Pet Adoption Stories

Tan and white odd-eyed dog smiling with tongue out in a home environment

Meet 5 adopted pets who are blossoming at home

From mountain adventures to therapy‑dog cuddles, adopters share how their new pets...
Animals blossom when they land a new home
Best Friends Magazine
Happy, smiling dog with tongue out looking out the window of a vehicle with a Save Them All magnet below him

The perfect home and a mistaken identity

Trading in “gotcha” applications for conversations to find the perfect home.
Julie's personal learning opportunity
Julie Castle Blog
Person wearing a Best Friends T-shirt with a tabby kitten at an outdoor adoption event

The myth of the Perfect Adopter

Real-life adopters beat perfect-on-paper ones every time.
There is no one “perfect” person for pets
Julie Castle Blog
Eugene the dog smiling in front of a Christmas tree

Foster dog’s story has the wiggliest ending

Eugene’s wide smile sealed the deal as his new family welcomed him into their hear...
The smile that sealed the deal
Video
Mace the dog lying on the floor with his tongue out

No-kill breakthrough for Pennsylvania animal shelter

With support from Best Friends, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County boosts li...
A path to save more pets
Video
Bianca the brown and white puppy next to a football

Puppy Bowl XXII pet-time report: Being the '12th man' to our animals

Getting more pets adopted is what this game is all about.
Let’s keep that energy going
Julie Castle Blog
Potato the black and white puppy wearing a collar

When a tiny puppy needs big help

A sick puppy got the round-the-clock care he needed to grow into the busy, joyful ...
A whole new world for Potato
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Person wearing a 'Bring love home' sweatshirt holding a white puppy

Carrying love home, tonight or 55 years down the road

Watch the Bring Love Home PSA now.
'Every pet deserves to feel what home feels like'
Julie Castle Blog
Truvy the kitten lying with another kitten

2 cats, 1 epic road trip, and a family full of love

Thanks to a girl’s dream for a feline family member, two cats from Best Friends An...
Both step into family life with ease
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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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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
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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