Happy tales about adopted pets

There’s nothing better than seeing pets living their best lives in happy homes, and it’s even sweeter for those who didn’t have homes of their own for a while. These updates from Best Friends adopters show just how life-changing a home can be — with new friendships, cuddles, and zoomies all around.

I walked into Best Friends in Salt Lake City on a whim. I had just lost my beloved cat, Cheddar, and I was feeling like my two other cats were missing their third. Maisie caught my eye because she was covered in wet food, and when I picked her up, I fell in love immediately. I agreed to foster her knowing it would be a classic foster fail. She was just too sweet! I got her home, gave her a bath, and let her settle in. Within minutes, she was snuggling with one of my boy cats. My favorite thing about Maisie is how she loves the same toys Cheddar loved. She plays fetch with little spring toys and drags a wand toy around. So silly! To say that I love her is an enormous understatement.

Our family was in the middle of a month-long road trip to see the national parks, and we stopped to tour Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. When we met Blossom, we knew we couldn’t leave without her. It was an instant connection, especially between her and our two girls. Blossom was noticeably timid when she came with us, but she has lived up to her name and has “blossomed” into the best dog. She is the sweetest, most attentive dog and runs the fastest zoomies of any dog we have ever known. I want to say thank you to her foster caregiver and all the people who made her such a great dog.

Just wanted to send a little update on life with Meeko! After a lot of consideration, we did a name change, and he is now known as Beefcake, or Beef for short. He has been adjusting to his new city life amazingly. He’s been a little reserved, but every day his silly personality comes through a little more. Thank you for helping to connect me to this wonderful boy and a huge thank-you to his caregivers, who clearly took wonderful care of him and worked hard to make him so well adjusted.

I adopted Charlie (formerly named Bakari) three months ago, and he’s settling in great! He has been the biggest cuddle bug since day one and is more than happy to just sit on my lap and purr the day away. We celebrated his 15th birthday this past September, and he got spoiled with tons of treats and new toys. He’s a very happy old man, and I’m so grateful that he’s a part of my life.

This article was originally published in the January/February 2026 issue of Best Friends magazine. Want more good news? Become a member and get stories like this six times a year.

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