New York Stories

Two smiling people holding a small white dog

Epic number of pet adoptions in New York City

A record 284 animals were adopted from the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City in one month.
See their happy faces
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The face of Reds the cat showing his crinkled ears

Regal red tabby cat is king of his adopter’s heart

Reds was feeling blue due to an ear infection when he came to Best Friends, but now he’s basking in love in his new home.
Read about the next chapter in his life
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The face of a black and white cat in front of a PCV piping cat bed

Good news from animal shelters across the country

Need a mood boost? These cat and dog stories should do the trick.
Read their happy stories
Best Friends Magazine
Person reaching out to touch a smiling red heeler type dog

11 happy pet tales from national adoption weekend

Best Friends’ first national adoption weekend of 2023 finds loving homes for thousands of pets.
Meet some happy new families
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Volunteer David Sprague lying in a bed with a brown and white dog sleeping and snuggled next to him

New Yorker finds stress relief in volunteering with pets

Nursing student David Sprague fosters dogs, is a volunteer driver, and considers the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City his happy place.
Read what inspires him
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The torbi cat looking at the camera

Cat conquers ringworm, finds confidence in foster home

Savannah was shy and had a bad skin condition — two issues that only strengthened a couple’s resolve to help her.
Read about her overcoming challenges
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Smiling volunteer Vicki Williams holding Sunny her dog in front of a brick wall background

NYC volunteer is a feline matchmaker

Vicki Williams loves mentoring new volunteers and being a matchmaker for adopters and their feline friends.
Read what inspires her to volunteer
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Fluff Fluff the black and white cat looking forward

Cat teaches adopter that every day is a gift

Fluff Fluff has a serious heart condition, but that doesn’t stop her from playing, loving, and living life to the fullest.
How her story helped find her a home
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Volunteer Lisa Zarek holding a black and white puppy

From finance exec to service for animals

Lisa Zarek supports new volunteers, coaches foster caregivers, and connects with shelters, all without leaving home.
Read what motivates her to volunteer
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Lorcan the cat peeking out of a hole in a leopard-print cat tunnel

Cat’s no-touch preference is no problem for adopter

Lorcan isn’t always comfortable being petted. In his new home, his need for space isn’t just tolerated, it’s celebrated.
See how he fits right in
Best Friends Magazine
Lilibet the cat lying on the corner of a desk

Cat gains a home, loses pounds

Lilibet came to Best Friends overweight, and that was impacting her health. But now she’s inspiring her adopters to slim down, too.
Read about her weight loss journey
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The face of Suzie the cat

Cat proves it’s never too late to begin again

Senior cat Suzie came to Best Friends looking and feeling worse for the wear, but today she’s feeling better and loving her new home.
Read about her second chance
Best Friends Magazine
Geoffrey's wife in a vehicle with Pepper the dog looking over from the back seat

The Other One

Meet Pepper, an athletic, larger-than-life dog, and Fernie, who is none of the above.
How a stray dog becomes family
Best Friends Magazine
Cinderella the cat in an enclosed cat bed

A New York feline fairy tale

Cinderella was down on her luck when she came to Best Friends, but today she’s living a life fit for a princess.
Read about her happily ever after
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Midnight the kitten lying on the floor under a wooden piece of furniture

Blind, deaf kitten shows the meaning of resilience

Midnight had a rough start, but after vets saved his life twice, he’s proven it’s often darkest just before dawn.
See how he's doing now
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