Giving old cars a new purpose
As a lifelong supporter of animal rescue organizations, Aleta Flores knew she wanted to do something special to benefit the animals of Best Friends Animal Society — she just didn’t know what.
She recounts many memorable trips to the wine country in Sonoma, California, along the Pacific Coast Highway with her best four-legged friend Bobbin hanging her head out the window of her family’s Subaru Outback. Bobbin loved to visit Kehoe Beach, frolicking along the sand or accompanying her family on beach hikes.
By 2024, the Subaru was old and worn down. And when Bobbin sadly passed away that November due to lymphoma, Aleta knew she wanted to honor her loyal companion’s memory the best way she knew how: by donating her car to Best Friends through the vehicle donation program.
“It was emotional to let the Outback go, but it was made better by knowing the proceeds would benefit many animals in need,” she says.
Aleta’s vehicle contributed nearly $6,000 toward Best Friends’ lifesaving programs. The funds went straight to work, giving homeless pets the love and care they deserve.
This October’s Cartober campaign celebrates stories like Aleta’s — moments when something as ordinary as a car becomes a lifeline for homeless pets. Each donated vehicle, whether running or not, carries with it the possibility of second chances, transforming everyday memories into lifesaving gifts for animals in need.
Aleta turned her Subaru into a lifesaving gift for the animals. Imagine what your vehicle could do for so many others.
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.
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