Tails from the Sanctuary: The Vicktory Dogs
Out of the 51 dogs rescued, 22 were deemed the most traumatized and entrusted to the care of Best Friends. These dogs — later called the Vicktory Dogs — who began life under unimaginable circumstances, showed remarkable resilience. Over time, with compassion, patience, and love, they learned to trust and gained the courage to give their love back to the world.
In this special event, we remember these 22 champions. Their incredible fortitude and bravery helped shape a brighter future for companion animal survivors everywhere. Each of them was cherished — and all will be forever missed.
Join Best Friends co-founder Anne Mejia and Vicktory Dog caregiver John Garcia as we remember their lives, celebrate their legacy, and honor their strength of spirit and their willingness to forgive, to heal, and to try again — qualities that continue to inspire us all.
Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill
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.
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You can help end the killing in shelters and save the lives of homeless pets when you foster, adopt, and advocate for the dogs and cats who need it most.
Saving lives around the country
Together, we're creating compassionate no-kill communities nationwide for pets and the people who care for them.
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