Remembering Emma, a truly special dog
One of our greatest joys is hearing from adopters about the pets who touched their lives. One family recently shared this loving update about their sweet pup's long, happy life.
Emma, adopted by Susan and Jeff
I wanted to let you know that a beloved dog, Emma, passed away on January 12, 2026. My husband and I adopted Emma in October 2010 while we were volunteering for a week at your sanctuary in Utah. Emma was one of the first puppies we took for a walk while volunteering in your puppy area. We later took her for an afternoon outing and then an overnight. While we were there, we discovered that Emma was the cover girl for your September/October 2010 magazine. We were also told that Emma had played with some of the Vicktory Dogs.
Emma lived in Davis, California, with Randolph, Rachel, and Wally. After they passed, she welcomed a German shepherd, Sakima, to our family (all rescues). We moved to Washington state a few years later. Emma hated skateboards and bikes, which there are a lot of in Davis, being a college town. She loved people. She was headstrong, confident, very loving, and affectionate.
She was a member of our family for 15 years. I would send you hundreds of photos of her if I could. She was my very special girl. She loved her dad, too. Sitting here right now, I’m at a bit of a loss for words to describe the full and loving life she had. Thank you for all that you do for so many animals.
This article was originally published in the May/June 2026 issue of Best Friends magazine. Want more good news? Become a member and get stories like this six times a year.
Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill
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.
You can help save homeless pets
You can help end the killing in shelters and save the lives of homeless pets when you foster, adopt, and advocate for the dogs and cats who need it most.
Saving lives around the country
Together, we're creating compassionate no-kill communities nationwide for pets and the people who care for them.
Get inspiring animal rescue stories delivered straight to your inbox
Never miss a feel-good animal story. When you give us your email, we’ll send you inspiring animal rescue stories each week, along with tips on different ways you can help save homeless pets in your community and beyond.