Chris Klein Faced Alcoholism with Help From Dog

A decade ago, Chris Klein had it all, his star was on the rise with starring roles in popular films like American Pie, Here On Earth, and We Are Soldiers. However, there was a looming problem that not even his friends could help him with–alcoholism.

While promoting the last installment of the American Pie films, Chris Klein went on record with People magazine, detailing his dark days with alcoholism and how his life was suffering from it in the later half of the decade. Klein said no one could pull him out of it, until he started listening to his furry adopted German Shepherd, Chief.

“He would get agitated that the alcohol was coming out, and I will be forever grateful to him for that,” said the actor, who’s career seems to be on an upswing after being out of the spotlight.

Chris Klein finally realized his way of living wasn’t matching up all due to his beloved dog Chief giving him telling signs. Klein adopted the dog in 2008, and by 2010, with two DUIs and a jail sentence under his belt, the actor went to Utah and checked into Cirque Lodge.

“He began to recognize the behavior shift in me when [I drank] alcohol and his behavior would change. Anybody that has a meaningful relationship with a dog will understand that the disappointment that I saw in his eyes, [it was] insurmountable,” said Klein.

“I drank away anything and everything that was at home,” he says of the night he decided to get help. “I had nothing to come home to. My beautiful, wonderful dog was taken care of, he didn’t get hurt, he didn’t even have to go to the pound that night. They allowed me to call a friend of mine in the area to pick up my dog.”

The actor is now 19 months sober, and owes to all to Chief, who keeps him active on his time off as well.