Dog Stories

Reba Schnyder and Elliot Tolkin holding Cricket the puppy, outside on a lawn

Lessons in patience from a puppy

After hip replacement surgery and TLC from foster caregivers, a puppy stands on her own four feet again.
Cricket makes herself at home
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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
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Moose the dog lying on a gray cushion with a toy between his front legs

The sixth time’s the charm for an energetic dog

Moose’s energy and anxiety proved too much for most people to handle, but today he’s in a home where he’s flourishing.
Now he's flourishing
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Person scratching the chin of Cash the dog

Dog who temporarily lost sight has friends to lean on

When Cash temporarily lost his sight, he became extra nervous about being petted — but his friends are helping him slowly open back up.
Patience helps him open up
Best Friends Magazine
Buddy the brown Chihuahua mix standing outside

Anxious dog goes home with his kindred spirit

Buddy had a strict no-touch policy that couldn’t be broken — until he met his human counterpart.
Now they sleep together every night
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Susan Fishbein sitting outside in the sand with a large brown dog

Volunteers expand homeless dogs’ worlds

From walks and car etiquette to first-time sleepovers and long-term fostering, Susan and Dan Fishbein have opened many doors for dogs at the Sanctuary.
They've become invaluable team members
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Alani the cat wearing a bandage on her paw playing with Simon the dog who is doing a play bow

Rescued dog and kitten are BFFs

Kitten with an injured paw finds a new best friend in Simon the dog
Watch their friendship blossom
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Ron Swanson and Pancake the dogs, on an agility platform, both smiling

Best friends at Best Friends: Pancake and Ron Swanson

Meet one of our favorite odd couples: two dogs known affectionately as “Roncake.”
Meet the best buds
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Elsa and Emma

Elsa Nilsson-Canin embraces the beauty in the beast

Credit a pit bull terrier named Herman for setting Elsa Nilsson-Canin on her lifesaving path with Best Friends.
Her will is her way of giving back.
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Kya the dog in the back seat of a vehicle

Dog gains the courage to trust

A once fearful pup finds safety with a patient, loving family who accepts her for who she is.
See her progress
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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
Potato the blocky-headed pooch with his new family

Dog’s new family is just his type

Potato is a dog with nine lives. He was at risk in a shelter, then beat heartworm disease, then needed emergency surgery, and finally landed a family who loves him dearly.
His long road to home
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Watson the dog lying on a couch

Senior dog is thriving with 2 octogenarians

Linda and Bill Farrell took one look at Watson’s silver-threaded muzzle and knew he was the dog for them.
It was love at first sight
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Hazel the dog lying comfortably on a dog bed in a home

Dog with traumatic past has a bright future at home

For Hazel, just being able to enjoy the little things in life was a big step. And now, she’s taken the biggest step of all: becoming part of a family.
See her living the good life
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Person petting Butterfly the dog while Dorian the dog watches

Scared mama dog transforms into social Butterfly

Butterfly used to run for cover if a person got too close, but with help from her roommate and caregivers, she’s really grown into her name.
See her transformation
Best Friends Magazine