Caring for Pets Stories

Litter of puppies come to Best Friends who are very energetic and rambunctious. One, in particular, is especially smart and in need of socialization.

Layla the Vicktory dog gets special (and maybe unusual) help, involving parrots and a ThunderShirt, to overcome her anxiety and fear.

Animal intern Heather Kierstead plays her ukulele for the parrots at Best Friends, and one bird in particular responds very positively to the music.

One bird, now known as ‘The Todd,' was used as a research pigeon at a university. He and other lab birds are rescued and come to the Sanctuary.

The lion cut for cats, a grooming style that makes a cat look like a lion with shaved body fur and full head and tail fur, is great for warm weather.

Ellen the Vicktory dog, who was rescued from NFL player Michael Vick's fighting ring, passes on, but not without leaving a legacy of kindness behind.

Food puzzles for cats offer many benefits, including mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. Many cats love the challenge and rewards.

Piper the dog was getting run over by other dogs because of his age and health issues. However, he now has a new job away from the other dogs.

Playing in the sand has become a great enrichment activity for the Sanctuary cats. They love playing in it, batting it around, and digging in it.

Oscar the Vicktory dog makes great progress, learning to trust and interact well. He passes his Canine Good Citizen test and is ready for adoption.

Very overweight dog loses weight with more walks, agility training, and clicker training. He went from 113 pounds down to a slim 60 pounds.

New dog training program uses food for positive-reinforcement training, food puzzles, and aromatherapy to help dogs become more adoptable.

At first, Agent the cat didn't like the idea of wearing a harness and going for a walk outside. That has all changed now.

Eight sick kittens from a hoarding situation receive treatment for eye and upper respiratory problems, TLC, and nourishment, and are now thriving.

Read story of cat who definitely has nine lives, having survived Hurricane Katrina and mammary cancer. She is also feline leukemia (FeLV) positive.