Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Adopt a Ryan Reynolds? Rescue Shelter Renames Pets to Boost Adoptions on Actor’s Birthday

Dogster_Barking News_Adopt a Ryan Reynolds)

On October 23rd, Ryan Reynolds’ 48th birthday, his friend and business partner (co-chairman of the Wrexham AFC team) Rob McElhenney came up with a hilariously adorable and heartwarming way to celebrate the Canadian actor.

He posted on Instagram that he has partnered with Best Friends Saves Them All Animal Rescue and renamed pets awaiting adoption ‘Ryan Reynolds’ to boost adoptions and celebrate the Deadpool star.

“There’s no better gift for Ryan than unconditional love, but if any of us tried to give him that unconditional love, we’d be slapped with a restraining order by a powerful Hollywood attorney,” McElhenney joked.

So, he proposed that everyone should have their very own Ryan Reynolds that they can shower with love and affection, and he suggested that doing so would make the world a better place. It’s not a bad idea!

A Unique Way to Celebrate

The two are known for giving each other unique birthday gifts, for example, Ryan commissioned a Titanic-inspired portrait of the Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator and actor, and Rob returned the celebratory favor with the ‘Ryan Reynolds Memorial Blimp’, a custom-built advertising blimp complete with Ryan’s face (with a strange but funny filter on it).

McElhenney is a firm believer that every pet deserves a loving home and took the opportunity to celebrate his friend’s birthday to help make a positive change for animals across the US.

McElhenney and Best Friends Saves Them All Animal Rescue have partnered to turn this vision into reality for adoptable dogs and cats nationwide—as well as select Sanctuary animals like donkeys, pigs, goats, rabbits, ducks, parrots, a horse, a rooster, and even a turtle—by giving them the name “Ryan Reynolds.” For two days, October 23 and 24, adoption fees were waived, followed by a reduced fee of just $10 from October 25 through 31. It’s a chance to save a life and welcome home your very own Ryan Reynolds.

Adopt Ryan Reynolds 2
Image from @RobMcElhenney

Adopters, fans, friends, and donors have been encouraged to join in on the celebration and bring home their own Ryan Reynolds from their nearest Best Friends rescue and can document their contributions and new pals on social media by using the #AdoptARyan hashtag.

In an effort to save all cats and dogs across the country, Rob McElhenney is going to match all donations to Best Friends Save Them All from October 23 through October 31, 2024, up to $25,000.

It’s important to note that even after their names are changed back from ‘Ryan Reynolds’ on November 1st, there are still plenty of animals who need loving homes. A shockingly painful statistic that Best Friends shared is that every 90 seconds a dog or cat is put down in America simply because they don’t have a place to call home. By donating or adopting, you can help Best Friends Save Them All.

Adopt Ryan Reynolds 1
Image from @RobMcElhenney

Adopt, don’t shop, whenever possible, and help give animals the love they deserve.

For more information about Best Friends Save Them All, you can visit their website here. Any support is welcome and appreciated immensely.

Featured Image Sourced from Best Friends Save Them All


Did You Know? 

  • Our breaking news articles are included in our weekly emails. Don’t miss out on the latest and sign up for our newsletter below!

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Is Inflation Impacting Pet Owners in 2025? 10 Interesting Statistics

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase...

9 Best CBD Treats for Dogs With Anxiety in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Canines can show anxiety in many different forms. Pacing, howling, barking, or simply hiding are all signs that your dog is feeling the...

Dog Tooth Infection: Signs, Causes & Treatment (Vet Answer)

Your dog comes in from outside, and they have a swelling underneath their eye. You might think it’s an insect note or sting,...

Bloodhound vs Coonhound: The Differences (With Info & Pictures)

Hunting dogs are extremely popular. In areas where outdoor culture is strong, hunting dogs regularly rank in the top five for most popular...

More related

Pebblebee Bluetooth Tracker Reviews 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

Being a pet owner is no small feat. As much as you love your best bud, they can give you a run for...

Can Dog Moms Celebrate Mother’s Day? 7 Tips on How to Have a Great Day

Anyone can celebrate Mother’s Day if they’d like to, including those that only have canines. Many dog owners feel they provide similar love...

Are Golden Retrievers Double Coated? Breed Facts & FAQ

A Golden Retriever’s beautiful, wavy, luxurious double coat is one of their defining features. If you own one of these magnificent dogs, you...

When Will My Great Dane Calm Down? Causes of High Energy & How To Counteract It

When introducing a new puppy to the family, a good degree of exuberant behavior is expected. This can be challenging for humans and...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

One of the best parts of summertime is sitting down to enjoy a juicy piece of cantaloupe. These tasty treats are a great way to cool down, have a healthy snack, and stifle your hunger at the same time. If...

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe

10 Best Dog Foods for Labradoodles in 2025 — Reviews & Top Picks

Whether you have just brought a Labradoodle into your home or are a long-time owner, you want the best for your pet. Providing complete nutrition is part of keeping your dog active and healthy. As large dogs, Labradoodles have different...

labradoodle lying on bench

10 Best Dog Foods for Greyhounds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Greyhounds might not be the most popular breed, but they have a loyal following of enthusiasts who appreciate the dogs’ unique characteristics, particularly their speed. As you may expect, this pup is high energy with equally demanding exercise needs. It’s...

Italian Greyhound dog eating from bowl at home

Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce? Vet-Verified Health Facts

Some people like their food to be extra spicy, with hot sauces being a $1.65 billion market in the United States. Of course, not everyone likes the heat. That includes your dog. Wild or domestic canines don’t encounter this taste...

Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce

8 Best Dog Foods for Pitbull Puppies to Gain Weight in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

What we lovingly call a Pitbull is officially known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. Pitbulls are strong and athletic, with a muscular build that is easily recognizable. Contrary to their buff exterior, most Pitbulls are playful and just a little...

pitbull eating

Why Does My Dog Bark at His Food? 10 Vet-Approved Reasons & What to Do

Owners know that dogs do plenty of unusual things, but one of the oddest behaviors is when a dog barks at their food. This can be frustrating because the dog isn’t barking for their food, which would indicate that they...

Can Dogs Eat Pecans? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safety Guide

If your dog is a dedicated beggar, it can be hard to resist sharing your food with them. Pecans and other nuts are popular snacks for humans, but are they okay for dogs? While pecans aren’t classed as toxic according...

Can Dogs Eat Pecans

How to Cook Beef Liver for Dogs: Vet-Approved Recipes & FAQ

Beef liver is a nutritionally dense organ meat ingredient that can be used as a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet. It is a great source of protein, is low in fat, and contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals...

sliced beef liver with knife on black stone cutting board