Kindness shines for pets in need

From a meteorologist raising awareness for homeless pets to a family wrapping a distressed bird in a “bird-ito,” these acts of kindness show how compassion for animals comes in many forms.

For longtime New York meteorologist Steve Caporizzo, it’s always raining cats and dogs. For decades, Steve has hosted a segment on the news called Pet Connection, which highlights pets from local shelters and rescue groups who need a home. Pet Connection has helped to match thousands of pets with new families, and Steve tries to focus on the animals who have been waiting the longest, sharing their stories and shining a spotlight on what makes them special. He also hosts adoption and fundraiser events throughout the year to benefit homeless pets. And at home, he regularly fosters animals — with a soft spot for senior dogs and those with special needs. It’s sunny days ahead for any pet who crosses paths with this kindhearted meteorologist.

Want to go for a ride? Even though Honey the yellow Lab had slowed down in her old age, her answer was always a resounding yes. Honey’s person had been a truck driver, and when she was younger, she loved going out on the road with him. Sadly, her person passed away, and Street Outreach Animal Response (SOAR), an Indiana group that helps people and pets in crisis, took her into their care. The 14-year-old dog had health issues, and the SOAR team knew her time was limited, so they wanted to make the most of it. They posted a request on social media asking for a truck driver who’d be willing to give Honey the fun of going on one last ride. With over 100 responses, one ride turned into as many as they could fit in for the road-loving pup. Honey even got to hit the drive-thru for a road trip snack. While life may take us in unforeseen directions, there’s always kindness around the corner.

What do you do if you find an orphaned baby bird who’s lost, cold, and clearly needs some help — fast? You improvise. A family in Texas was enjoying the evening in their yard when they found a baby Mississippi kite (a small raptor species) on the ground. No adult birds seemed to be looking for the fragile little hatchling, and no nest was in sight. The family immediately called Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to come pick up the bird, but there was still the urgent matter of keeping him warm. So they used what they had: a tortilla warmed up on the grill. They wrapped the hatchling in a cozy “bird-ito,” and he snuggled up and fell asleep. Soon, he was on his way to the wildlife rehab center to grow big and strong before being released back into the wild.

Taking the high road didn’t quite work out for Helix. The fluffy orange kitten had somehow climbed atop an overpass near downtown Las Vegas and couldn’t figure out how to get back down. Community members tried to reach him, but he evaded their efforts. Then, Lizzie Fuchs and her dad, Victor, got word of Helix’s predicament. Victor is president of Helix Electric (the kitty’s namesake), and he sent out a team with a boom lift and nets to reach the kitten and bring him to safety. They took him to an animal hospital, where he was deemed dehydrated and thin but otherwise in good shape. Next, Helix was taken in by local rescue group Amor Peludo, where he received lots of TLC, and then he landed a home of his own.

Lizzy Sawyer started her business, Evening Arts Pet Accessories, with a simple goal in mind: to help pets in shelters. Evening Arts sells unique and custom pet products, including bandanas and bow ties, and purchases help to support homeless pets. Through Evening Arts’ Shelter Support Program, Lizzy and other volunteers visit shelters in her Utah community to help in whatever way they can. Sometimes that means taking dogs for walks. And sometimes she coordinates with other local businesses to volunteer their services, such as a professional photographer who takes photos to showcase the adoptable pets or a groomer who helps the pets look and feel their best. Lizzy also uses social media to help connect pets with new families. For her, it’s all about coming together to create a safer, brighter future for homeless pets.

This article was originally published in the September/October 2025 issue of Best Friends magazine. Want more good news? Become a member and get stories like this six times a year.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.