Sarah Hyland is back to work and more optimistic than ever after a tough few months. Days after being granted a three-year restraining order against her ex-boyfriend Matthew Prokop, the Modern Family star is now taking on a bigger role as an advocate for pet adoption. The actress spoke to Us Weekly about the cause and more at the ASPCA Celebrate Pet Adoption event in NYC on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
“Half of the animals that go into adoption centers never make it out. They’re euthanized and that’s something that breaks my heart,” the 23-year-old told Us. Hyland was elated to take part in the ASPCA event, which encourages pet owners to use Swiffer products to clean up the mess that their adorable animals may leave behind.
“People are put off to adopting pets because of the shedding and tracking mud through the house. They don’t want to have to deal with that because it takes time out of your day and time is precious. I understand that, but with Swiffer products it’s efficient and fast,” she noted. “And you’re able to spend more time with your pet rather than cleaning up after it.”
Hyland is smitten with her very own dog Barkley, whom she used to co-parent with Prokop. “[Barkley’s] really good by himself,” she told Us of the 4 1/2-year-old Maltipoo. “He taught himself to play fetch. He takes the ball and throws it out of his mouth, or he runs up the stairs and drops the ball and chases after it.”
The ABC star sometimes brings Barkley to set, insisting that she “always” has support when she meets up with her costars. The same goes for her fans.
“The show has such a big support group around us. They continue to watch our show, which is amazing,” she told Us. “I think our writers keep it fresh where everyone can keep loving us.”
As for her personal life? She added: “I’m doing great.”