Virginia Stories

Tabby kitten lying on a gray blanket with another cat in the background

Virginia’s no-kill commitment: A big win for pets in the commonwealth

Virginia Loves Shelter Animals Month encourages no-kill in 2025.
This isn’t just a declaration — it’s a rallying cry
Julie Castle Blog
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
Officer Thomas Stanfield holding the rescued black kitten in the squad car

Making the world better through kindness toward animals

From a community coming together to find a missing dog to a tree trimmer who rescues stuck felines, these kind acts will warm your heart.
Read their stories
Best Friends Magazine
White and tan dog with mouth slightly open smiling

Shelters get creative to showcase adoptable pets

These groups are using every opportunity and tool at their disposal to send more dogs and cats to new homes — and keep pets together with their families.
See what they're doing
Best Friends Magazine
Face of Pepperoni, a medium-hair calico cat

Terrific tales from animal shelters across the country

Looking for something to make you smile? These aww-inspiring stories from Best Friends Network Partners will warm the soul.
Read their good news
Best Friends Magazine
Black dog outside on leaf-covered grass

Making a difference through kindness to animals

From a community cat hero to a puppy parade, these stories of kindness toward animals will warm your heart.
Read for a smile
Best Friends Magazine
RoiLie the dog running in his wheelchair

Big love for little dog with wheels

An injury changed RoiLie’s life, but his huge personality and a whole lot of love keep him going strong.
See him in his home
Feature
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
Feature
Rain the dog lying on a couch upside-down next to a person petting her and working on a laptop

Meet pets rescued from Hurricane Ian

Here are just a few of the more than 370 cats and dogs Best Friends has moved out of Florida since Hurricane Ian hit.
Read their stories
Feature
Yogi the dog with is smiling person

7 happy stories from national pet adoption weekend

Best Friends-sponsored National Adoption Weekend results in thousands of adoptions.
Meet the happy families
Feature
Woman hugging a black and white heeler type dog

5 amazing acts of animal-loving kindness

These everyday heroes are making the world a better place for animals across the country.
Read for a smile
Best Friends Magazine
Smiling person getting kissed on the face by a dog

Matchmaking, animal shelter style

Shelter collaborative program may be the last piece of the no-kill puzzle.
See our matchmaking in action
Best Friends Magazine
Pepper the dog, outside on the grass, smiling

Animal stories to fill you with hope

Here are five stories about amazing acts of kindness to lift your spirits and remind you that love always wins.
See what our partners are doing
Best Friends Magazine