Heartwarming animal stories that made 2024 shine

In 2024, the stories you loved most reflected what matters most: hope, resilience, and the unshakable bond between people and pets. From heartwarming tales of foster pet transformations to lifesaving rescues in the wake of natural disasters, these stories highlight the incredible impact of compassion and community as we work together toward the goal of bringing the country to no-kill in 2025 and beyond.

We went behind the scenes with Peggy (aka Dogpool), the spirited pup with superhero charm, and followed tiny King Julian’s journey from bald to beautiful in a foster home. We cheered for dogs and cats saved from hurricanes and tornadoes, celebrated the new beginnings of pets rescued from dire circumstances, and saw firsthand how teamwork can change lives. And we were reminded that saving them all is within reach: If just 6% more people chose to adopt versus purchase their pets, we would end the killing in shelters nationwide.

These are the stories that moved us, inspired us, and, most of all, reminded us of the lifesaving power of love. Let’s take a look back at some of the moments that defined 2024.

Peggy, a dog with humble beginnings, starred as Dogpool in the summer blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine and used her spotlight to promote pet adoption.

When King Julian landed at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, he wasn’t feeling like royalty. But with some time and TLC, he began bouncing around with his best doggy pals and enjoying his puppyhood.

When seven tornadoes ripped through Northwest Arkansas, Te Fiti took refuge under a storage shed. Thanks to a timely rescue effort, patience, and love, she overcame her own fears to keep her four pups healthy and safe.

Best Friends teamed up with other animal welfare groups to arrange transportation for pets away from storm-damaged areas in the Southeast to shelters in other states.

After Hurricane Helene, Best Friends worked to get displaced animals moved to safe locations, distributed critical supplies, and organized volunteers to relieve shelter workers who needed a helping hand.

When Baja Blast came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, he was in rough shape. But he never lost his friendly spirit. Now he is super sweet, makes friends with everyone, and even shares his treats.

Three puppies — Huckleberry, Cloudberry, and Boysenberry — came to Best Friends with severe mange. It took vet care plus loving foster homes to get them on the road to recovery. Now they spend their days enjoying cozy snuggle sessions, zoomies in the yard, and just being happy, goofy pups.

Sometimes it takes a village to save lives, and a team of foster caregivers did just that when a family of kittens landed at the Sanctuary.

Twenty-nine dogs put cruelty in the past and began new lives after being saved in South Carolina. They settled into rescue groups, made friends, and won hearts of their own.

About 7 million homes in America are planning to add a pet to the family in the coming year. If just 6% more of those families chose to adopt instead of purchase, we would end the killing of cats and dogs in our nation’s shelters.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.