Stories

Smiling person hugging a dog whose tongue is out and is wearing a bandana

Thank you pets during Pet Appreciation Week and every day

Cuddlers, companions, comedians ... there’s no doubt that our furry bffs make our lives better we can make theirs better, too.
Watch the video
Video
RJ the cat in a kennel

Working together for pets at California shelter

Best Friends and several other organizations came together to take in 32 cats and nine dogs from Apple Valley Animal Services in a single day.
See how collaboration saves lives
Feature
Gertie and Prima, a horse and her foal

Three rescue horses just had babies

For the first time in Best Friends Animal Sanctuary history, foals were born at Horse Haven.
Watch the video
Video
Ethel and Skylar the pigeons in a carrier being held by Kyle and Naomi

Pigeon pair land a pair of pigeon people

After being adopted, Ethel and Skylar are living in a pigeon paradise and getting comfortable snuggling up to their new people.
Now they live lives of luxury
Feature
A couple hugging and petting a small white dog whose tongue is out

Tales of pet BFFs in honor of Best Friends Day

Here are 20 stories celebrating pets who love their people unconditionally and bring comfort and joy.
Celebrate pets as family
Feature
Tinker Toy the kitten lying on a rainbow colored blanket with paw prints

Brave kitten’s big new life

Tinker Toy came to Best Friends with chronic fractures in both front legs, but today she’s all play and love.
See her overcome adversity
Feature
Group of dogs in a play group, some in a purple kiddie poop

Kansas animal shelter staff sees dogs in a new light

By changing the way staff members evaluate dogs, Helping Hands Humane Society gains valuable skills for saving more lives.
See how the mentorship is helping
Feature
Black and tan dog standing on a gray cushion

Best Friends’ 2022 dataset points to no-kill progress

Let’s make every shelter and every community no-kill by 2025
See the big picture
Julie Castle Blog
The torbi cat looking at the camera

Cat conquers ringworm, finds confidence in foster home

Savannah was shy and had a bad skin condition — two issues that only strengthened a couple’s resolve to help her.
Read about her overcoming challenges
Feature
Ken wearing a cowboy hat and holding Minnie the dog in his lap, sitting on a boulder in front of a river

Life of adventure for a dog who couldn’t be left behind

Minnie left the Sanctuary for a life full of adventure with her new family.
Read about her travels
Feature
Porcini hte black and white cat sitting on a wood floor

Cat goes from skinny and itchy to healthy at home

Porcini looked and felt terrible, but with veterinary care and diligent TLC from a foster volunteer, he’s now living his best life.
Watch his journey
Video
Honey and Hambone the dogs looking at each other nose-to-nose

Timid dog and her new family help each other heal

Honey was shy and shut down when she came to the Sanctuary, but in her new home with a new dog friend she’s learning it’s OK to relax and be herself.
Read about life her her new home
Feature
Leonsio the blind orange tabby cat lying on a couch with a Hello Kitty pillow behind him

Blind cat sees the good in everything

Leonsio couldn’t see at all and was skinny and matted when he was found outdoors, but he still sought love and gave it in return.
See how far he's come
Video
Smiling volunteer Vicki Williams holding Sunny her dog in front of a brick wall background

NYC volunteer is a feline matchmaker

Vicki Williams loves mentoring new volunteers and being a matchmaker for adopters and their feline friends.
Read what inspires her to volunteer
Feature
Karigan the dog with a cast on one leg behind a bookshelf next to a smiling person sitting in an office chair

Dog found on highway survives, thrives, and goes home

Karigan was barely alive and couldn’t move after likely being hit by a car, but after lifesaving care and surgery, she’s thriving in her new home.
Now she's living her best life
Video