New York Stories

Girl Scout Troop 1019 together at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary with a dog

Young activists doing good for animals

Pets around the country have these kids to thank for making their lives better.
See the amazing work they're doing
Best Friends Magazine
Nikki the German shepherd lying next to a person after having been rescued

Uplifting tales from animal shelters across the country

Best Friends Network Partners share creative ways they’re saving more animals’ lives.
See the good that's happening
Best Friends Magazine
Shane the cat in an area with an orange blanket

Faces of No-Kill: Shy senior cat gets a chance to shine

Space, patience, unconditional love, and a feline friend help 10-year-old Shane come out of his shell.
See how he's found his place
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Julian Lin and Julie Castle sitting by one another, each with cats in their laps

Young entrepreneur brings generosity to adoptable pets

After his lemonade stand was robbed, 8-year-old Julian Lin visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to meet CEO Julie Castle.
Read about his trip of a lifetime
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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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