Virginia Stories

Orange tabby cat on a small table reaching his paw forward

Leaders across America stand with shelters to save pets’ lives

22 states have proclaimed their support for no-kill. This past year marked a si...
Proof that people from every corner of the country can agree on something this important
Julie Castle Blog
Ariel the brown dog smiling while lying on green grass

Making magic happen for a shy dog

Ariel arrived at a Virginia shelter scared of everything. Now she’s living her bes...
Community connection made all the difference for pets
Feature
Josh Allen the beagle mix on a piece of furniture

How two Virginia animal shelters, with the help of Best Friends, changed the whole world for one dog

Once emaciated and ill, a senior beagle mix named Josh Allen found hope, healing, ...
Collaboration increases lifesaving capacity
Feature
Ear-tipped black and white community cat

Virginia shelter shines when it comes to saving cats

Pulaski County Animal Control finds new ways to help cats...
Trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) program implemented
Feature
Smiling leashed dog in front of a person

The debate about no-kill animal sheltering

One advocate’s story from animal-loving kid to shelter director...
Partnership, not punishment
Best Friends Magazine
Brown dog on a leash lying in green grass

Adventure awaits for shelter dogs

At Regional Animal Shelter of King William County, every dog deserves the good lif...
Program helps to boost adoptability of dogs
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature
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
Feature