Darrin Henson on How Dogs Teach Love, Forgiveness, and the Value of Time

“The great thing about dogs is they teach you about love, they teach you about constant forgiveness,” actor and choreographer Darrin Henson tells EBONY when asked about the impact dogs have had on his life. “They truly teach you about how important time is. One year for us, seems like seven for them. So it’s a lesson on utilizing time to work for you and with you. We don’t have time to hold on to things that are negative.” An owner of two Cane Corsos, Ahu and Tama Buku, Henson’s love for the four-legged animals started out in childhood. He vividly remembers his family having at least two pets at any given time. His father and grandfather raised everything from Dobermans and Great Danes to Boxers.

In adulthood, that love translated to him working for a rescue organization in Los Angeles and through affiliation with that brand, a friend believed that the actor could provide a loving home for the two Cane Corsos who at the time needed to be rehomed.

“They’re amazing. These two particular dogs weren’t rescues, but they kind of were. I always say, we don’t just rescue dogs, dogs rescue us as well. There’s this beautiful synergy that we have with each other. They know what’s going on with me and I know what’s going on with them— whether visually or emotionally. We have a language that we speak together and that language is love.”

Though Henson’s schedule can often be demanding, he’s learned to balance his responsibility of having pets. He’s currently gearing up for the release of his latest film “First Fruit”, season 7 of “The Family Business” on Paramount +, as well as the launch of a new TV series that he directed and produced called “Twin Pillars” coming to Tubi in September.