Fame Fur-Ever: How Miss Peaches Changed Dave Portnoy’s Image
Published on September 11, 2024, at 4:41 p.m.
by Stephanie Smith.
You may be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of the infamous Miss Peaches, a 6-year-old rescue dog from Atlanta, who now lives with her new owner, Dave Portnoy. Love or hate him, he has brought attention to rescue shelters everywhere.
The story
Dave Portnoy, the owner of Barstool Sports, has an estimated net worth of at least $11 million. He gained fame from his pizza reviews, a passion he has dedicated himself to for 11 years. These pizza reviews led him to become founder of Barstool.
In a Fox News interview, Portnoy explained how he heard about a special dog that had been rescued by Lifeline Animal Hospital. So, he took his private jet the next day to pick up Miss Peaches. “It was love at first sight,” said Portnoy.
Portnoy adopted Miss Peaches on Valentine’s Day of this year. What he didn’t know? Miss Peaches would soon become a star.
From shelter to stardom
With a whopping 1.1 million Instagram followers and over 700,000 TikTok followers, Miss Peaches has become an internet sensation. She has been featured in interviews on various news platforms. She has gained so much attention that William Morris has asked to represent Miss Peaches, although Portnoy has yet to make a decision.
As for PR packages, Miss Peaches has received thousands from small businesses and brands like TaylorMade Golf and The Cordial Cherry. In response to the numerous gifts Miss Peaches has received, Portnoy posted a video urging fans to refrain from sending more toys to Miss Peaches and instead consider donating to their local animal shelters.
The change
Portnoy created a T-shirt and sweatshirt in honor of Miss Peaches, featuring the slogan “Adopt Don’t Shop,” with all net proceeds directed to different animal shelters across the United States. This line has expanded to include hats, additional T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Continuing to showcase Miss Peaches on social media, Portnoy has sustained publicity around her story. Through merchandise sales, they have collectively donated nearly $600,000 to animal shelters across the U.S.
Portnoy’s adoption of Miss Peaches not only raised awareness for homeless animals but also transformed his public image positively. People have taken to TikTok to showcase how the adoption and donations to animal shelters unexpectedly became one of his most effective public relations moves, significantly improving his favorability despite his indifference toward public opinion.
If you want to help create more dog influencers like Miss Peaches, please donate to local animal shelters. It is never too late to help the homeless animal community.
