Celebrating Taz

Taz was given up by a family who thought he was too rowdy, so Cathy decided to make him her project. At first, she called him Buddy but quickly realized he needed to be named Taz for Tasmanian Devil. Taz was a wild dog and out of control in every way, but with rules, structure, exercise, and love he turned into one of the greatest dogs Cathy and her family have ever had.

Taz likes to know everyone’s business. He is a very curious dog; he keeps himself informed on what’s going on, where you’ve been, what other dogs you have been with, etc. He checks Cathy’s car every time she gets home, earning himself the nickname Mr. Nosey. He is the leader of Cathy’s pack, and he shows all the other dogs the ropes. No one gets out of line with Taz in charge!

Of course, Taz also has a softer side. He likes to rest his head on Cathy’s left shoulder when she is driving and to snuggle with her by the fire. Every morning, Taz gives Cathy a hug. She calls him the perfect combo of Labrador retriever, pit bull terrier, and hound.

Cathy grew up surrounded by pets, which fostered her deep compassion for them. Her experience with Taz, and with many other four-legged friends, inspires her to help the many pets in need here in Arkansas and beyond. She encourages people everywhere to share their love and to give adopted dogs a chance to become their best friends.

As the future of animal sheltering, the Best Friends Pet Resource Center is more than just a place to adopt a pet. It’s a community destination that gives people better connection to adoptable pets and to each other, provides support for families to keep pets in homes, and offers opportunities for animal lovers to help make the state of Arkansas and the entire country no-kill in 2025.

It's also a place where we pay tribute to beloved pets like Taz with the sculptures you see displayed around the center and grounds, and a place where we express gratitude for generous donors like Cathy. 

You can save the lives of homeless dogs and cats in Northwest Arkansas and help keep families together.

When you adopt from a Best Friends location, or from one of the many shelters and rescue groups around the country, you’re not only adding a loyal and loving companion to your family, you’re helping to save lives.

Just a few years ago, cats and dogs were killed in staggering numbers in this country simply because shelters didn’t have the community support or the resources to save their lives. As of 2023, that number is 380,000 per year, but there’s still work to do to ensure a bright future for every dog and cat in America. 

Best Friends operates the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and is saving the lives of homeless pets across the country by working with shelters and passionate people like you. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill in 2025. Together, we will Save Them All. 

Follow along to see photos and videos from our events, hear about upcoming adoption events, admire adorable adoptable pets, discover kitten care tips, check out foster success stories and so much more.