After Decades of Refusing to Have Children, Dana Perino and Peter McMahon Surprised Everyone by Preparing to Open a Dog Farm… But This Is What Really Shocked Fans!

Dana Perino, the cherished Fox News anchor, co-host of The Five, and former White House Press Secretary, has long captivated audiences with her poise and insight. At 53, her 27-year marriage to British businessman Peter McMahon, 70, has been a beacon of love and resilience, notably without biological children. So, when Perino announced on a May 2025 episode of America’s Newsroom that she and McMahon were preparing to open a dog farm, colleagues and fans were stunned. But it was an additional revelation—that the farm would serve as a therapy center for veterans, inspired by McMahon’s recent health struggles—that left everyone reeling, showcasing the couple’s profound commitment to giving back.

A Love Story Rooted in Partnership

Perino and McMahon’s romance began in August 1997 on a flight from Denver to Chicago, where a chance seating arrangement sparked a two-and-a-half-hour conversation. Perino, then 25, was drawn to McMahon’s British charm and entrepreneurial tales. Despite an 18-year age gap and long-distance challenges, McMahon proposed in 1998 outside the Washington National Cathedral, and Perino accepted with a heartfelt letter. They eloped in Blackpool, England, on September 30, 1998, building a life in New York and Bay Head, New Jersey.

Their marriage thrives on mutual support. McMahon, president of GreenSleeve Medical Corporation, has been Perino’s rock, guiding her through her White House Press Secretary role and Fox News career. The couple chose not to have biological children, a decision Perino has embraced in her book And the Good News Is…, saying, “Our love is complete.” They’ve built a family with McMahon’s children, Barry and Kelly, their grandchildren, Rachel and Sebastian, and their Hungarian Vizslas—Henry, Jasper, Percy, and recently Liberty. Perino’s book Let Me Tell You About Jasper… celebrates their dogs, while her podcast, A Dana Perino Podcast: Everything’s Going to Be Okay, highlights their fulfilling life.

Recent challenges, including McMahon’s minor stroke in August 2024 and a neurological condition requiring hospitalization, have tested their resilience. Perino’s caregiving role, shared in a PEOPLE interview, deepened their bond, setting the stage for their surprising announcement.

The Dog Farm Announcement

On May 18, 2025, during a segment on America’s Newsroom, Perino shared news that left co-anchor Bill Hemmer speechless. “Peter and I are embarking on a new adventure,” she said, her eyes bright. “We’re opening a dog farm!” The announcement caught colleagues off guard, with Hemmer joking, “A farm? Are you trading the news desk for a dog kennel?” Perino explained that the farm, to be located on a 10-acre property in rural New Jersey, would focus on breeding and training Hungarian Vizslas, a breed dear to their hearts since Henry joined them in 1998.

The idea stemmed from their love for their dogs, particularly after welcoming Liberty, an eight-week-old Vizsla, in May 2025. Perino shared that she and McMahon, inspired by Percy and Liberty’s playful energy, wanted to share the joy of Vizslas with others. The farm, named “Liberty Fields,” would offer puppies to families, train service dogs, and host community events. “It’s our way of giving back,” Perino said, noting that McMahon’s recovery had prompted them to pursue a dream they’d long discussed. Fans on X erupted with excitement, posting, “Dana’s dog farm is the best news!” and “Liberty Fields sounds like paradise!”

Colleagues on The Five were equally surprised. Greg Gutfeld, whose daughter Mira was born in December 2024, quipped, “Dana, you’re raising an army of Vizslas to take over Fox!” Jesse Watters asked if he could adopt a puppy, while Jeanine Pirro praised the couple’s passion. The announcement aligned with Perino’s history of celebrating dogs, from Jasper’s book to Henry’s infamous Lincoln Park arrest anecdote, but it was the farm’s deeper purpose that truly shocked everyone.

The Shocking Twist: A Therapy Center for Veterans

As the America’s Newsroom segment continued, Perino dropped a bombshell that left viewers teary-eyed. “Liberty Fields isn’t just a dog farm,” she said, her voice catching. “It’s a therapy center for veterans, inspired by Peter’s health journey.” She revealed that McMahon’s 2024 health scares—a stroke and neurological condition—had introduced them to therapy dogs during his hospital stays. One Vizsla, brought by a veteran volunteer, had lifted McMahon’s spirits, prompting the couple to research the impact of canine therapy on PTSD and recovery.

Perino shared that Liberty Fields would train Vizslas as therapy dogs for veterans, offering free programs to help with mental health and rehabilitation. The farm would partner with local VA hospitals, employing veterans to train dogs and maintain the property. “Peter’s recovery showed us how dogs heal,” Perino said. “We want to honor veterans who’ve given so much.” The center, set to open in spring 2026, would also feature a memorial garden for Henry and Jasper, with a plaque reading, “Where Love Runs Free.”

The revelation stunned colleagues and fans. Hemmer, visibly moved, said, “Dana, this is extraordinary.” On X, reactions poured in: “A dog farm for veterans? Dana and Peter are heroes!” and “Crying over this—Peter’s health scare turned into hope.” The twist resonated deeply, given Perino’s patriotism and McMahon’s U.S. citizenship since 2006, often expressed through his love for American football. Gutfeld later tweeted, “Liberty Fields is peak Dana—dogs, heart, and country.”

A New Legacy of Love

The dog farm and its veteran-focused mission mark a bold new chapter for Perino and McMahon. Perino shared that the project has reenergized them, with McMahon overseeing planning despite his health challenges. “Peter’s out there sketching kennels,” she laughed, “and Liberty’s already ‘supervising.’” The couple’s commitment to dogs and service reflects their nurturing spirit, which Perino calls “our kind of family.”

The announcement has inspired fans, with many pledging to support Liberty Fields. “This is why Dana’s my hero,” one X user wrote. “She turns love into action.” As Perino continues to anchor The Five and America’s Newsroom, her marriage remains her foundation. The dog farm, with its shocking veteran therapy twist, is more than a project—it’s a testament to a love that transforms challenges into hope. “Peter and I don’t have kids,” Perino said, “but Liberty Fields is our legacy.” For Dana Perino and Peter McMahon, this venture proves their hearts are as boundless as the fields they’re building.