Memorial Stories

Silhouette of Best Friends CEO Julie Castle squatting down to pet a cat with Angel Canyon in the background through a window

The quiet work of gratitude

A reflection on the people, the devotion, and the quiet moments that carried me th...
Pause to reflect on all that is good in our orbit
Julie Castle Blog
Jane Goodall kneeling down beside a black and white dog

Remembering Jane Goodall and her better world through kindness to animals

Because of Jane Goodall, kindness is a creed — not a catchphrase but a way of life...
She advanced science by following her heart
Julie Castle Blog
Maryanne Pagonis with her hand holding the paw of Magpie the dog

Celebrities honor the pets who touched their lives

During Pet Memorial Month and all year long, we celebrate the joy and love pets br...
Honoring their memories
Feature
Erin Yarbrough with Sonny the dog snuggled in her arms next to a stuffed toy

Fostering a dog to heal a grieving heart

In the midst of the L.A. fires, Erin’s beloved canine companion passed away, but h...
Foster dog is helping fill the hole in her heart
Feature
Jaime Gallardo lying on the floor with Dublin the dog

Magical fresh start for senior dog

A man signed up to foster because his 17-year-old dog passed away and he missed th...
See him in action
Video
Selfie of Katie holding Berry the dog, who is wearing a pink jacket

Dog goes from face in the crowd to one in a million

After senior dog Ellie passed away from cancer, her people opened their hearts and...
A berry happy ending
Feature
Person's hand holding the paw of a black dog who is lying down on a blanket

The shape of our grief

Coping with the range of emotions, including self-blame, that accompany the loss o...
Finding comfort after loss
Best Friends Magazine
Ashley hugging a happy Cayenne the dog

Laced with grace: Saying goodbye to a beloved dog

Excerpt from 'A Tail of Grace: A Year in Search of Home After the Death of My...
Learn about her emotional journey
Best Friends Magazine
Julie Castle hugging Shadow the dog

For the love of Shadow: A tribute to a big dog with a big personality

Reflecting on a lifetime of boundless love after a sudden goodbye...
In memory of a beloved friend
Julie Castle Blog