Foster Programs Stories

Two puppies on an orange dog bed with some toys around

6 sweet stories for National Puppy Day

A look back at some of our favorite puppy stories from the past year
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Person bottle feeding a kitten

‘First responder program’ saves newborn kittens

Foster volunteers can sign up care for kittens during the first 24 hours they’re at Best Friends through the first responder program.
See behind the scenes of early kitten care
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Candace lying next to Hedwig the foster cat

Foster volunteer steps in for a shy cat

Hedwig was so scared when he arrived at Best Friends that he’d only venture out at night, but it took him only three hours to bask in the sunlight of a foster home.
See how fostering saves lives
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Person holding three kittens in her hands

Why kittens need us more than ever

The kittens are coming, so get ready now for 2022 kitten season.
Prepare Now
Best Friends Magazine
Sherman the dog wearing an orange bandanna and in a person's lap

Scruffy dog has trouble walking, lands his perfect home

Sherman’s foster family couldn’t let him go, so they adopted him and got creative when an old leg injury made it challenging for him to get around.
Watch Scruffy's video
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Tansy and Sage improving

Fast action saves two kittens on the brink

When a Best Friends staff member noticed two critically ill new arrivals, a long night up was a small price to pay for saving their lives.
Best Friends Magazine
Monesia head bumping Autumn the gray tabby cat

Volunteer teaches foster cats to 'talk'

Recordable buttons ignite training passion for foster volunteer and help kitties get adopted.
Read about innovative foster
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Willow the dog being adopted

Once abandoned mama dog gets new, fun, fabulous life on a farm

Adopters, a foster home and Best Friends staffers go the distance to bring sweet Willow to full health and into a wonderful forever home.
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Blu the dog lying on a couch

Sweet lullabies help puppy heal and find a home

Blu was shy and had a painful skin condition, but a foster volunteer helped the puppy grow confidence (plus hair) and he’s thriving in a new home.
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Person wearing medical attire lying on ground with Willie the puppy

Blind puppy learns how to navigate his world

Willie may not be able to see, but with help from his foster family, he can tackle any obstacle (except maybe going downstairs).
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Baby Scout the kitten with her new family

North Dakota shelter steps up to help others

Souris Valley Animal Shelter puts Best Friends grant funds to good use, which includes supporting other shelters.
See how grant helps North Dakota shelter
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iHop and Waffle House the rabbits with greens to eat

Blind bunny and her seeing-eye brother find safety at Best Friends

IHop may not be able to see the world around her, but with her brother, Waffle House, by her side there’s nothing to fear.
Best Friends Magazine
Molly the dog with Madison sitting in an entryway for a door, between two bushes

Inspired by one extraordinary senior dog to adopt another

After fostering a dog who required a little extra time to get used to living in a home, a couple is inspired to adopt a dog with the same need.
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Breonna with Pumba the cat in her lap

Spicy cat’s ‘instruction manual’ helps her get adopted

Best Friends foster volunteers wrote tips for making friends with Pumba, a cat with larger-than-average tortitude, to help her thrive in her new home.
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Family sitting on couch with two beagles

New homes for 21 abandoned beagles

People and rescue organizations, including Best Friends, come together to help save 21 beagles in an empty foreclosed home.
Best Friends Magazine