Pet Adoption Stories

Hawkeye the dog smiling and wearing a hoodie

Scrappy pup goes from matted to marvelous

After living in heartbreaking conditions, Hawkeye made a total transformation than...
Love saves the day
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Happy dog smiling with upright ears sitting on a chair in front of blue curtains and a small table

Happy tales about adopted pets

Best Friends adopters check in with sweet stories of cats and dogs settling into t...
Living their best lives in happy homes
Best Friends Magazine
David Herrin and his service dog, Preciosa who is attempting to lick his face

From shelter pup to service dog

After getting a second chance, Preciosa would change one man’s life forever.
Now they're a team
Best Friends Magazine
Chef the black and white cat lying on a bed with paws outstretched

Faces of No-Kill: Cat’s adoption is chef’s kiss

From emergency surgery to endless snuggles, Chef’s story is the perfect blend of h...
He's now living the good life
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Chelsea holding Mirage, the miracle kitty, at her home

Best Friends storytellers' favorite animal tales of 2025

Our editorial team shares some of the stories that made us laugh, cry, and cheer t...
Read the best of the best
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Raquel (now Poppy) the dog in a mail truck with the mail person petting her

Adoption update: One dog’s incredible transformation

Raquel was a pup who wanted to scare away everyone for years. She got adopted, and...
Hear how she's doing now
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Gavin Rossdale sitting in a chair holding a white puppy

Gavin Rossdale turns up the volume on pet adoption

The Bush frontman joins Best Friends to showcase adoptable dogs and to share why h...
Championing pet adoption
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Person petting a black and white dog who has his eyes closed and mouth open in a smile

2025 moments that carried an entire movement forward

Reflecting on the lifesaving gains that shaped this banner year As the year com...
This movement continues to rise
Julie Castle Blog
Beefcake the dog holding a stuffed toy in his mouth

The lovebug pup with a legendary pout

With one decisive pull toward the car, Beefcake changed both his life and Gina’s —...
A road trip to love
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Zoey and Max the dogs snuggling together on a couch

Faces of No-Kill: Healing dog finds joy with pup pal

After a devastating accident, Zoey’s sweet and hopeful nature left a lasting impre...
Broken leg, but unbreakable spirit
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Best Friends CEO Julie Castle with her dog Shadow in front of a large window

Welcoming winter: A tale of frosty faces

A reflection on senior pets, the seasons of our lives, and the quiet magic of lovi...
When you love a senior pet, you see the world differently
Julie Castle Blog
Kitten standing on wrapped Christmas presents

Tips for giving a pet as a gift for the holidays

If you’re considering giving someone a pet as a gift, a few thoughtful steps can h...
Preparation can help make sure this gift feels like magic
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Gray tabby kitten playing in some autumn leaves

Giving Tuesday, but make it a way of life

Magical moments to be replicated every day of the year. Well, it’s Wednesday. B...
Giving animals in shelters the chances they deserve
Julie Castle Blog
Calliope the calico cat

Faces of No-Kill: Senior cat lives life on her terms

Thanks to patient humans who respected her boundaries, 10-year-old Calliope is now...
Calliope is currently thriving
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Bruce the cat with Ollie and the baby

Adoption update: Baby and kitten grow up together

Best friends Ollie and Bruce have always been by each other’s side — even when lif...
One bigger happy family
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