Rob McElhenney’s Hilarious Birthday Gift to Ryan Reynolds: Thousands of Shelter Animals Named After Him!
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Ryan Reynolds Inspires Pet Names to Raise Awareness for Shelter Animal Adoptions
Ryan Reynolds, the beloved actor known for his roles in Deadpool and Free Guy, celebrated his 48th birthday in the most heartwarming and hilarious way. Thanks to his close friend and co-chairman of Wrexham AFC, Rob McElhenney, Reynolds has unwittingly lent his name to thousands of shelter animals in an effort to raise awareness about pet adoption and animal welfare.
In collaboration with Best Friends Animal Society, a leading organization dedicated to ending the killing of shelter animals by 2025, McElhenney launched a campaign in honor of Reynolds’ birthday. In a video shared on Reynolds’ Instagram, McElhenney revealed that animals in shelters across New York, Arkansas, California, Texas, and Utah have been renamed “Ryan Reynolds” as part of the initiative. From dogs and cats to birds, rabbits, a horse, a turtle, and even a donkey, a variety of animals are now named after the actor, giving the public the opportunity to “adopt a Ryan.”
Sharing the humorous yet meaningful gift, McElhenney said, “Everyone can now have a Ryan to love,” while showcasing a montage of the newly dubbed animals.
Reynolds, known for his quick wit, responded with characteristic humor and heartfelt gratitude. “I was expecting some sort of assault on decency or thinly veiled attack on Canada,” he quipped. “Instead, I got one of the greatest gifts of my life in knowing.”
The campaign doesn’t just end with cute names. McElhenney pledged to match donations up to $25,000 for Best Friends Animal Society during the birthday tribute month, encouraging the public to contribute to the cause. With over 415,000 pets killed in shelters in 2023 alone, Best Friends is focused on its mission to eliminate this tragic reality by 2025.
Best Friends Animal Society encouraged potential adopters to visit their website and check out the animals renamed in honor of Reynolds. They also urged the public to share their adoption stories using the hashtag #AdoptARyan, adding a playful twist to a serious issue. In a statement to ABC 4, the organization noted that “adopters, fans, and friends are encouraged to join in on the fun by bringing home a ‘Ryan’ from their nearest Best Friends facility.”
By midweek, the campaign had already shown early success, with three pets named Ryan Reynolds finding new homes. Best Friends hopes the lighthearted nature of the initiative will bring attention to the thousands of animals in need and inspire more people to consider adoption.
As Reynolds celebrates his birthday, the unique tribute has brought attention to an important cause while providing a few laughs along the way. It’s a gift that not only honors the actor but also makes a tangible difference for animals in need—one “Ryan” at a time.
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