Famous Rescue Animals and What Their Lives Look Like Today
Rescue pets have a way of stealing the spotlight. Their stories remind us how adoption can change everything. This article lists 15 rescue animals who went viral, found fame, and made their way into hearts around the world.
Miss Peaches
Credit: Instagram
Adopted by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy in early 2024, Miss Peaches is an expressive pit bull from an Atlanta shelter who went viral within days. Her Instagram appearances, complete with Gucci raincoats and pasta taste tests, have made her an internet favorite.
Maggie The Wunder Dog
Credit: Facebook
Maggie survived unthinkable cruelty and still wagged her tail. She was found in Lebanon with damaged eyes and ears. She was adopted by a loving UK family and became a beacon of resilience online. After passing in 2023, her name lives on through a charity that helps other needy animals.
Mac N Cheese
Credit: Instagram
During the 2022 Oscars, Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to Betty White while holding a tiny rescue pup named Mac N Cheese. The next day, John Travolta adopted her. Since then, Paw Works saw a wave of new supporters, and Mac N Cheese got a forever home with movie royalty.
Graham
Credit: Instagram
When Ed Sheeran adopted Graham in 2014, the kitten was just a month old and in danger of being put down. Sheeran created a Twitter account for himself, which quickly gained tens of thousands of followers. In 2019, Sheeran confirmed Graham had been in an accident.
Verrazano
Credit: abcnews
Whoopi Goldberg met Verrazano on The View after the kitten survived being thrown off New York’s Verrazano Bridge. Their instant bond led Goldberg to adopt him right after the show. Named after the bridge that nearly claimed his life, Verrazano became a symbol of second chances.
Sookie And Ivy
Credit: Instagram
Matching hats and synchronized snack reviews are just a regular Tuesday for Sookie and Ivy. Rescued years apart, these two pups built a low-key empire of crochet and kibble critique. The duo’s appeal lies in the contrast between their deadpan expressions and the colorful accessories they model regularly.
Milton
Credit: Instagram
After internet legend Noodle the pug passed away, creator Jonathan Graziano wasn’t sure what came next. Then came Milton. Unlike Noodle’s fame built on predicting “bones” or “no bones” days, Milton has a more low-key persona. Graziano often highlights Milton’s likes (naps) and dislikes (his raincoat) through short, humorous clips.
Daisy
Credit: Instagram
Selena Gomez introduced Daisy in an Instagram Live with fellow pup Winnie by her side. Gomez has long supported animal adoption and cared for multiple rescues over the years. While she’s kept updates low-key, fans occasionally catch glimpses of Daisy in casual posts or during livestreams featuring Gomez’s at-home life.
Heaven
Credit: Instagram
Heaven was named People Magazine’s “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog” in 2021. She now explores Home Depot aisles, licking vanilla cones, and modeling adopt-don’t-shop gear. Her owner frequently shares snapshots of their outings.
Bluebell
Credit: Instagram
Queen Camilla, long a supporter of shelter adoption, took in Bluebell from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London back in 2017. Bluebell joined fellow rescue Beth as part of the royal household. Unlike most royal pets, Bluebell occasionally appears in official portraits.
Sammy And His Chariot
Credit: Instagram
Sammy was born with back-leg issues, but that didn’t stop him. His custom cart lets him zoom around like any other dog, and he even helps his young human sibling with emotional support. Sammy’s presence online also raises awareness for disabled pets.
Frannie
Credit: Instagram
When rescued, Frannie weighed 125 pounds and was nearly double the size of a typical golden retriever. Annika Bram took her in, and together, they’ve tackled weight loss like pros with vet help, hydrotherapy, and a lot of patience. The updates became viral motivation for anyone on a wellness journey.
Weller And Annie
Credit: Instagram
Known online as The Berner Bunch, Weller and Annie are two Bernese mountain dogs adopted by the same family. Their size and gentle chaos earned them a following on TikTok and Instagram. Weller likes squeaky toys, and Annie prefers naps, and together, they’ve created a kind of slow-motion sitcom.
Mochi
Credit: Youtube
In 2016, Mochi “Mo” Rickert earned a Guinness World Record for the longest tongue on a dog—7.3 inches! This record helped bring attention to shelter animals with unique features. Her family said they hoped her fame would encourage others to adopt dogs others might overlook.
Belle O’Neill
Credit: X
Belle’s eyes seem permanently surprised, and honestly, it works for her. This Doberman-cattle dog mix has a loyal fan base thanks to her weekly “Good Girl Saturday” posts and her hilarious reactions to squirrel encounters. Found as a stray, she’s now an ambassador for awkward expressions and perfectly timed head tilts.