Stories

‘Sanctuary: The True Story of an Irish Village, a Man Who Lost His Way and the Rescue Donkeys That Led Him Home’  book cover

Book review: ‘Sanctuary: The True Story of an Irish Village, a Man Who Lost His Way and the Rescue Donkeys That Led Him Home’ 

Sometimes, the rescued become the rescuers. No one knows the truth of this adage better than Patrick Barrett, who found a new path in life with the help of abused donkeys.

Add to your must-read list

Moogan the dog looking up with a toy between his front feet

Blind dog can still find his favorite things

When he was younger, Moogan’s vision started to fail, but he doesn’t let anything slow him down.

Read about his zest for life

Smiling person getting kissed on the face by a dog

Matchmaking, animal shelter style

Shelter collaborative program may be the last piece of the no-kill puzzle.

See our matchmaking in action

Best Friends Magazine

Person who is adopting Banana the dog, while outside on a walk together

Letters from home: pet adoption updates

Time to celebrate! Meet pets recently adopted from Best Friends.

Join in their joy

Best Friends Magazine

Roxy the senior Shih Tzu in a kennel

Senior Shih Tzu goes from down on her luck to a place in the sun

Roxy arrived at Best Friends with matted hair, an ear infection, bladder stones and major dental issues, but after help from the medical team she’s finally feeling good again.

Ready Roxy's story

Black kitten lying by some Bounty paper towels

The Quicker Picker Upper picks up adoption fees

All month long, Bounty is covering adoptions at Best Friends.

Read about this exciting partnership

Julie Castle Blog

Otis the dog looking up and smiling

Road trip for Otis

Otis wasn't about to let 1,000 miles stand in his way of a forever family

Watch the video

Sara Vincent holding a litter of four kittens in her arms

101 kittens: a foster story

When Sara Vincent retired, she decided she wanted to play with kittens every day, so that’s exactly what she did.

Read about fostering from an expert

Alida and Gary sitting with a cat in his lap

Two volunteers, helping animals in countless ways

From transporting pets to fostering cats, Alida and Gary Oldham are always ready to help.

Read how they help

Fleury the goat nose to nose with two of her kids

7 animal super moms for a marvelous Mother’s Day

From kittens and puppies to baby goats, horses and mice, we’re celebrating all kinds of animal moms this Mother’s Day.

A mother's love shown in many species

Brown puppy with a cast on his leg

New veterinary resources for pets in Navajo Nation

Soul Dog Rescue and Nuzzles & Co. team up to provide spay/neuter and wellness resources for pets with the help of a grant from Best Friends.

Read how they keep pets and people together

Smiling person next to Tanya the dog, who is also smiling

Skinny, sick dog finds new hope, new life

Tanya came to Best Friends with sarcoptic mange, but after medical care and plenty of love in a foster home, she’s now part of a big happy family.

Read about Tanya's improvement and adoption

Bella the dog being adopted from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Survivor dog starts a new life with a loving family

Leaving her traumatic past behind, Bella finally gets the chance to enjoy what it really means to be part of a family.

Read Bella's story

Family adopting two cats

5 animal shelters with soaring cat save rates

Best Friends’ embed program is helping these shelters save more cats than ever before.

Read about their successes

Three goats, Ziggy, PJ and Fleury, on and around a rock

Baby goats? Yes, please!

Meet the Neely, Ziggy and PJ, the newest adorable 'kids' at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Watch the video