California Stories

Jaime Gallardo lying on the floor with Dublin the dog

Magical fresh start for senior dog

Dublin needed an adopter who understood his mobility challenges.
See him in action
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Profile of two shepherd-type dogs.

'Let’s stop killing animals in shelters and get more of them adopted out'

Los Angeles Times editorial board calls out the conditions and operations at Los Angeles Animal Services.
Support the pets of Los Angeles
Julie Castle Blog
Betty the dog sitting in a car seat wearing pearls

Senior dog regains pep in her step

Sweet Betty recovered from surgery and is thriving in her new home despite a cancer diagnosis.
Senior dog now thrives
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Three happy people posing with a calico cat and a Best Friends no-kill 2023 shelter trophy

New data shows encouraging trend for pets in shelters

Monthly data from nearly 800 animal shelters from across the U.S. shows the first lifesaving progress for dogs and cats since 2020.
Positive momentum for shelter lifesaving
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Dog with two different colored eyes and licking his lips in a home environment holding a toy ball

Lack of funding and lifesaving structure is costing lives at LAAS

Increased deaths and missed opportunities demand accountability and action.
Demand change now
Julie Castle Blog
Person holding a Ryan Reynolds face on a stick with the cat carrier holding the cat she'd adopted

Pets named Ryan Reynolds go home during birthday bash

Playfully trolling an A-list celebrity for his birthday and saving lives? Best Friends is so there.
A birthday to remember
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Person holding a puppy at the Los Angeles Super Adoption while another person behind them holds a sign that says I adopted my best friend

Empty trucks return to shelters after Best Friends Super Adoption

More than 460 dogs and cats were saved in Los Angeles.
Proof that collaboration works for all concerned
Julie Castle Blog
Couple holding a cat carrier containing the cat they adopted in front of the Rose Bowl

Stars align to send 400 pets home at L.A. super adoption

The Best Friends event brought together more than 5,000 attendees and 15 animal shelters and rescue groups to save lives.
See some of the happy new families
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Athena holding a smiling Gremlin the dog in her lap

From shy to safe: Dog with megawatt smile goes home

Gremlin needed a friend to help calm his nerves, which ended up leading to the match of a lifetime.
Now he's all smiles
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Person walking a gray and white pit-bull-type dog outside on a sidewalk

Best Friends withdraws offer of support to Los Angeles Animal Services

City of Los Angeles ignores Best Friends' offer — dysfunction trumps common sense.
Will still maintain presence in Los Angeles
Julie Castle Blog
Apollo and Jasper the cats sitting next to each other

Big bobtail cats go from matted to majestic

After some time and care in a foster home, cat brothers Apollo and Jasper are now living their best lives with a family who adores them.
Meet the majestic brothers
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Coconut the tabby cat on a gray chair with a yellow and white print pillow

Pet adoptions that were meant to be

These families all came together in different ways, but the end result was the same: pets living in homes where they’re treasured.
Meet the newly adopted pets
Best Friends Magazine
Shepherd mix dog wearing a purple bandana

Inspiring tales of teamwork saving pets’ lives

These Best Friends Network Partners are proving how together we can save the lives of more homeless cats and dogs.
Read about their great work
Best Friends Magazine
David Herrin and his service dog, Preciosa who is attempting to lick his face

From shelter pup to service dog

After getting a second chance, Preciosa would change one man’s life forever.
Now they're a team
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Jessie the dog wearing an Adopt Me vest, in the back of a vehicle with Pam

Faces of No-Kill: Dog feels at home on the range

Jessie went from a heartworm patient to a Las Vegas showgirl after a chance meeting with out-of-town guests.
Now her new life is beginning
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