In a heartwarming story that contrasts his sharp-tongued TV persona, The Five co-host Greg Gutfeld, 57, quietly rescued 39 dogs from a New York rescue shelter on the brink of closure, just 48 hours before they were scheduled for euthanasia. The act, performed without cameras or fanfare on October 28, 2025, has captured hearts worldwide, showcasing the comedian’s deep off-screen compassion for animals—a passion he’s long supported through anonymous donations and advocacy.
The shelter, a small nonprofit in Queens called Paws of Hope, faced eviction after falling $120,000 behind on rent and utilities amid rising costs and donor fatigue post-COVID. Founder Maria Lopez, 62, had resigned herself to the unthinkable: euthanizing the dogs by October 30 to avoid abandonment. “We were out of options,” Lopez told The New York Post. “I cried every night thinking of those faces.”
Gutfeld, a regular viewer of animal rescue content on social media, learned of the crisis through a viral TikTok plea. Without alerting his team at Fox News, he arrived unannounced, dressed in jeans and a hoodie. Staff recall him walking straight to the back kennels, where an 11-year-old Labrador mix named Buddy—weak from neglect and heartworm—lay curled in a corner. Gutfeld knelt, gently stroking the dog’s head and whispering, “Hey, old man, your wait’s over.” He then asked Lopez, “How many dogs are here?” Upon hearing “thirty-nine,” his response was immediate: “All 39 dogs deserve a tomorrow.”
By morning, delivery trucks rolled in: new orthopedic beds, industrial cleaning supplies, veterinary kits, premium food, and enrichment toys worth $80,000. Workers repaired cages, repainted walls, and installed heating units. Above each kennel, a hand-painted sign now reads: “A forever home — with love from Greg Gutfeld.” The comedian covered the $120,000 back rent personally, plus a $50,000 endowment for ongoing care. Buddy? Gutfeld adopted him on the spot. “He’s been waiting too long,” he said with a small smile. “Now I’m here for him.”
The rescue went viral after Lopez posted photos, amassing 3.2 million views on Instagram with #GutfeldSaves. Fans, accustomed to his satirical Gutfeld! monologues, were stunned. “From roasting politicians to rescuing pups—legend,” tweeted one. Gutfeld, who owns three dogs including a rescue named Gus, has donated over $1 million to animal causes since 2020, often anonymously. “Animals don’t care about ratings—they just want love,” he told staff.
Paws of Hope is now thriving, with adoption inquiries up 400%. Buddy, recovering with daily walks from Gutfeld’s assistant, symbolizes second chances. In a year of celebrity scandals, Gutfeld’s act reminds us: true impact happens quietly. As Lopez says, “He didn’t save a shelter—he saved souls.”
