Dave Portnoy on How His Rescue Dogs Changed His Life

In honor of National Rescue Dog Day on May 20, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy sat down with Lara Trump to share the powerful story of how two rescue dogs transformed his life.

Portnoy, known for his media empire and unfiltered commentary, took a more heartfelt tone as he spoke about his two adopted dogs — Miss Peaches, a pit bull, and Pete, a beagle. He described how both rescues transformed his life and helped shape his growing commitment to animal welfare.

Portnoy first encountered Miss Peaches through a photo shared by Lifeline Animal Project, a rescue organization in Atlanta, Georgia. He recalled an instant emotional connection:

"I saw a picture of her and fell in love. I flew down immediately just to meet her,” Portnoy said. “We filmed our first moment together and shared it online — people were instantly drawn to her."

Miss Peaches, like many pit bulls, came from a background shaped by negative stereotypes and stigma. Often labeled as aggressive or dangerous, pit bulls are disproportionately overlooked in shelters and are frequently euthanized due to breed-specific legislation and fear-based misconceptions.

“It’s not the dog’s fault,” Portnoy explained. “If you’re raised in a harmful environment and taught to act a certain way, that’s not on you. Same goes for dogs.”

Today, Miss Peaches is a dog influencer with over 1.5 million Instagram followers. She even inspired her own vodka lemonade brand — “Lucky One Lemonade” — with 100% of profits donated to animal shelters, including the one where she was rescued.

“We’ve sold tons of merchandise,” Portnoy said. “From day one, I made it clear we don’t keep any profits. It all goes back to the shelters.”

This model of using personal platforms to drive awareness and funding has become a powerful tool in modern animal advocacy. Miss Peaches' social media presence demonstrates how digital storytelling can reshape public perceptions of misunderstood breeds and drive real-world impact for shelters.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters in 2024. Many never find homes, especially those with medical or behavioral challenges. Portnoy emphasized that once people step foot in a shelter or see the reality behind adoption stories, it’s hard to walk away unchanged.

“Once you see a dog in a shelter, sitting alone, it hits you,” he said. “They deserve better — every single one of them.”

That’s why Portnoy chose to adopt again, giving a home to Pete, a beagle he discovered through a video. He says Pete and Miss Peaches became inseparable from day one.

Portnoy admitted that caring for two dogs is a full-time responsibility — likening it to parenthood — but says the rewards are immeasurable.

“It changes your life for the better,” he shared. “People always say, ‘Who saved who?’ And I believe that. My life wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Visit local shelters: Seeing the animals in person creates an emotional connection that statistics alone can't.

Educate yourself on breed myths: Especially with pit bulls, many fears stem from misinformation.

Use your platform: Whether you have 100 followers or a million, storytelling can raise awareness and inspire others.

Support responsible brands: Look for companies and influencers that donate profits or resources to shelters and rescue organizations.

Don’t overlook older or “less adoptable” dogs: Many shelter animals are loving, loyal companions waiting for a second chance.