They’re our best friends, our cutest companions, our sense of joy and serotonin. We live to serve them and love to love them. Dogs are truly a gift in our lives and the perfect addition to a happy family.
This August is National Dog Month and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate. We treat our animals like royalty and are eager to spend this month pampering them with extra affection. We’d like to use this month as an opportunity to highlight why we adore our pawsome friends and some of our favorite celebrity dog owners who help spread the word about rescuing animals.
Why we love dogs
You may not realize it, but a dog could save your life. That sounds dramatic, but it’s true! Having a furry friend can have a lasting impact on your mental health in ways you may not have known when adopting your little walking buddy.
Studies have shown that spending time with a dog can reduce stress and anxiety levels and lower blood pressure. Having a dog in the home has proven to help with hypertension by reducing blood pressure levels during times of stress. Bonding with a fluffy friend who shows you unconditional love and companionship can also reduce loneliness. You’ll always have that wagging tail and excited pup waiting for you to come home.
Beyond mental health, having a furry companion can expand your exercise regimen. Taking a long, nature stroll with your pup allows both you and your animal friend to get some steps in. An extra walk in the great outdoors can also boost your mood and allow you to soak up some vitamin D.
Pets have also been known to help those who struggle with depression. Caring for a dog can teach responsibility and bring purpose to your day. An afternoon spent entertained by your favorite canine companion can elevate your mood and give you something furry and adorable to look forward to. There’s no problem a dog can’t fix!
A few of our favorite celebrity dog rescuers
The power of a platform goes beyond red carpets and flashing lights. It’s always wonderful to see those in the public eye showcase their feelings about adopting animals rather than ‘shopping’ for them. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite celebrity dog rescuers and highlighted how they participate in the vital practice of finding loving and safe homes for pups in need. We hope this list inspires you to follow in your favorite celeb’s footsteps and rescue an animal in need!
1. Chris Evans: Not only is he a hero on the big screen, but actor Chris Evans has also dabbled in some real-life vigilante justice. Captain America put his shield down momentarily to take home Dodger, his beloved rescue dog in 2017. And last year on National Dog Day, Chris visited Animal Haven in New York City where he spent the day entertained by their adorable adoptable puppies to help spread awareness for pups in need of a home.
2. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas: This celebrity couple opened their homes a few years ago to Panda, a rescue Husky and Australian Shepherd mix. They’re both avid dog lovers and have even started a separate Instagram account for Panda so everyone can follow his new life as a Jonas.
3. Glen Powell: Another Labelle Foundation rescue was made when the Anyone But You actor Glen Powell welcomed home young Brisket during the shooting and press tour of his newest movie, Twisters.
4. Jennifer Aniston: Jennifer Aniston has one more ‘friend’ after adopting Lord Chesterfield from Wagmor Pets Dog Rescue. In an Instagram post, this Friends star wrote that ‘he stole my heart immediately.'
5. Millie Bobby Brown: Stranger things have happened than actress Millie Bobby Brown rescuing her furry friend Pepperoni from The Vanderpump Dog Foundation. Vanderpump Dogs is a non-profit organization founded by television personality, Lisa Vanderpump, whose love for furry pals has led her to a life of dog rescuing. Both Millie and the Vanderpump team are known for their rescue advocacy and encourage others to do the same.
6. Kristin Bell: This esteemed actress took on the lovable task of caring for Whiskey, her three-legged rescue after he was tragically hit by a truck. Kristin Bell demonstrated that caring for a disabled dog is a rewarding and selfless adventure that results in endless amounts of puppy love.
7. Ariana Grande: This beloved singer has gone above and beyond to rescue 10 dogs from shelters and welcome them into her home. Her love for animals has also led her to open up her own shelter called Orange Twins Rescue in 2020.
8. Emma Watson: This Harry Potter star spread some magic in Mexico where she adopted her furry friend, Sofia, from the Mexican animal shelter, Benito’s House. The excited actress claimed that Sofia ‘seems to be more of an angel than a dog’.
9. Paul McCartney: Life goes on for this Beatles star and his wife after they adopted little Jet into their family. Paul McCartney rescued Jet from The Labelle Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to placing stray, medically impaired, and special needs animals into loving homes.
10. Ellen Pompeo: This on-screen lifesaver brought her role to life after adopting Tom from Maeday Rescue in Los Angeles. Little Tom was born in the desert after his mom was found on the streets, pregnant and in desperate need of a home. After spending several weeks in a foster home, Tom was the first puppy from his litter to be adopted by the Grey’s Anatomy star.
11. Max Greenfield: This beloved actor welcomed a ‘new girl’ into the family after he adopted Darlene.
12. Kaley Cuoco: We loved her for 12 years on The Big Bang Theory and will probably love her even more after learning that she adopted the young and adorable Opal. Kaley also founded Oh Norman!, a pet brand company that donates a portion of each purchase to dog rescues.
13. Joey King: We’ve been loving her on our screens since her Ramona and Beezus days, and are even more entranced with this actress after learning that she rescued her dog, Fable. Joey King adopted Fable from Dog Rose in Romania, a non-profit shelter that helps place eager pups with families in Romania and overseas. In an Instagram post, Joey encouraged her followers to check out this shelter due to their empathetic services and dedication to caring for animals.
14. Carrie Underwood: Everyone’s favorite female country singer welcomed home a lovable rescue Charlotte. She took the pup home after Pawsitive Impact NC Dog Rescue took some puppies to the venue where she was performing. Carrie beamed over the new addition to her family in an Instagram post saying, “she seemed just too good to be true!”
We hope this list has brought you joy to know that your favorite celebs are helping spread awareness about pets in need. Rescuing a pup from a shelter is the perfect way to embrace National Dog Month. And if you’ve already had the privilege of taking home a new furry friend, make sure you show them some extra love this month! Let them know you’re lucky to have them in your family and maybe slip them some extra treats under the table!
