Matt Damon Enjoys a Date with a Dog for Adopt-A-Pet Day
Matt Damon had a heartwarming outing with a furry companion to mark California’s Adopt-A-Pet Day.
“I’ve got a very special dream date lined up. I’m currently at the Eastwood Ranch, as you can see,” the Odyssey actor, 55, shared in an Instagram video on Friday, June 5, while cradling a puppy. “And I’m here with JoJo. JoJo’s a lovely little puppy, but my dream date is a gorgeous girl named Betsy, who’s been here for two years and is in search of a home.”
Before meeting Betsy, Damon offered viewers a peek into the animal rescue located in Agoura Hills, California, while interacting with some of the adoptable pups. He took JoJo, a 6-month-old puppy, to the play area to have some fun with a toy. Damon also met Piper, a 4-year-old dog who is blind and partially deaf.
“The work they do here is incredible,” Damon commented about Eastwood Ranch. “They rescue dogs from kill shelters, so this is essentially their last hope.”
Damon then proceeded to meet his date. Founder Alison Eastwood revealed that Betsy is a pitbull who was taken from a Los Angeles shelter and has been at the ranch for “a year and a half.” She explained that pitbulls often face challenges in finding homes due to negative stereotypes. However, Eastwood noted that Betsy is “excellent with people” and children but tends to be shy around other dogs.
Damon approached Betsy with a plush flower bouquet and playfully asked, “Can I interest you in some flowers, Betsy?”
He also provided Betsy with a red bandana, giving her a stylish look for their date.
“I’m gonna show you off for a bit,” Damon excitedly said.
After pampering Betsy, Damon sat down with her for some petting and cuddles.
“I’ve been told she’s really affectionate,” he remarked while stroking her, which clearly pleased her. “That smile! I love that happy look dogs get when they’re content.”
As part of their date, Damon prepared a basket of toys for Betsy to enjoy.
“Any toys she doesn’t destroy are going in the bag along with the toys we already have here to take home with Betsy once she finds her forever family,” he explained.
Damon also mentioned that Betsy was his first date in quite some time. He has been married to Luciana Damon since 2005, and together they have daughters Alexia, Isabella, Gia, and Stella.
“So Betsy was my date today. Mostly because it’s the first date my wife has allowed me to go on in 23 years. But really, the main reason is that Betsy’s been here the longest,” he stated in the video. “She’s been here for a year and a half. While it’s a wonderful place for dogs, it’s not a permanent home. What she truly needs is a family to take her in.”
Matt and his family currently share their home with five pets. He humorously noted that it’s his wife who has a penchant for expanding their family.
“At this point, it’s not even a discussion; she just brings them home,” he joked.
California celebrated Adopt-a-Pet Day on Saturday, June 6, a state-wide initiative supported by the ASPCA, promoting the adoption of animals from shelters or rescues to help save those at risk of euthanasia. At participating shelters in California, adoption fees are waived.
Betsy and many other animals are available for adoption at the Eastwood Center.
