California Stories

Bonny the dog with adopters Bevin and Cam

Doggy dating event helps pup find true love

Bonny went from solo to soulmate with the help of a dedicated foster volunteer.
Blind date leads to love
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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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Person next to a cat in a covered live trap

How individuals drive change in animal welfare

The collective power of individual action is helping to save more pets’ lives and bring the whole country to no-kill.
Every action contributes
Best Friends Magazine
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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Black, brown and white dog with upright ears

Reinstate funding and staff positions at Los Angeles Animal Services

Tax dollars should not fund the killing of dogs and cats in shelters.
Funding and staffing should be dedicated to lifesaving
Julie Castle Blog
David Reilly sitting on a couch with Rex the dog

Faces of No-Kill: Dog springs into new life on 3 legs

After having his leg amputated due to a severe injury, Rex charmed his way into his caregivers’ hearts — and a new home.
Now he's living his best life
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Friday the collie kissing Killeen's chin

Collie’s long journey home

This stray-turned-star’s new life is filled with so much fun and joy that it always feels like Friday.
Now he's a true adventure buddy
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