Arkansas Stories

Annie the dog on a large cushion with two children who are smiling and holding tablets

Faces of No-Kill: Shelter dog now living on easy street

Annie overcame her challenges with time, support, and lots of broccoli.
She continues to make amazing progress
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Boo the dog wearing a red bow tie collar with a winter background

How training one dog inspired shelter-wide change

Boo’s successful training plan sparked a shift in a rural Arkansas shelter that will support all their dogs in going to new homes.
All interactions with animals are learning opportunities
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The governor of Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox, holding the written declaration as well as a kitten with Best Friends CEO Julie Castle behind him

Proclamations push no-kill progress for pets

More state and city leaders are joining the push to end the killing of pets in shelters, energizing their communities and saving lives.
These are a catalyst for change
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The puppies lying on a red blanket

Puppies thrive thanks to foster volunteer’s courage

How one woman overcame her fear of needles when the lives of her foster puppies depended on it.
Commitment to help overcomes anxiety
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Trinity the blind calico cat on some blankets

Faces of No-Kill: Brave cat is full of love

Trinity is blind, but she doesn’t let that hold her back from pursuing her true passion: making biscuits.
She received just the right recipe for healing
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Pug in a home environment

Kindness in action for the animals

When animals needed help, these everyday heroes stepped in with compassion and creativity and forever changed a few lucky lives.
Compassion can show up anywhere, anytime, and in any form
Best Friends Magazine
The face of Coral, the mama dog, wearing a red collar

Faces of No-Kill: Mama dog beats the odds

How a dog without a home hung on until she and her pups landed the good life
It was destiny
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Michelle Hood with Benton the dog

Rescued dog helps marathoner chase Six Star dream

Adopting Benton gave him a second chance and helped Michelle accomplish her biggest running goal.
Adoption inspires woman to give back in a bigger way
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Person scratching Nala the dog's chin

Dog overcomes fear — with some help from her friends

Playing with other dogs helped a German shepherd open up, giving her the confidence to turn on the charm and win over an adopter.
Now she's a different dog
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Maddy the cat lying on a blanket playing with a toy

Resilient kitten having a ball at home

After overcoming obstacle after obstacle, Maddie is exactly where she belongs: in a home filled with love and adventure.
Now the good times roll
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Sabine the dog in her foster home

Faces of No-Kill: Dog goes from shut down to shining

Sabine’s story shows that even the most broken spirits can heal.
Foster care transforms her
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Pumba the dog with mouth open in a smile

Watch: Heartwarming reunion between dog and his person

Pumba’s person never intended for him to end up in a shelter, and everyone could feel the love when the two were reunited.
See the love
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Selfie of Katie holding Berry the dog, who is wearing a pink jacket

Dog goes from face in the crowd to one in a million

After coming from a house with 70 other dogs, Berry is happy being the center of attention with her new family.
A berry happy ending
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Black and white cat next to a bag of Blue Buffalo cat treats

Working together to fill pets’ bellies

A new partnership with Blue Buffalo ensures that dogs and cats at Best Friends locations around the country will get all the food and treats they need.
Providing support in many ways
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The litter of Little Rock puppies sleeping in a pile together

Neighbors team up to save orphaned puppies

With the local animal shelter at capacity, an Arkansas family rallied their neighbors to care for 11 tiny homeless puppies.
Collaboration saves lives
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