. They provide comfort, joy, and a deep connection that can help us heal in ways that nothing else can. For Martin, his animals are more than just pets—they are family, companions, and the cornerstone of a life filled with love.
