How two Virginia animal shelters, with the help of Best Friends, changed the whole world for one dog

When Josh Allen arrived at Richmond Animal League from Isle of Wight County Animal Services in February 2025, he was the definition of a diamond in the rough. Emaciated and exhausted, this sweet senior beagle mix had endured far too much. He had heartworms and intestinal parasites, and he was anemic. Plus, he had severe dental disease, a painful eyelid tumor, and a heart murmur.

But through it all, Josh wagged his tail. There was a light in his eyes that seemed to say, “Don’t count me out just yet.”

Richmond Animal League’s veterinary team got to work. Josh began treatment for the heartworms and intestinal parasites, and he received specialized care to stabilize his condition. His gentle soul quickly won over staff and volunteers — with one calling him her “soulful, happy-go-lucky gentleman.” Despite everything he’d been through, Josh greeted each day with quiet optimism and a friendly demeanor.

In time, Josh underwent surgeries to remove diseased ear canals and infected bone tissue to relieve years of chronic pain and infection. The surgeries were complex, but Josh’s recovery was smooth and uneventful, thanks to his incredible resilience and his loving foster family cheering him on every step of the way.

Now, Josh is living his comeback story. No longer weighed down by discomfort or illness, he’s healthy, happy, and thriving in his foster-to-adopt home, where he’s spending his golden years exactly as he deserves — lounging on cozy blankets, strolling through the yard, and being adored for the wonderful companion he is.

Josh’s transformation was made possible in part through Best Friends’ Prince and Paws Shelter Collaborative Program, which connects animal shelters across the country to share expertise, resources, and lifesaving strategies.

Through this program, Richmond Animal League serves as a mentor shelter, collaborating with municipal shelters like Isle of Wight County Animal Services to help them increase their lifesaving capacity and reach no-kill. The program empowers shelters to overcome barriers — whether that’s access to veterinary care, staffing limitations, or transport logistics — so more pets like Josh can get the second chance they deserve. These collaborations are helping shelters across Virginia (and beyond) save more lives, proving that teamwork truly transforms outcomes for pets in need.

Josh Allen’s story is living proof of what’s possible when shelters unite to share knowledge, lift each other up, and give every animal a shot at the good life.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. 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.