Big Dog Stories

Vera went from a busy shelter to a charmed life in her new home.

Caesar was sick, in pain, and scared when he first came to Best Friends. A foster family changed his life, and he did the same for them.

One Tail at a Time puts Rachael Ray Save Them All Grant to good use to support dogs from Chicago animal shelter.

Simon beat a serious skin infection with the help of modern medicine and two wonderful foster families.

Rico was stressed and kept dropping weight, but a loving foster home was just what the doctor ordered to help him bulk up and feel safe.

McKamey Animal Center in Tennessee sets an example for lifesaving with its canine-centric programs.

When Michaela met a snuggle enthusiast named Bear, she looked beyond his size, saw his sweetness, and adopted him.

Allison Botwinick wanted to adopt the family’s foster dog Aragon, but first she’d have to get her mom on board. So she got creative.

Eight-year-old Milo appeared to want to scare away every other dog he met, but it turns out that his story proves the age-old saying: “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

It took some extra time to find Yogi and Tank a home that stuck, but now they have a family who understands and loves them as they are.

Jovie nearly lost her leg to cancer, but now she’s healthy and happy in her new home — and preparing for a new career as a therapy dog.

Hollywood was stressed out and struggling when he lost his home, but a team of people at Best Friends helped him find joy again, as well as an adopter.

Hulk is big and exuberant enough to easily knock people over, but now his days are filled with exercise, playtime and naps in his new home.

Jake was on a shelter’s euthanasia list before coming to Best Friends, but in his new home, he’ll make a difference for people — with play therapy.

His nickname is “CrossFit Tony” because he’s super fit, but he’s also sweet, loving and finally in a home of his own after months of false starts.