Sanctuary Stories

Volunteering changed veteran, dog lover, logistics legend, and epic animal transporter Bill Splitter’s life.

For Brenda and Marty Winnick, volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary means making a difference and having a place to belong — and, of course, having fun.

Meet one of our favorite odd couples: two dogs known affectionately as “Roncake.”

Dolly Parton’s new family was prepared to make their home accessible to her, and then she showed them how much she could do.

Jovie nearly lost her leg to cancer, but now she’s healthy and happy in her new home — and preparing for a new career as a therapy dog.

Simon’s shyness was keeping him from getting adopted, but when he spotted the family he wanted, he made sure they weren’t leaving without him.

For Hazel, just being able to enjoy the little things in life was a big step. And now, she’s taken the biggest step of all: becoming part of a family.

Elton was never really a fan of other cats, but then he met Binns, a little kitten who needed a friend.

Butterfly used to run for cover if a person got too close, but with help from her roommate and caregivers, she’s really grown into her name.

Wild Friends welcomes two tiger salamanders who need help after finding themselves in similar predicaments.

On any given day, the Bunny House is home to around 90 rabbits and a few guinea pigs who just want to be loved.

Volunteers from Credit One Bank spend two weekends on a large project to make the Sanctuary shine.

Little Liv didn’t just tolerate weeks of daily Epsom salt baths for a skin infection, she thoroughly enjoyed them.

Unexpected encounters in the streets of Salt Lake City and a backcountry trail in Colorado bring Sasquatch together with his new family.

Lars almost died alone, starving, dehydrated, and full of porcupine quills, but vets at the Sanctuary saved his life, and now he has a new home.