Sanctuary Stories

Best Friends volunteer, who is a national parks guide, takes the most active, agile dogs from the Sanctuary on epic hikes around Southern Utah.

Once-abused dog had behavior issues. He lacked impulse control, was jumpy and mouthy, and reactive to other dogs. His life has changed for the better.

Cat with epilepsy receives treatment for his seizures and specialized living accommodations at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to help him feel better.

Dog who was once completely feral was afraid of almost everything, including riding in a car. With help, he slowly begins to overcome his car anxiety.

A bloodhound dog helps socialize a litter of hound puppies, teaching them appropriate ways to interact and play.

Horse trainers answer questions about how horses are trained, the philosophy behind the training program, and how horses are prepared for adoption.

Cat with pancreatitis and stomach issues, which caused nausea and appetite suppression, is put on feeding tube. He is feeling much better now.

Dog who was found as a stray in a forest gets specialized fearful dog rehabilitation, which includes fun outings and exposure to new experiences.

Incontinent kitten who doesn't have use of her back legs gets extra care. She needs help with expressing her bladder and sometimes her colon.

From Villa Park, Illinois, Billie Johnson shares her experience of volunteering at the Sanctuary and working for a no-kill society by 2025.

Family of adopted dog with health challenges, including canine lupus and fibrosarcoma cancer, is determined to give him the best life possible.

Veterinarians carefully redfeed severely malnourished, underweight, starving horse to avoid refeeding syndrome symptoms like bloating and colicking.

Hurricane Harvey survivor cat recovers from a terrible head wound and badly infected sinus and is now looking forward to being adopted.

Standoffish, cautious and uncertain dog is learning to trust more as he is introduced to more people and is shown patience and understanding.

Stray cat had an ear infection and skin cancer. After treatment, this survivor is now cancer free and ready for adoption.