Senior Animals Stories

Person next to a cat in a covered live trap

How individuals drive change in animal welfare

The collective power of individual action is helping to save more pets’ lives and bring the whole country to no-kill.
Every action contributes
Best Friends Magazine
Swing the dog lying and the floor wearing sunglasses getting his pretend laser treatment

Dog’s no-laser therapy is almost as good as the real thing

When Swing was diagnosed with cancer, he had to stop laser therapy for arthritis. But that didn’t mean the therapy sessions he loved so much had to stop.
He still enjoys all the attention and love
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Misty the cat on a patterned cushion with white background

Cat celebrates sweet 16 in loving home

Misty went home just in time for this milestone birthday, highlighting the love and joy that come with adopting senior pets.
Now every day is a celebration
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Torvi and Hope the rabbits outside with a carrot

Senior bunnies find love and healing in each other

Let the healing begin! Shy, older bunnies Torvi and Hope lost their partners but gained something even better: each other.
Now they're lucky in love
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Magnus the dog in a person's lap

Magnanimous dog blossoms in foster care

Magnus’ foster caregivers showed this senior dog just how wonderful life can be.
Now his spirit shines
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Jack Dugan with Lucky Charm the dog, who is wearing a green jacket

Faces of No-Kill: Senior dog is lucky in love

Katrina and Jack knew Lucky Charm was the dog for them, but the timing wasn't right to adopt — until it was, and then they couldn't wait another day.
It was meant to be
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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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Winter and Abbott the dogs inside with a bucket and raised bed in the background

Best friends at Best Friends: A real dynamic doggy duo

Meet Abbott and Winter, a couple of sweet senior dogs with a surprising past.
Now they're best buds
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Spots the dog lying on the floor with eyes closed and mouth open smiling with Ellie behind him petting his chest

Senior dog finds love on the beaches of California

Spots came to Best Friends with an aggressive form of cancer and captured the heart of his foster person.
Read about their deep connection
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Two smiling people holding LaBamba the senior dog

10-year-old tiny terrier home at last

La Bamba went from all alone on the streets of New York City to part of a loving family.
He fit right in
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Wilbur the orange tabby cat wearing a sweater

Faces of No-Kill: Senior cat mentors foster kittens

This 15-year-old orange tabby teaches us that senior pets still have a lot of life to live and love to give.
See him at work
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Captain Pearl the cat in the truck with his front paw outstretched forward

Senior cat keeps on truckin’

He’s got one eye and zero teeth, but senior cat Captain Pearl is loving his new home and life in a big rig.
Traveling the road to recovery into a loving home
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Raquel the dog smiling in front of some wildflowers

‘Diamond in the rough’ dog loved just as she is

Wary of new people and other dogs, it took some extra time to find Raquel a home, but now she has a family who embraces everything about her.
Read how she's settling in
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Monster the senior pug, smiling with tongue out

Embracing change saves more pets at Arizona shelter

Best Friends is helping city officials in Bullhead City transform the culture of its animal shelter to better serve the community and increase lifesaving.
Making the shelter more customer friendly
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Forest the cat on the ground with other cats

Once-scared cat overcomes much to enjoy golden years

It took a lot of TLC to get Forest to come out of his shell — and then veterinary care to save his life.
He's doing better than ever
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