Faces of No-Kill: Dog’s journey from guarded to goofy

Hilo doesn’t just enter a room — he announces his arrival. With his curly tail bouncing and a howl echoing for good measure, Hilo refuses to let anyone else take center stage. “He’s the silliest dog. We’re always laughing with him,” says Best Friends caregiver Jamie Prewett.

Hilo may be goofy and endlessly entertaining now, but it took time, patience, and plenty of treats to bring out that silly side. When this big, fluffy pup first arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, from a shelter, he was just as dramatic — but not quite as trusting. Touching his neck was off-limits, which made something as simple as putting on a collar or leash nearly impossible. But things were about to change.

Hilo moved into the Shipley Dog Lodges. Made possible by a generous gift from the Shipley Foundation, it’s the area of the Sanctuary where the Best Friends behavior team works closely with caregivers to offer support to the dogs who need extra guidance. The team knew baby steps and a solid routine would be key. For dogs like Hilo, predictability isn’t just comforting — it’s transformative. Routines can help dogs feel safe, especially when past experiences have made them wary of things like touch or handling.

[Building Confidence in Dogs]

At first, caregivers couldn’t even approach Hilo with a collar in hand. So they started with simple gestures: showing him the collar from a distance, pairing it with treats, and gradually moving closer. Eventually, Hilo learned that the collar wasn’t a threat — it was a signal that something good was coming.

Now, Hilo proudly sticks out his head for his collar. His daily collaring routine gives him a sense of control and consistency. And his collar and leash are his ticket to adventure.

With his daily routine building confidence and trust, Hilo has become a creature of habit around Dogtown, the area of the Sanctuary where more than 400 dogs like Hilo receive the individual care they need so they can be placed in new homes. Caregiver Claire Blalock jokes that you can give directions by Hilo: “Once you get to the husky lying with his head on the gate, turn.”

He’s also become known for his flair for theatrics. If his leash gets caught under his leg, he’ll let out a howl that sounds like a soap opera audition. “Even if it’s not hindering him at all, he still yells about it,” Jamie says.

When it’s time to leave the dog park? Hilo turns it into a game of keep-away, complete with dramatic vocals and zoomies. And when asked to go to his bed to be tucked in for the night, Hilo will definitely tell you how he feels about it before actually doing it.

Hilo’s newfound confidence has even helped some of the other dogs at the Sanctuary, including his BFF Crocodile. “He’s a role model for Crocodile,” Jamie says. “Hilo is probably the most dog-friendly dog we care for. He just takes a minute to let you into his circle of friends.” Once Hilo makes friends with someone, he seeks out affection and bestows his newest friend with his favorite accessory: a lot of dog hair.

[Faces of No-Kill: A scared dog learns to trust]

Dogs often mirror the energy of their companions, and Crocodile has blossomed under Hilo’s influence. Hilo's goofy confidence and willingness to engage have helped her feel more secure. Claire says, “She watches him and seems to think, ‘Maybe this place isn’t so scary.’”

It’s only a matter of time before Hilo becomes the star of the show in a family of his own. With time, patience, and a whole lot of treats, this once untrusting dog has become a joyful, affectionate companion. He’s ready to bring his drama, his zoomies, and his heart to a home with a family who understands him — quirks and all.

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.