Virginia Stories

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. Thanks to a kind stranger, life-saving care, and a devoted foster family, her journey of survival and healing became a heartwarming tale of resilience and love.
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, community, and connection. The Danville Deserves Better campaign is working to make pet support more accessible — from free food and vet care to community outreach and education.
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 supervisor, and expert at stealing visitors’ hearts.
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 rescues, adoptions, and life-changing connections.
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
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, thanks to lifesaving collaborations like the partnership between Best Friends Animal Society and Richmond Animal League (RAL).
RAL’s work serves as a lifesaving model
Feature
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 Shelter Summits in Richmond and Roanoke. Hosted by Best Friends, the events brought together 22 organizations to share resources, foster connections, and strengthen lifesaving efforts.
The summits were just the beginning
Feature
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