Sanctuary Stories

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Black shepherd mix rescued service dog from Canines with Careers program helps a veteran with PTSD and drop attack disorder.

Stray shih tzu dog, with a foxtail grass awn embedded in his paw and other issues requiring immediate attention, is in bad shape when rescued.

Teen Jewish girl asks for donations for the animals at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in lieu of bat mitzvah gifts.

Cat with a neurological condition that makes him wobbly finds the perfect home with a woman who continues his strength training and physical therapy.

Reactive shelter dog -- leash and barrier reactivity, lunging, and fencing with other dogs -- receives positive-reinforcement and agility training.

Cat with medical challenges, including slow-growing cancer and hind end paralysis, receives fostering in a home and is doing much better.

Cat who kept running out the door gets outlets for his adventurous spirit and frustration: clicker training, walks on a leash, and golf cart rides.

Dog with neurological disorder has a specialized training plan that helps him with his brain disorder symptoms and his tendency to fixate on things.

Pigs are happier, healthier and better behaved with people when they live in pairs or groups and have good, stable friendships with other pigs.

Car rides help a shy dog relax and overcome her nervousness. She enjoys watching the scenery roll by and sniffing the breeze.

Inspired by a visit to the Sanctuary as a girl, Katie Kramer Kelley graduates Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and is now a vet.

Couple from Belgium adopt a dog travel companion, a puppy, and road trip in a van with her to California and Mexico, with more adventures planned.

Senior cat with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) is wobbly when he walks, but that doesn't stop him from being charming, affectionate and sweet.

Dog with skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma on his underside and melanoma on his ear, finds the perfect home with a couple committed to helping him.