Diamond Companions: Nolan Arenado and the Dog Who Keeps Him Grounded

Nolan Arenado is known for his fiery intensity on the baseball field, his laser-focused defensive instincts, and his thunderous bat. But away from the roaring crowds and the bright lights of Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Cardinals’ star third baseman finds peace and perspective in a much quieter companion—his dog, Bentley.

Bentley, a golden retriever with a calm temperament and soulful eyes, has been Arenado’s steady partner for several years. The two are often seen together in social media posts, lounging at home, going on hikes, or even playfully working on fielding drills in the backyard. In a life filled with travel, pressure, and expectations, Bentley offers something rare: unconditional love and unwavering loyalty.

For Arenado, Bentley represents more than just a pet—he’s a source of balance. “There’s something about coming home and seeing that tail wagging,” Arenado said in an interview. “No matter how I played that day, whether I went 0-for-4 or hit a walk-off, Bentley is just happy to see me.”

The bond between the two began when Arenado was still with the Colorado Rockies. After a grueling season, he decided it was time to add a new dimension to his life—one that didn’t revolve around stats and standings. He adopted Bentley from a breeder in Colorado, and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Traveling during the MLB season is tough for any player, especially one with a dog. But Arenado has gone to great lengths to make it work. When he’s on the road, Bentley stays with family or close friends he trusts. And when he’s home in St. Louis, Bentley is always nearby—either at the ballpark during off-days or keeping watch at Arenado’s home.

Arenado credits Bentley with helping him deal with the mental challenges of professional sports. “When you’re playing 162 games a year, the mental wear and tear is real,” he said. “Bentley doesn’t care about any of that. He just wants to hang out, chase a ball, or sit at my feet. It helps me stay grounded.”

Fans have come to know and love Bentley, too. Occasionally, Arenado shares photos of their adventures on Instagram—whether it’s Bentley wearing a Cardinals bandana, chasing leaves in the fall, or simply lounging beside Nolan while he reads or studies game tape.

Bentley has also become a part of the Arenado family’s day-to-day rituals. From morning walks to weekend getaways in the offseason, the dog is a constant presence. In a world where athletes are often surrounded by chaos, Bentley represents simplicity, normalcy, and connection to home.

Interestingly, Arenado has also used Bentley as a bridge to connect with teammates. During team bonding events, Bentley has been known to make appearances, winning over teammates with his friendly demeanor. “He’s kind of like our unofficial therapy dog,” joked one Cardinals player. “You walk in grumpy, and then Bentley comes up wagging his tail—and suddenly your day’s better.”

The comfort of Bentley has become even more valuable in recent years, as Arenado has taken on a larger leadership role with the Cardinals. With increased responsibility comes greater stress, but Arenado insists that coming home to Bentley keeps his perspective in check. “Baseball is what I do, but Bentley reminds me who I am.”

Off the field, Arenado has become an advocate for animal welfare. He’s partnered with local St. Louis shelters and hosted adoption drives to encourage fans to rescue animals in need. “Every dog deserves a home,” he said. “I was lucky to find Bentley, and I want others to have that same joy.”

He’s also quietly donated to causes supporting therapy animals and veterans’ organizations that use dogs for PTSD recovery. It’s a cause close to his heart, rooted in his understanding of the emotional support animals can provide in difficult times.

When asked if Bentley has changed him, Arenado doesn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. He’s taught me patience, and he’s helped me slow down. In a life that’s constantly moving, Bentley has helped me be present.”

During the 2023 All-Star break, Arenado took a rare vacation—with Bentley in tow. They drove along the California coast, stopping in small towns, hiking trails, and enjoying beaches where Bentley could run free. “It was one of the best weeks of my life,” Arenado said. “No cameras, no baseball, just me and my dog.”

Bentley has even made it onto a few baseball cards—thanks to fan art and special edition prints. One limited-run promotional card in 2024 showed Nolan and Bentley sitting in the dugout, the dog’s head resting on his owner’s knee. It became an instant fan favorite.

There’s a quiet symbolism in the relationship between Arenado and Bentley. On the field, Nolan is intense and sharp—an elite competitor. Off the field, he’s introspective and soft-spoken, with Bentley often bringing out that gentler side.

Arenado says his favorite part of the day is the moment he walks in the door and hears Bentley’s paws skittering across the hardwood. “It’s like he’s been waiting all day just to hang out. That’s love you can’t put into words.”

As his baseball career continues, Arenado knows that the game will one day end. But his relationship with Bentley—and his appreciation for the simple, faithful companionship a dog provides—will remain a cornerstone of his life.

He even jokes that when he retires, he’s going to let Bentley decide where they move next. “Wherever he can run and roll in the grass, that’s where we’ll go.”

In a sport full of egos, headlines, and high stakes, Nolan Arenado’s relationship with Bentley is a refreshing reminder that even the biggest stars need something pure, quiet, and real to come home to.

And for Arenado, that “something” has four legs, a wagging tail, and a heart full of unconditional love.