Pet photos to give thanks, one wag or whisker at a time

As gold and orange join the colors of the red rock around Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, the animals settle into the coziest season. The Sanctuary transforms for autumn — every dog walk, every horse romp, every pig party, and every cat nap in a sunbeam seems pulled straight from a postcard. It’s the backdrop for something we feel every day, but even more this time of year: gratitude.

[Guess what we’re thankful for … you!]

The feathered, furred, scaled, two-legged, or four-legged friends here all have one thing to say to people just like you: a heartfelt thank you. Every step they take is possible because of you: the donors, the volunteers, the readers, and the animal lovers who are part of the work to save animals’ lives and give them a home.

Whether you’ve volunteered your time, donated to the no-kill mission, shared a story, or simply believed in the effort to Save Them All, you’ve helped create these small, beautiful moments of peace and joy for the animals. For that, we thank you.

Take Newhart, for example — spending his afternoon happily playing in a canyon brushed with fall color, the kind of carefree moment made possible because he’s safe and loved.

And then there’s Gopher , who decided the best spot in autumn is atop a perfect bed of crisp yellow leaves, soaking up the gentle warmth of the season.

Meanwhile, Mike found his own way to celebrate: letting a fallen leaf become a fashionable hat, which he wore with unmistakable pride.

The local community dives right into the season of giving by catering a feast for the dogs at the Sanctuary. Best Friends caregivers Jamie Prewett and Landon Schobert prepare a special Thanksgiving feast — a tradition that turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of comfort, care, and full, happy bellies.

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, and Richard gives this one five stars — happily taste-testing his way through the holiday like a true connoisseur. 

At Horse Haven, Jeff and trainer Shy enjoy a quiet moment among the fallen leaves, a gentle reminder of how connection and trust can flourish in every season.

Wasabi the bunny and curious kitten Canelo share a playful moment — a reminder that friendship comes in all shapes, sizes, and species at the Sanctuary.

From all of us at Best Friends, we offer a heartfelt “thank you” and wish you a happy Thanksgiving from all your friends — feathered, furry, and human. Thank you for being part of this community of kindness.

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.