Sanctuary Stories

How do you get a scared rescue dog to trust you? Encouraging a dog to play helped one scared male shelter dog let his guard down.

Pit bull with medical and behavioral (reactivity) challenges finds just the right home to continue her training and give her the guidance she needs.

Overweight parrot enjoys enrichment foraging games that help her lose weight. She started with simple ones but is now solving much more complex games.

Woman educated about the feline immunodeficiency virus, and how positive cats can live long, happy lives, adopts a cat with an FIV infection.

Best Friends is helping with Hurricane Harvey relief and reuniting lost pets with their families, while also focusing on making no-kill a reality.

Reserved cat who didn't want to interact with people becomes braver after coming to the Sanctuary and receiving dedicated love, care and attention.

Two Best Friends volunteers and supporters throw a special birthday party for a senior dog named Google they fell in love with at the Sanctuary.

Dying dog with aggressive form of mammary cancer called inflammatory carcinoma enjoys experiences and adventures on her bucket list / wish list.

Saint Michael's College staff and faculty visit the Sanctuary for a volunteer service trip. Catherine Welch is interviewed about their experience.

Pack horse, rescued from reservation near the Grand Canyon and brought to Coconino Humane Association, comes to Best Friends for more rehabilitation.

Two kittens with a neurological condition called cerebellar hypoplasia help girl with cerebral palsy gain confidence and become an advocate for them.

Dog with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) receives training and enrichment, including food puzzles, toys, outings, calming music and treibball.

Caregiver uses snacks to help a super shy terrier get some help with socialization. This enrichment helps the timid dog become more adoptable.

Abandoned skinny, scrawny, malnourished kittens who were dropped off at the Animal Foundation in Nevada come to Best Friends kitten nursery for help.

Dog has a neurological condition and a paralyzed tongue that make eating challenging. Caregivers have created a special restaurant just for him.