Sanctuary Stories

Taquito the dog playing with a young puppy while a person watches

Faces of No-Kill: Meet Taquito, the puppy coach

Taquito the dog is teaching puppies at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary how to play, love, and live like champions.
Everyone loves him
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Gina sitting with with three horses lying together on the ground

A fairy-tale ending for horses who survived the odds

Three horses from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary join a loving herd on a stunning homestead, where they live their happily-ever-afters.
Now thriving with their new herd
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Persia the cat sitting with her eyes closed on a yellow chair covered in a fluffy bed

Cat’s world goes from blurry to bright

When Persia came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she could barely open her eyes. Now, she sees her world clearly — and it’s bright and full of love.
Now her future is bright
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Karen holding Halo the puppy in a home

Faces of No-Kill: Angelic pup survives head injury

Halo needed a miracle when he landed at Best Friends with a major head injury. Now, his health is flying high thanks to swift vet care and a foster home.
Now he spreads joy wherever he goes
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Karen the pig outside being trained by two people with her belt and a target stick

Meet the deaf pet pig who wears a ‘magic belt’

See how caregivers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary found a creative solution to train a pig who can’t hear.
Now she sunbathes safely
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Leo Decatmeow the cat in a person's lap and looking very happy

Faces of No-Kill: Cat goes from scared to superstar

When Leo Decatmeow came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, he was scared and a bit overwhelmed. Now, he’s living the life of the star he’s named after.
Daily outings in the stroller helped him adjust
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Kansas City Chiefs player Derrick Nnadi in his football uniform at a game

KC Chiefs star scores big off the field for homeless pets

Derrick Nnadi’s love for animals shines as he supports Best Friends for My Cause My Cleats.
Wearing his passion on his feet
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Cat standing next to a chalkboard sign that says, Thankful for boxes

Giving thanks with the animals at Best Friends

Celebrate gratitude for everything from a tiny skateboard to crunchy leaves and cardboard boxes with animals at the Sanctuary.
Sanctuary animals offer their thanks
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Heron being anesthetized for the endoscopy

Heron gets emergency surgery and second chance at life

A distressed night heron came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in need of care after swallowing a fishhook.
Delicate procedure helps bird
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Smokey the pig being introduced to Peter, another pig

Shy piggy blossoms with a little help from his friend

When Morgan Denning visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she wasn’t planning on adopting a pig. Then, fate stepped in.
Sleepover leads to match made in piggy heaven
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Marble the cat on a person's lap while someone else feeds Marble a Churu treat

Faces of No-Kill: Cat heals from injury in style

Marble came to Best Friends with two broken legs. Now, she’s on the road to recovery and sporting the latest in veterinary fashion.
She's getting stronger every day
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Greggy out with two other dogs, all happy

Sunny pup doesn’t let injury slow him down

Greggy came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary with an injured leg and found his footing again in a foster home.
He's now blossomed into a well-rounded, confident companion
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Priscilla training Lucky the mule to smile

Tricks, treats, and love help mule find her smile

Caregivers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary prove you can teach an old mule new tricks.
Lucky learns a new trick
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Brown tabby cat lying on a blanket

Home and loving it: Stories of adopted pets

Read about a dog birthday celebration, a pup learning the ropes, big cat cuddles, and a thriving parrot who loves to learn.
Hear about life in their new homes
Best Friends Magazine
Baja Blast the dog smiling with his tongue out of his mouth

Starved pup thrives with new friends and plenty of food

When Baja Blast came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, he was in rough shape. But he never lost his friendly spirit.
See him now
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