Sanctuary Stories

Mirage being adopted by the pilot who found her.

A new home for the miracle kitty

After surviving a devastating fall at Bryce Canyon, a senior cat’s story comes full circle — thanks to the search-and-rescue pilot who never forgot her.
Overcoming the odds
Video
Blanche the dog standing outside

Extra-bubbly dog goes from chaos to calm

How the behavior team at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary helped Blanche turn her over-the-top enthusiasm into excellent manners.
She now serves as “demo dog” for the behavior team
Feature
Emma and Solo the horses beside each other next to a fence

How 2 horses went from stranded survivors to friends

Horses rescued from Lake Powell two years apart become kindred pasture mates at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Now they have a beautiful friendship
Feature
Llorona the black puppy smiling and sitting outside on the sand

No contact, no problem for a sweet pup

When rabies quarantine was a must for a young puppy, staff found ways to keep her happy and healthy for three and a half completely hands-off months.
Now she's catching up on her puppyhood
Feature
Gregory Castle smiling and holding a small dog

A Tribute to Gregory Castle

Remembering an extraordinary man and Best Friends co-founder.
He changed the world
Julie Castle Blog
Volunteers Rich and Linda Yates with a dog beside some crates

Volunteers hit the road to help animals in need

Rich and Linda Yates combine road trips with rescue work, lending their hands — and sometimes their backseat — to help the animals.
Now they're steady and spirited fixtures in the Best Friends family
Feature
Indy the cat playing with a colorful wand toy

Faces of No-Kill: Mighty kitten's miraculous recovery

Indy fell into a coma when she was just a tiny kitten, but swift action saved her life.
She continues to make steady progress
Feature
Rio and Mike the dogs outside on some steps

A road trip detour that changed a dog’s life

A cross-country trip and spontaneous visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary led to a life-changing moment for a very good dog named Rio.
Now Rio has blossomed
Feature
Mirage the brown tabby cat being held by gloved hands

Miracle kitty survives fall off cliff

Following a tragic accident at Bryce Canyon, a 12-year-old cat is recovering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary — safe, healing, and surrounded by love.
Her journey now is one of comfort and care
Feature
Rusty the cat sleeping while on a sleepover

Faces of No-Kill: Pet sleepovers spark second chances

The sleepover program at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary helps two kitties with special needs land in homes of their own.
Program offers potential adopters a chance to connect in a real way
Feature
People checking out the wing of the peregrine falcon who is partially covered in a blue towel

Healing the fastest animal on Earth

It was a race against time to save a grounded peregrine falcon found near Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Wild Friends offers rehabilitation
Feature
Line of baby bunnies eating cilantro

Hop into Easter with bunny tales and tips

Discover adorable bunny stories, learn fun facts, and get tips on adopting and caring for rabbits — just in time for a hoppy Easter.
Know what you’re hopping into if considering a pet rabbit
Feature
Skipper the dog off-leash outside

Faces of No-Kill: Dog lands dream life on ranch

Skipper came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in need of an outlet for his boundless energy. Then something amazing happened.
Now he's home on the range
Feature
Britt the dog wearing a jacket holding a large stick in her mouth

Senior pup finds her smile again

Britt came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary shrouded in a cloud of anxiety. Now she’s romping with her besties and chasing sticks like they owe her money.
She's thriving in her home-between-homes
Feature
Emery holding Greenie the dog affectionately at the ranch with horses and rock formations in the background

Greener pastures for a shy mama dog

Greenie arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary as a shy mama dog. Now, she’s thriving on a ranch with mini horses, donkeys, and plenty of room to roam.
She has a home and a purpose now
Feature