Big Dog Stories

Jinx the smiling with tongue out pit-bull-type dog, outside on a leash by a river and wearing a yellow bandanna

Shelter helps dogs put their best paws forward

McKamey Animal Center in Tennessee sets an example for lifesaving with its canine-centric programs.
Learn more
Feature
Bear the dog and his "mini me" canine brother in his new home on a couch together

Big dog lands a home, meets his mini me

When Michaela met a snuggle enthusiast named Bear, she looked beyond his size, saw his sweetness, and adopted him.
Now he's making friends with everyone
Feature
Aragon the dog in the foreground with a smiling person behind him, both outside in a yard

Video convinces mom to adopt a dog

Allison Botwinick wanted to adopt the family’s foster dog Aragon, but first she’d have to get her mom on board. So she got creative.
Meet the "foster win"
Video
Selfie of Milo the dog lying down next to Amber

Finding an 80-pound senior dog’s happy place

Eight-year-old Milo appeared to want to scare away every other dog he met, but it turns out that his story proves the age-old saying: “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
How he blossomed
Feature
Nancy sitting with Yogi and Tank the dogs and Pong the cat on a multi-colored blanket

Dreams come true for doggy duo with tricky behaviors

It took some extra time to find Yogi and Tank a home that stuck, but now they have a family who understands and loves them as they are.
See how they make it work
Feature
Jovie the dog out on a walk on a path by red rock cliffs

Cancer survivor dog finds her calling

Jovie nearly lost her leg to cancer, but now she’s healthy and happy in her new home — and preparing for a new career as a therapy dog.
Bringing comfort to others
Best Friends Magazine
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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!
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature