Sanctuary Stories

Dixon the tabby and white cat lying on a lap

Faces of No-Kill: Cat thrives after FIP treatment

Dixon’s FIP diagnosis once might have spelled the end, but after taking part in clinical trials for a treatment, her future is looking bright.
Read about his lifesaving medical care
Feature
Jules and Lannister the dogs playing together, each holding opposite sides of the same stick with their mouths

The right roommate helps calm anxious dog

Lannister loves making friends, but his nervous energy can be a lot for other dogs — until he met Jules.
See how they enjoy each others company
Best Friends Magazine
Atkins the white dog in front of a group of people when moving into the Shipley Dog Lodges

Announcing the Shipley Dog Lodges

A nod to the future through the experiences of the past
Celebrating a place designed to celebrate dogs with behavior challenges
Julie Castle Blog
Pumpkin the cat wearing an autumnal colored bow surrounded by fall-colored leaves

Pumpkin the cat celebrates his season

It’s autumn now, and you know what that means: the perfect time for Pumpkin.
Who needs pumpkin spice when you have Pumpkin the cat?
Feature
Frankie the dog in the lap of a person who is reading "101 Dalmatians" to him

Deaf dog loves story time

Even though he can’t follow along with his ears, Frankie loves it when people read to him.
It's fun for everyone
Best Friends Magazine
Ruthie the dog with three people (two in military uniforms) in front of a large vehicle

Faces of No-Kill: 3-legged dog earns her military stripes

Ruthie went from a scared, injured puppy in a shelter to bringing joy to combat veterans who defuse bombs for a living.
She's loving her therapy dog training
Feature
Julian Lin and Julie Castle sitting by one another, each with cats in their laps

Young entrepreneur brings generosity to adoptable pets

After his lemonade stand was robbed, 8-year-old Julian Lin visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to meet CEO Julie Castle.
Read about his trip of a lifetime
Feature
Person wearing a hat reaching down to feed some watermelon to a pig in a small yellow pool

A pool party just for pigs

Pigs at the Sanctuary make a splash and have a blast at a summertime soiree just for them.
Check out the fun
Video
A person and dog in a green canoe on the water in front of a rock overcropping

Dogs find treasure at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Photo essay explores dogs taking a dip in waters rumored to hide ancient riches and how they end up discovering something even better.
Is Montezuma’s gold hidden at the Sanctuary?
Feature
Acadia the cat standing on his hind legs doing a high-five with a person

Cat goes from shy to showman

Acadia didn’t want anything to do with people when he first came to Best Friends, but special attention from a caregiver changed that.
Now he's a tour highlight
Best Friends Magazine
Black and white dog licking lips after tasting a Frosty Paws from a white cup being held by a person's hand

Volunteers deliver cool treats to Dogtown pups

Get the canine-approved recipe that makes the dogs bark for joy, especially on hot days.
Make them yourself
Feature
Equine trainer Christian Mathews putting a saddle on Byron the mustang

A mustang’s breakthrough

Byron was born in the wild, and today he’s learning the ropes to become a solid riding partner.
He's now a riding partner
Best Friends Magazine
Venus the dog running outside in the red sand with ears flopping and tongue out

The Secret to Happiness, a poem by Venus the dog

A poignant poem for the times, as told by a playful pup at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Read Venus' words of wisdom
Best Friends Magazine
Evelyn the kitten sitting in a sunbeam meowing at a much larger black and white cat

Cats pamper kitten with purrs

After losing her home, an incontinent kitten joins a team of doting feline caregivers in Cat World.
See how she's thriving
Best Friends Magazine
Ashley hugging a happy Cayenne the dog

Laced with grace: Saying goodbye to a beloved dog

Excerpt from 'A Tail of Grace: A Year in Search of Home After the Death of My Soul-Dog.'
Learn about her emotional journey
Best Friends Magazine