Inspiring, uplifting pet adoption updates
No matter how big or small, young or old, it’s a magical moment when homeless pets have new families to love them. The wagging tails, rumbling purrs, and smiling faces are all the proof we need of that. From coast to coast, Best Friends Animal Society places thousands of pets in new homes each year as we work toward the goal of bringing all shelters across the country to reaching no-kill by 2025.
Every adoption is a cause for celebration (and maybe a few happy tears). And since that joy is worth sharing, here are just a few of the dogs and cats who have recently settled into their new lives with their new favorite people.
Orik
Joe wanted to test out living with a cat, so he brought Orik home — just temporarily. He never intended to make it a permanent arrangement. But when he brought Orik back to Best Friends in Salt Lake City when he traveled, Joe realized he missed his new feline friend. Recognizing what a great fit Orik was for him, Joe made it official and adopted him. He says, “I think Orik is really happy here with me.” We think that’s a safe bet.
Bailey
Sometimes you make a plan to adopt an animal, and sometimes it just happens. Katherine and her family had just lost their dog of 14 years a few weeks before; they came to the new Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Northwest Arkansas simply to play with cats. But then they met Bailey. Katherine says, “She was so happy and full of life that we just couldn’t leave without her. This picture is from the day we brought her home. I swear she hasn’t stopped smiling!”
Koda
Koda is the sweetest and chillest adventure buddy. “Everybody loves him wherever I go,” says his new person. “I’ve been so lucky to travel around with him the past few months and see new places, visit other pups. He’s always so low maintenance. He gets along with all dogs, loves to hike and splash in the water, and has amazing recall.”
Charlie
When Caroline was looking to adopt a kitten, she happened to be out of town the week a litter of kittens arrived at Best Friends in New York City. She checked online every day, and by Friday, little Charlie was the only kitten left. That didn’t matter, because Charlie was the kitten for her, and she came straight from the airport to get her. Caroline says, “She’s an absolutely crazy kitty and the best cuddle buddy.”
Whiskers
Whiskers is really loving life these days. In fact, she has become BFFs with Pretzel, the other cat in her new home. “They love chasing each other through our entire house,” says her person, who was so inspired by the outdoor spaces at the Sanctuary that they are converting the front porch to a “catio” for them to go outside.
Brew and Julien
Can you even handle how adorable these two are? A couple came to Best Friends in Los Angeles and asked which dog needed them the most. That’s how they came to adopt Brew, a big senior dog who had just had surgery to remove a tumor. Soon after, that same couple was scrolling through the website and saw one-eyed Julien, who was also in need of a home. The couple decided that if Brew agreed, they would adopt Julien, too. Lo and behold, the two dogs became fast friends and the family is now complete.
Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill by 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.
This article was originally published in the September/October 2023 issue of Best Friends magazine. Want more good news? Become a member and get stories like this six times a year.
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