Pet Adoption Stories

Persia the cat sitting with her eyes closed on a yellow chair covered in a fluffy bed

Cat’s world goes from blurry to bright

When Persia came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she could barely open her eyes. Now, she sees her world clearly — and it’s bright and full of love.
Now her future is bright
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Jaime Gallardo lying on the floor with Dublin the dog

Magical fresh start for senior dog

Dublin needed an adopter who understood his mobility challenges.
See him in action
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Betty the dog sitting in a car seat wearing pearls

Senior dog regains pep in her step

Sweet Betty recovered from surgery and is thriving in her new home despite a cancer diagnosis.
Senior dog now thrives
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Three happy people posing with a calico cat and a Best Friends no-kill 2023 shelter trophy

New data shows encouraging trend for pets in shelters

Monthly data from nearly 800 animal shelters from across the U.S. shows the first lifesaving progress for dogs and cats since 2020.
Positive momentum for shelter lifesaving
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Three people, including Best Friends CEO Julie Castle, with three dogs at New York's Rockefeller Center

Adoptable dogs shine bright at Rockefeller tree lighting

Best Friends and Toyota spotlight pet adoption and fostering during the iconic holiday event in New York City.
Event was a dream come true
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Gina sitting with with three horses lying together on the ground

A fairy-tale ending for horses who survived the odds

Three horses from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary join a loving herd on a stunning homestead, where they live their happily-ever-afters.
Now thriving with their new herd
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Karen holding Halo the puppy in a home

Faces of No-Kill: Angelic pup survives head injury

Halo needed a miracle when he landed at Best Friends with a major head injury. Now, his health is flying high thanks to swift vet care and a foster home.
Now he spreads joy wherever he goes
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Andy the dog being adopted by two people

Waived adoption fees help dogs and cats go home sooner

When a group of New England animal shelters decided to take part in a fee-waived event, the eye-opening result was more than 150 adoptions in a week.
A win for adopters and shelters
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Goldilocks the cat in a basket with her paw over the side

Faces of No-Kill: A just-right home for persnickety cat

For Goldilocks, home didn’t turn out to be a cottage in the woods. Instead, it was an NYC apartment full of love.
See her now
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Smokey the pig being introduced to Peter, another pig

Shy piggy blossoms with a little help from his friend

When Morgan Denning visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she wasn’t planning on adopting a pig. Then, fate stepped in.
Sleepover leads to match made in piggy heaven
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Person holding a Ryan Reynolds face on a stick with the cat carrier holding the cat she'd adopted

Pets named Ryan Reynolds go home during birthday bash

Playfully trolling an A-list celebrity for his birthday and saving lives? Best Friends is so there.
A birthday to remember
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Person holding a small brown and white dog over her shoulder

Heartwarming pet adoptions from across the country

Meet Archie the food thief, Phantom the TV star, and more dogs and cats who are loving life in their new homes.
See their happy faces
Best Friends Magazine
Person holding a puppy at the Los Angeles Super Adoption while another person behind them holds a sign that says I adopted my best friend

Empty trucks return to shelters after Best Friends Super Adoption

More than 460 dogs and cats were saved in Los Angeles.
Proof that collaboration works for all concerned
Julie Castle Blog
Couple holding a cat carrier containing the cat they adopted in front of the Rose Bowl

Stars align to send 400 pets home at L.A. super adoption

The Best Friends event brought together more than 5,000 attendees and 15 animal shelters and rescue groups to save lives.
See some of the happy new families
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Veteran hugging his dog courtesy of K9s for Warriors

Veterans and shelter pets healing together

How dogs like Thunder bring hope and purpose to veterans facing life’s darkest moments
Groups save lives on both ends of the leash
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