Pet adoption updates that are cause for celebration

No matter how big or small, young or old, it’s a magical moment when homeless pets have new families to love them. The wagging tails, rumbling purrs, and smiling faces are all the proof we need of that. From coast to coast, Best Friends Animal Society places thousands of pets in new homes each year as we work toward the goal of bringing all shelters across the country to no-kill by 2025.

Every adoption is a cause for celebration (and maybe a few happy tears). And because that joy is worth sharing, here are just a few messages we’ve received about dogs and cats in their new lives with their new favorite people.

I would love to share an update on Ken Garff (aka Ken, Kenny G, Kenneth Garfunkel). Ken is still going to hydro and laser therapy weekly to help his surgery recovery, and he is doing great — even getting the zoomies around the backyard. He has been camping with us, has visited two Colorado national parks, and we found an epic sniff spot to let him explore the woods with (fenced) freedom. He loves his toys, meeting new friends, and the occasional pup cup at the coffee shop we walk to near the house. We can’t wait to bring him on our annual trip to Kanab this fall.

My partner and I adopted Martin and Silas in the spring. They’re doing great! They’ve made friends with our dog, and I often find Martin stealing body warmth off her. Silas’ favorite activity has become monopolizing the entire couch or perching on the bookshelf. (We had to clear out a shelf for him, so he stopped shoving books off.) Martin likes lying on my desk while I work from home and napping on top of Silas in their favorite box. It’s been wonderful watching their personalities come out over the last few months.

Thanks to the efforts of your staff, three rabbit siblings came home to me in August 2022, just days before their second birthday. As an experienced bunny person, I feel especially blessed that Edward and Dillon continue to get along as mature adults. Gwendolyn is more of a “people bunny” than they are, and she commands space. On the spectrum of pet bunnies, these three have stayed very close to their wild instincts. If they hear crows outside, they dive for cover and stay there until “all is clear,” but they’ve figured out that my cats are no problem.

Our time with Bagel has been incredible. He is the most energetic, lovable dog you could imagine. He’s always excited to go outside, stay inside, fetch, go to the dog park, meet new people, everything. He’s exactly what we needed, and we love him very much.

This article was originally published in the November/December 2023 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 by 2025. 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.