Virginia Stories

Four people with two dogs on leashes in front of a shed

One animal shelter’s story shows what’s possible

Celebrating community and new beginnings at Regional Animal Shelter of King Willia...
Open house leads to adoptions
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Light brown dog with upright ears and one brown and one blue eye

Small acts bring big impact for animals

From coast to coast, Best Friends Network Partners are showing up with love, humor...
Network partners create moments of hope and healing
Best Friends Magazine
The governor of Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox, holding the written declaration as well as a kitten with Best Friends CEO Julie Castle behind him

Proclamations push no-kill progress for pets

More state and city leaders are joining the push to end the killing of pets in she...
These are a catalyst for change
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Person releasing a community cat from a humane trap as part of TNVR

Virginia shelters take on the community cat challenge

Three Virginia shelters are saving more lives this July, and you can be part of th...
Learn how you can help
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Lily Bean the beagle in a protective cone

A Beagle’s Road to Healing and Home

Found trembling by the roadside, Lily Bean the beagle faced an uncertain future. T...
Story is a reminder of what is possible when kindness and community come together
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People in an area with pallets of pet food

Danville Deserves Better — and it’s happening

Danville is changing the story for pets in need, and it starts with compassion, co...
Building a positive path forward
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Tib the black and white kitten wearing a collar

Introducing the newest Poe Museum cat

Tib went from Richmond SPCA to becoming a beloved museum greeter, gift shop superv...
Kitten gains not just a home but a calling
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Smiling dog in a home setting

Acts of kindness transform animals’ lives

From a heroic dog to a stowaway kitten, these stories highlight heartwarming rescu...
People living a better world through kindness to animals
Best Friends Magazine
Two people outside holding signs at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia

Virginia is for (pet) lovers

The commonwealth marked a milestone with 80 animal shelters now no-kill.
Successful event at the Capitol in Richmond
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Vixen the black and white puppy being adopted by a family

Best Friends and Richmond Animal League join forces

Virginia is on the path to becoming the largest no-kill state in the nation, thank...
RAL’s work serves as a lifesaving model
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Virginia Is for Animal Lovers Shelter Summit team in front of a welcome slide on the wall

Virginia shelter summits spark lifesaving connections

Collaboration took center stage at the inaugural Virginia Is for Animal Lovers She...
The summits were just the beginning
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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...
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 rescu...
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 d...
See what they're doing
Best Friends Magazine