Stories

Bruce the Great Dane-mastiff mix dog

Great Dane-mastiff mix is large, in charge and now basking in love

Bruce’s size, excessive energy and lack of manners were three strikes against him until he met a patient foster person who helped him find his match in the Lone Star State.

Squash the cat

Loving a special cat in hospice leads to adopting another

Kimberly knew time with Brock Samson may be short, but she loved him, he needed her and even after losing him, she kept her heart wide open.

Black Cat Athena

Critically injured kitten gets help when she needed it most

When a vet tech saw a kitten get hit by a car, she pulled over to help and contacted Best Friends, which provided medical care to survive and a home where she could thrive

Bookstore Cat Malcolm

Adopted cat lands a job and lives a life worthy of a storybook ending

Malcolm, a three-year-old tuxedo cat, gets a new career in a beachside bookstore patrolling for cuddles from customers (and also for rodents)

Screen shot of dog on a walk outside Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Hanging out and serious sniffing together

At Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, group walks at Dogtown are kind of our thing.

Watch the video

Bob and Penny Burleson with some other people standing by the sign at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Retirement for lifesaving: Couple puts in hours for Houston pets

Now that Bob and Penny Burleson have retired from demanding careers, they can finally focus on a cause dear to their hearts ― helping save Houston’s homeless pets.

Bella the dog arriving and running in front of Dogtown Headquarters

Bella the survivor dog arrives at Best Friends

Heroes stepped in to save her from a traumatic situation and now she begins a new chapter in Utah.

Read about Bella's journey

Best Friends Magazine

Willow the dog being adopted

Once abandoned mama dog gets new, fun, fabulous life on a farm

Adopters, a foster home and Best Friends staffers go the distance to bring sweet Willow to full health and into a wonderful forever home.

Malcolm the black and white cat lying next to some books

Adopted cat lands a job and lives a life worthy of a storybook ending

Malcolm, a three-year-old tuxedo cat, gets a new career in a beachside bookstore patrolling for cuddles from customers (and also for rodents)

Blu the dog lying on a couch

Sweet lullabies help puppy heal and find a home

Blu was shy and had a painful skin condition, but a foster volunteer helped the puppy grow confidence (plus hair) and he’s thriving in a new home.

Gobi the tortoise in some grass

Secrets of a desert tortoise

Find a moment of Zen with some of the Sanctuary’s most peaceful creatures.

Person wearing medical attire lying on ground with Willie the puppy

Blind puppy learns how to navigate his world

Willie may not be able to see, but with help from his foster family, he can tackle any obstacle (except maybe going downstairs).

Best Friends co-founder Francis Battista kissing Teddy the dog

Making a better world through kindness to animals

Best Friends co-founder Francis Battista shares his thoughts on how to make the world a better place for all of us.

Best Friends Magazine

Adelaide, a longhair Siamese type cat in a kennel on a blanket

Kindness rules: 5 stories of people helping pets in amazing ways

Start your new year off on an inspiring note with these stories of everyday heroes making a difference for pets in need.

Best Friends Magazine

Close-up of the face of Maisie the cat, with tiny bit of tongue sticking out

The right place and time for a tiny Persian cat

When duVergne saw Maisie’s face online she fell in love, and even a few hundred miles couldn’t keep her apart from the small, fluffy feline.