Network Partners Stories

Collage of three photos of people taking dogs out for Adventure Buddies Day

Kennels empty for Adventure Buddies Day in Los Angeles

How nearly 400 shelter dogs in Los Angeles got their best day ever.
It’s much more than exercise and enrichment
Julie Castle Blog
Jeremiah the puppy outside in the grass

Oklahoma shelters unite to save pets in 2 emergencies

When Oklahoma shelters faced two large-scale emergencies, relationships built thro...
It takes a village
Feature
Heather Hall outside with a dog who is in a wheelchair

If you’re looking to save a life in West Texas, look for the vultures circling

In West Texas, Heather Hall is saving animals and proving to all of us that we bel...
Working in animal welfare makes us better people
Julie Castle Blog
Dog next to people holding a Best Friends no-kill plaque

‘It would never work here’ until it does

From remote West Texas to suburban Chicago to the coastal South, this year's no-ki...
How lifesaving actually happens
Julie Castle Blog
Dog from Aggieland Humane Society with two people on a wooden swing

5 stories of animal shelters going the extra mile

From East Coast to West Coast, Best Friends Network Partners are finding creative ...
Creative ways to offer second chances
Best Friends Magazine
Timmy the community cat outside with an ear-tip

Redefining ‘home’ for cats who prefer the outdoors

A Washington shelter’s barn cat program gives cats other options besides a traditi...
Creating solutions to save lives
Best Friends Magazine
Ruby Fooks beside a dog in a vehicle

Saving animals is a lifestyle; and Ruby is ready to recruit you

Ruby stops at nothing to save the animals who were once her only safety –– creatin...
She sees a problem and jumps in to fix it
Julie Castle Blog
Tiger the brindle dog

Tiger’s 763 days: A shelter dog's long road home

A Texas shelter director explains how a dog pushed them to evolve, adapt, and beli...
Shelter changes its stripes
Best Friends Magazine
Christmas lights in Chickasha, Oklahoma during sunset

A real-life Hallmark movie for shelter pets

Chickasha Animal Shelter in Oklahoma, with help from Best Friends, is creating mor...
Making magic for the animals
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Elliott the dog with his family

Oklahoma shelter dog wins 5K race, gets adopted

A fun-filled adoption event and 5K race in Oklahoma helped a dog named Elliott, an...
From shelter to finish line to beloved family member
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Chase the dog, with a wide smile

Finding good homes faster for New Jersey dogs

With support from Best Friends, Associated Humane Societies is helping dogs spend ...
Small changes, big results
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Lawrence Nicolas holding a cat in front of kennels

Lawrence thinks you’re not giving animal shelters a shot — and maybe he’s right

Some might find it easy to forget the animals behind shelter doors, but Lawrence i...
Lawrence discusses his work in animal welfare
Julie Castle Blog
Milo the orange tabby cat outside on green grass

Finding nontraditional homes for Alaska cats

Clear Creek Cat Rescue helps cats who need a different kind of home thrive while h...
Team effort saves lives
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Person kneeling on the grass next to a dog who is lying on her back

Young people bring hope for homeless pets

Kids, teens, and college students are stepping into animal welfare with fresh idea...
A future filled with lifesaving
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Best Friends CEO Julie Castle smiling at a booth at an event

How to break into animal welfare from any career

A law school escapee, an Air Force officer, and a parks director follow their hear...
It's valuable life experience that matters
Julie Castle Blog