New York City Stories

Two smiling people holding LaBamba the senior dog

10-year-old tiny terrier home at last

La Bamba went from all alone on the streets of New York City to part of a loving family.
He fit right in
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Smiling person wearing an orange Best Friends hat holding a dog balloon in Times Square

Love for pets on display in Times Square

Interactive event in New York City raises awareness about homeless pets and the importance of no-kill.
Animal lovers delighted
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Brown tabby and white cat with a dark background

Magical pet adoption stories to lift your spirits

A dog who smiles all the time. A puppy who landed a new home at a business conference. These pets are living the good life after being adopted from Best Friends.
Meet the happy families
Best Friends Magazine
Shane the cat in an area with an orange blanket

Faces of No-Kill: Shy senior cat gets a chance to shine

Space, patience, unconditional love, and a feline friend help 10-year-old Shane come out of his shell.
See how he's found his place
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Julian Lin and Julie Castle sitting by one another, each with cats in their laps

Young entrepreneur brings generosity to adoptable pets

After his lemonade stand was robbed, 8-year-old Julian Lin visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to meet CEO Julie Castle.
Read about his trip of a lifetime
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Two smiling people holding a small white dog

Epic number of pet adoptions in New York City

A record 284 animals were adopted from the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City in one month.
See their happy faces
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The face of Reds the cat showing his crinkled ears

Regal red tabby cat is king of his adopter’s heart

Reds was feeling blue due to an ear infection when he came to Best Friends, but now he’s basking in love in his new home.
Read about the next chapter in his life
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Volunteer David Sprague lying in a bed with a brown and white dog sleeping and snuggled next to him

New Yorker finds stress relief in volunteering with pets

Nursing student David Sprague fosters dogs, is a volunteer driver, and considers the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City his happy place.
Read what inspires him
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The torbi cat looking at the camera

Cat conquers ringworm, finds confidence in foster home

Savannah was shy and had a bad skin condition — two issues that only strengthened a couple’s resolve to help her.
Read about her overcoming challenges
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Smiling volunteer Vicki Williams holding Sunny her dog in front of a brick wall background

NYC volunteer is a feline matchmaker

Vicki Williams loves mentoring new volunteers and being a matchmaker for adopters and their feline friends.
Read what inspires her to volunteer
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Fluff Fluff the black and white cat looking forward

Cat teaches adopter that every day is a gift

Fluff Fluff has a serious heart condition, but that doesn’t stop her from playing, loving, and living life to the fullest.
How her story helped find her a home
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Lorcan the cat peeking out of a hole in a leopard-print cat tunnel

Cat’s no-touch preference is no problem for adopter

Lorcan isn’t always comfortable being petted. In his new home, his need for space isn’t just tolerated, it’s celebrated.
See how he fits right in
Best Friends Magazine
Lilibet the cat lying on the corner of a desk

Cat gains a home, loses pounds

Lilibet came to Best Friends overweight, and that was impacting her health. But now she’s inspiring her adopters to slim down, too.
Read about her weight loss journey
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The face of Suzie the cat

Cat proves it’s never too late to begin again

Senior cat Suzie came to Best Friends looking and feeling worse for the wear, but today she’s feeling better and loving her new home.
Read about her second chance
Best Friends Magazine
Cinderella the cat in an enclosed cat bed

A New York feline fairy tale

Cinderella was down on her luck when she came to Best Friends, but today she’s living a life fit for a princess.
Read about her happily ever after
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