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

Do Dogs Get Periods? Vet-Approved Canine Heat Explained

As the owner of a female dog, the question of whether they experience a similar reproductive cycle to humans is valid. While it...

Beagi (Beagle & Corgi Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Beagi is a hybrid breed, a cross between a Beagle and Corgi, either the Pembroke Welsh or Cardigan Welsh varieties. These small...

Are Cane Corsos Banned Anywhere in the US? Facts & FAQ

Cane Corsos, an Italian breed with impressive size and loyalty, have grown in popularity in recent years. However, you may be concerned about...

Our 15 Fave Dog Walking Accessories In 2025: Must Haves & Other Helpful Options

Whether you are a professional dog walker, or you and your dog just love getting out there in nature, you’re probably always looking...

More related

Are Dachshunds Smart? Understanding Dog Intelligence

Dachshunds are a unique breed, and many wonder whether they are smart. The answer is yes: Dachshunds are smart when compared to the...

10 DIY Gifts for Dogs You Can Make for Your Favorite Pooch

Giving a gift to your dog is a great way to show appreciation and love for your four-legged friend. Gifts can range from...

Do Mixed Breed Dogs Shed? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

How much time can you dedicate to cleaning up after a dog? That’s a question you’ll want to ask yourself before bringing a...

How Much Do Westies Shed? Breed Coat Facts & Care

West Highland White Terriers have long white coats that are beautiful. You might think that such a fluffy dog would shed a lot—but...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Vanilla Wafers? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Vanilla wafers are not toxic to dogs, although they certainly aren’t the healthiest. Therefore, they aren’t a good option as a treat or snack. If your dog accidentally eats a vanilla wafer, there isn’t much to be concerned about, though....

Can Dogs Eat_vanilla wafers

How to Cook Chicken & Rice for Dogs: Vet-Approved Bland Diet

For dogs recovering from illness, veterinarians often recommend bland food like homemade chicken and rice 1. It’s an easy-to-digest, low-fat, single-protein diet that is great for gastrointestinal problems. When a dog is sick, this protein and carbohydrate mix can also...

Woman Coocking In A Kitchen Beside a Dog

Why Does Dog Food Smell Bad? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Most pet food smells, and there’s no way around it. Any person who has ever owned a dog or cat can attest to the fact that opening a new bag of kibble or cracking open a can of wet food...

male dog owner covering his nose because his dog smells bad

Can Dogs Eat Taro? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Taro (Colocasia esculenta), or kalo, as it’s known in Hawaii, is a staple food and one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. The United States is one of the top importers, capturing 38.9% of the global market in...

Can Dogs Eat Taro

KetoNatural Dog Food Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

As dog owners, we all want what’s best for our pets. That includes feeding them only the best, high-quality food. But with so many different dog foods out there, how do we know which one is best? The best and...

Dogster_KetoNatural Dog Food Review

8 Best Dog Foods for American Staffordshire Terriers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed that will benefit from wet or dry dog food rich in lean meats. This muscular dog breed needs a well-balanced diet to meet their nutritional requirements while providing them with the...

Pit bull American Staffordshire Terrier with food bowl eating

Can Dogs Eat Apples? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Dogs can eat some fruits and vegetables, and it’s always nice to share a healthy snack with your fluffy companion. One popular snack that dogs and humans can enjoy eating together is apples. Many dog foods and treats use apples...

Can Dogs Eat Apples

What Is Crude Fat in Dog Food & How Much Should There Be? Vet-Verified Facts

When feeding your furry canine companion, you want only the best high-quality food containing the best ingredients. When researching the best food, you’ll often run across crude fat in the ingredients and probably wonder what it is or how much...

Black Dachshund dog guarding and eating food