New York Stories

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
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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
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Fluff Fluff the black and white cat looking forward

Cat teaches adopter that every day is a gift

Fluff Fluff has a serious heart condition, but that doesn’t stop her from playing, loving, and living life to the fullest.
How her story helped find her a home
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Volunteer Lisa Zarek holding a black and white puppy

From finance exec to service for animals

Lisa Zarek supports new volunteers, coaches foster caregivers, and connects with shelters, all without leaving home.
Read what motivates her to volunteer
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Lorcan the cat peeking out of a hole in a leopard-print cat tunnel

Cat’s no-touch preference is no problem for adopter

Lorcan isn’t always comfortable being petted. In his new home, his need for space isn’t just tolerated, it’s celebrated.
See how he fits right in
Best Friends Magazine
Lilibet the cat lying on the corner of a desk

Cat gains a home, loses pounds

Lilibet came to Best Friends overweight, and that was impacting her health. But now she’s inspiring her adopters to slim down, too.
Read about her weight loss journey
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The face of Suzie the cat

Cat proves it’s never too late to begin again

Senior cat Suzie came to Best Friends looking and feeling worse for the wear, but today she’s feeling better and loving her new home.
Read about her second chance
Best Friends Magazine
Geoffrey's wife in a vehicle with Pepper the dog looking over from the back seat

The Other One

Meet Pepper, an athletic, larger-than-life dog, and Fernie, who is none of the above.
How a stray dog becomes family
Best Friends Magazine
Cinderella the cat in an enclosed cat bed

A New York feline fairy tale

Cinderella was down on her luck when she came to Best Friends, but today she’s living a life fit for a princess.
Read about her happily ever after
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Midnight the kitten lying on the floor under a wooden piece of furniture

Blind, deaf kitten shows the meaning of resilience

Midnight had a rough start, but after vets saved his life twice, he’s proven it’s often darkest just before dawn.
See how he's doing now
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Tres the dog wearing a purple harness and lying on a blue blanket

Front row seat for a scared dog’s transformation

First-time foster volunteer shares her story about helping a scared Chihuahua find her rhythm and then a home.
Read Tres' story
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Person holding a small, happy dog in his/her arms

5 random acts of kindness toward animals

From a rugby team helping a dog in need to a horse whose paintings are helping former racehorses, these stories prove the power of kindness.
Enjoy these 'feel good' stories
Best Friends Magazine
Willow the cat lying on a cat tree

Seeing past a kitty’s shyness

Willow was scared when he arrived at Best Friends, but one New Yorker saw the brave, bold cat he truly was.
Read about his transformation
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Chrissy the dog, smiling in front of a city skyline

Dog with incontinence, heartworm proves that love always wins

Chrissy traveled a long way to get to Best Friends in New York, and after receiving loving care from her foster family during heartworm treatment, she was adopted.
Read Chrissy's story
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Gloved hand holding a tabby kitten whose mouth is messy from eating from Best Friends in Los Angeles

Kitten showers help shelters prepare for kitten season

Best Friends teams up with shelters from coast to coast to collect supplies and recruit foster volunteers just in time for kitten season.
See how communities stepped up
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