Anna Faris 'Deeply Thankful' Her Former Chihuahua Has Been Rescued

Anna Faris‘s former dog is on the road to a full recovery after it was found wandering in the streets of Los Angeles on Friday.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Faris says she is “thrilled” the dog is in good hands, and apologizes for placing the dog in a new home without notifying the rescue shelter where she adopted it.

“Five years ago I adopted an adorable Chihuahua named Pete, from the Kinder4Rescue Animal Rescue. Unfortunately when our son was born, we discovered that he was allergic to Pete, so I found what I thought was a
loving and responsible family to care for him,” the actress explains.

“My agreement with the animal rescue required me to contact them first before allowing another family to take Pete in. I failed to do this, and for that I am deeply sorry. I now understand the dangers of giving animals away for free,” she adds.

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“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that Pete has been found and is back
in the hands of Kinder4Rescue. I feared that he had been lost forever
and, although he is malnourished and in need of care, it seems he is
going to make a full recovery. For this, I am so deeply thankful.
We appreciate everyone who has sent good wishes, thoughts and prayers
for Pete. Thank you!”

Laurel Kinder, the owner of Kinder4Rescue, a non-profit dog rescue shelter in North Hollywood, told TMZ on Monday that Pete was turned over to a veterinarian on Friday by a good samaritan.

At the time, Kinder claimed to TMZ that she hasn’t been able to get in touch with Faris, who allegedly signed a contract when she adopted the dog that stated she had to pay $5,000 if she ever gave the pet to a new owner.