Big Dog Stories

Hollywood the dog sitting on an orange chair next to a stuffed toy

Channeling a dog’s boundless energy into a new home

Hollywood was stressed out and struggling when he lost his home, but a team of people at Best Friends helped him find joy again, as well as an adopter.
Memories old and new
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Hulk the dog lying on a wooden bench, smiling

Dog named Hulk lands a home with a bodybuilder

Hulk is big and exuberant enough to easily knock people over, but now his days are filled with exercise, playtime and naps in his new home.
Big dog, big love
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Jake the dog lying on a multi-colored parachute

From at-risk dog to therapy pet in training

Jake was on a shelter’s euthanasia list before coming to Best Friends, but in his new home, he’ll make a difference for people — with play therapy.
Read about his new career
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CrossFit Tony in the passenger seat of a car with a hand on him

Big hunk of love dog lands a home

His nickname is “CrossFit Tony” because he’s super fit, but he’s also sweet, loving and finally in a home of his own after months of false starts.
"Crossfit" finds right fit
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Sansa the dog outside while it's snowing

8 adoptable big dogs destined to be influencers

Instagram is the spot for charming characters, exciting adventures and good-time goofs, and these big dogs will fit right in.
Meet these picture perfect pups
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Person sitting on a bench while Bear the dog lies in her lap

6 large, lovely lapdogs

If they fit, they sit.
Have lap? Will sit!
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Emma hugging Archie the dog in the back seat of a vehicle

Happy tails from big dogs in their new homes

These dogs recently adopted from Best Friends are living (and loving) extra large.
Big dogs get big love
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Person sleeping beside Bailey the bulldog

6 big dog stereotypes busted

These large dogs remind us that every dog is unique. So, give big dogs a chance.
Get the facts
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Nanami with Orion the dog and both are smiling

6 stories about big love for big dogs

These adopters chose large dogs to join their families and they couldn’t be happier about it.
Showing bigger is better
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Midas the dog on a couch with two kids

A story of love and learning with an anxious dog

When Lou adopted a strong malamute-husky mix named Midas who had bounced between homes, he changed her life, too.
See how love makes it work
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Lulu the dog in her new home

Listening to Lulu

Adopters experience a master class in boundaries and communication, taught by a dog.
The importance of understanding our pets
Best Friends Magazine
Smokey the dog, outside, wearing a blue collar

Family falls for shy canine escape artist

Smokey’s a notorious fence hopper who’s not really into snuggles, but it was love at first sight for a new family that adores him just as he is.
See how he made himself at home
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Child affectionately petting the face of a foster dog wearing an orange bandanna

How one family helped save 20 dogs (and counting)

A busy Houston family of five makes time to foster homeless pets and memorializes each one in a paw print memory book.
Read how the whole family helps
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Homer the dog lying on his side on the floor

A young dog at the right place, at the right time

After meeting Homer at an art museum, the Thomases couldn’t stop thinking about him, so they made him the newest canine member of their family.
See why they said yes
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Paige the dog running in a creek with two people

12 pups to make your National Dog Day

Celebrate National Dog Day with photos sure to make you smile.
Meet a dozen delightful doggos
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