ROB McElhenney has continued the birthday battle between himself and co-chairman Ryan Reynolds with a pet-friendly surprise.

The actors have become inseparable since taking over as co-chairman of Wrexham AFC back in 2021.

And, with that, has come a tradition of bantering each other whenever their birthdays come around.

It all started back when Ryan unveiled a 'commemorative urinal' at the STok Cae Ras for Rob's 45th birthday three years ago.

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia star Rob responded to that by one-upping Ryan with a blimp unveiling at Wrexham's home ground.Ryan Reynolds blimpRyan Reynolds blimp (Image: Stead Photos)

Then came the  'Ryan Reynolds Memorial Blimp' - which featured in season two of Welcome to Wrexham recently - featured Ryan's 'Deadpool' face on it.

The sequence of winding each other up continued once more when Ryan composed a song for Rob's 46th birthday back in April of last year.

Now as Ryan celebrates his 48th birthday today (October 23), Rob has changed the theme it seems this year. 

Rob has teamed up with Best Friends Animal Society, an American animal welfare organisation in a bid to save pets across the country. 

Together they have named a number of dogs, cats, pigs, goats, donkeys and rabbits 'Ryan Reynolds' so that everyone can have their very own Ryan. 

It is hoped that it will encourage people to save animals from the rescue sites and in order to help that, Rob is matching all donations up to $25,000. 

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Rob released a video on his social media, where he is playing with several dogs called "Ryan Reynolds". 

A statement on Best Friends Animal Society's website says: "Rob believes that every dog and cat deserves a loving home and that the world would be a better place if everyone could shower their very own "Ryan Reynolds" with affection.

"After all, there’s no better gift for Ryan than unconditional love. To help make that happen, we're renaming adoptable dogs and cats across the country (as well as some of our Sanctuary animals, including donkeys, pigs, goats, rabbits, ducks, parrots, and even a horse, rooster, and turtle) "Ryan Reynolds," and we're waiving adoption fees for two days (48 hours) on October 23 and 24.

"Then, from October 25 through 31, adoption fees are just $10. You can save a life and bring love home with your very own Ryan Reynolds.

"And to help save all dogs and cats across the country, Rob McElhenney will match all donations to Best Friends made in celebration of Ryan Reynolds' birthday from October 23 through October 31, 2024, up to $25,000."