Pet Adoption Stories

Val Hardin hugging Anna and Racer the dogs

An extra-large, extra-floofy canine birthday surprise

When Val and Ty Hardin volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, they never anticipated going home with 200 pounds of canine companions.
Bringing home a double dose of love
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Mackenzie Wilhite sleeping with Nikki the dog on her chest

Opening heart to new dog is adopter’s antidote to grief

After her dog of 16 years passed, Mackenzie found sweet, happy Nikki and turned loss into a new beginning.
Now they're on a new journey together
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Happy looking husky dog in a home setting

These pets are home and loving it

Recent adoption stories showcase Hamburglar the cat’s new friend, a charmed life for a sweet senior dog, and a variety of aww-dorable foster wins.
Read about them
Best Friends Magazine
Tabby and white cat in a home setting

Sunny pet adoption updates to brighten your day

Read all about 100-pound dog zoomies, playful puppy antics, and a super-charged cat purr.
Read about the new families
Best Friends Magazine
Childing hugging a brown puppy who is wearing a red bandana

From Times Square with love

Pop-up event in New York City spreads the message to help get pets out of shelters and into homes.
See some puppies and familiar faces
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Smiling person rubbing the belly of a dog lying on his side

Killing in shelters would end if 6% more people adopted

Best Friends takes over Times Square to bring love home.
Help get more dogs and cats out of shelters and into homes
Julie Castle Blog
Selfie of Kylie LaVigne hugging Koda the dog

Spirited stray dog loses leg but gains a new home

When the word went out that Koda needed a foster home following surgery, Kylie volunteered and, as it turns out, brought the boy home for good.
Now they're a happy family
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Kimchi the dog lying on a couch with Hadley and Gereth, all smiling

Faces of No-Kill: Homeless dog gets storybook ending

After working with trainers to channel her energy and intelligence, Kimchi met the family she was destined to join.
She's now home
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Diana Ross the dog, very happy outside with a person sitting next to her

Diana Ross the dog finds her endless love

Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep a once-stray dog from getting to a new home, thanks to a dedicated foster caregiver.
Second time’s a charm
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Bubba the tabby kitten being held in a person's hands

Faces of No-Kill: Injury won’t keep playful kitten down

An accident left Bubba’s jaw severely injured, but this tiny tabby never lost his fun-loving spirit.
Read how he bounces back
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Boone the dog receiving a veterinary exam

Life on 3 legs doesn't slow down perky pup

Boone’s journey home included a life-changing surgery and a dedicated foster volunteer who guided him through recovery.
He becomes a foster win
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Neo the dog with his head on the lap of a person in his new home

Faces of No-Kill: Dog survives abuse, lands new home

Neo was rescued from a cruelty case and held as evidence in a shelter for nearly 500 days. Today, he’s a much-loved part of his new family.
Now he's living the good life
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Selfie of Victor with Dakota the dog whose tongue is out

Faces of No-Kill: Beloved senior dog goes home

After bouncing from place to place for a decade, Dakota finally has the stability and unconditional love she deserves.
Now life is all about the simple pleasures
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Grayson the cat lying on a blanket

Cat transforms from shy guy to snuggly sidekick

Discover how one timid tabby found his confidence, proving that even the most reserved pets have a bright light inside.
Life is good with his best bud
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Zora the kitten with a lit up Christmas tree in the background

‘Miracle kitten' thrives after lifesaving surgery

Zora went from near death to a loving home, inspiring everyone she met along the way.
From survival mode to thriving
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