Lizz Winstead Celebrates Rescue Pup MVP on Dog Rescue Day
Daily Show founder Lizz Winstead spotlights rescue dog Mr Funk in a heartfelt tribute post
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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National Dog Rescue Day Spotlight
Every May 20, animal lovers observe National Dog Rescue Day to raise awareness about the millions of dogs waiting in shelters and rescues across the country. This year, comedian and activist Lizz Winstead took to Instagram to shine a spotlight on her own furry companion, declaring her rescue dog “Mr Funk” the ultimate MVP.
Lizz Winstead’s Instagram Tribute
On her Instagram feed (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7vbIzMzRT/), Winstead posted a photo of Mr Funk sporting a red bandana, alongside the caption: “it’s National Dog Rescue Day and Mr Funk is an MVP.” The snapshot shows the two sitting on a sunlit porch—Mr Funk gazing up at Winstead as if to pose for his close-up. The image underlines the bond between comedian and rescue pup, and Winstead’s choice to celebrate adoption over buying pets.
A co-founder of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show and a long-time advocate for social causes, Winstead has harnessed her platform to champion animal welfare. While she is best known for her sharp wit and pioneering work in satirical news, her post reminds followers that compassion extends beyond human rights to the four-legged friends who need homes.
Why Rescue Dogs Matter
National Dog Rescue Day was established to spotlight shelter populations and encourage adoption. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), nearly 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. shelters every year. Celebrations on May 20 aim to educate the public on spaying, neutering, and choosing adoption rather than purchasing from breeders or pet stores.
Winstead’s tribute arrives amid a growing trend: celebrities using their reach to highlight rescue animals. From sharing shelter profiles to volunteering at adoption events, high-profile figures are helping to reduce stigma around older or mixed-breed dogs. Winstead’s declaration—calling Mr Funk an “MVP”—underscores that rescued dogs can be champions in our homes, workplaces, and hearts.
“Dogs give us unconditional love,” she wrote, “and lots of laughter. Today is about celebrating those rescue tails.”
Animal experts note that rescue dogs often come with unique backstories—some have been abandoned, others displaced by crisis. With patience and proper care, many thrive and become loyal companions. Mr Funk’s bright eyes and calm demeanor in Winstead’s post hint at a successful transition from shelter life to celebrity couch.
For fans looking to join the cause, Winstead’s post included a link to local rescue listings in Los Angeles. She urged followers to consider fostering as a first step, sharing that temporary homes can free up shelter space and help dogs adjust before adoption.
In recent years, Winstead has balanced her comedy career with advocacy. Earlier this spring, she attended a Diane Arbus photography exhibit in Los Angeles, posting about the haunting portraits and human condition alongside friends and fellow artists. That event highlighted her interest in storytelling across mediums—whether illuminating social issues on stage or using a single photo to champion animal welfare.
As #NationalDogRescueDay trended on social media, Winstead’s fans joined in, posting their own rescue success stories and tagging shelters. Many credited her for the reminder, celebrating their own “MVP” pups in turn.
Today’s observance isn’t just a moment on the calendar—it’s a chance to change a life. Whether you adopt a dog like Mr Funk or volunteer at your nearest shelter, Winstead’s tribute makes one thing clear: the real winners of National Dog Rescue Day are the dogs themselves.
From co-creating groundbreaking television formats to amplifying animal rescue, Lizz Winstead continues to remind us that a well-placed post can spark real-world impact.
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