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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Gray and white cat with a crown of red flowers over her head

2026 is the new 2016 ... but not for animals

A lot can change in 10 years — not just trends but lives. For animals in this coun...
Lifesaving trends are built to last
Julie Castle Blog
Cashew the dog getting a hug from a smiling person

How a Missouri shelter is helping more dogs shine

The Best Friends shelter embed program supported Independence Animal Services in f...
Partnership helps pups shine
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K’Terra sitting on the ground with a dog

How a Tennessee animal rescue group is changing lives

Crossroads Campus brings together animal rescue, job training, and affordable hous...
A model rooted in hope
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Aragon the cat in a holiday sweater on a chair

How a small shelter saved 1,000 pets in South Carolina

There’s no place like home, except for maybe for Raskel’s Rescue, an animal shelte...
Welcoming for cats and humans alike
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Link and Marble the cats outside on a sidewalk on leashes

Adopted cats harness adventure together

Seeing two cats stroll by on leashes might make neighbors do a double take — but i...
Now, the sidewalk is their catwalk
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Bryan Reisberg smiling while carrying a dog in a backpack

Why we love a viral animal story

Sharing small moments can create lasting positive outcomes.
Chain reactions change outcomes
Julie Castle Blog
Kyle Filipowski with Topino the dog

Utah Jazz join Best Friends to score homes for pets

Jazz center Kyle Filipowski stepped off the court and into the kennels to help hom...
Star power helps adoptable pets
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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