Sanctuary Stories

Lauren Ross and Brianna Vlach holding the golden eagle in a towel

Eagle displaced by wildfire on road back to the skies

It was a race against time to save a young, distressed golden eagle found near a wildfire. Now he's getting the care he needs to survive and thrive.
His progress is slow and steady
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Smiling caregiver holding one of the neonatal dragon kittens in gloved hands

Foster caregivers team up to save orphaned kittens

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.
Meet the cutest dragons ever
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Bug the horse outside with another horse behind her

The courageous journey of a quirky, resilient horse

From injured foal to happy horse, Bug’s story is one for the books. Now she’s snug as a bug in her new home in Canada.
It was fate
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Person competing in a past Grand to Grand Ultra high desert foot race

Runners face a desert challenge to help animals

Best Friends employees and supporters are among 61 hardy souls who will take on the harsh conditions of the Grand to Grand Ultra high desert foot race.
Meet this year's participants
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Amra and Rhonda the dogs beside a pick-up truck at Dogtown

40 fun facts about Best Friends Animal Society

Celebrate Best Friends’ 40th anniversary with little-known fun facts about the Sanctuary, the animals, and the people who started it all.
Learn more
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Amy holding the orange kitten in the plane

Swift action saves pets in shelter from raging wildfire

When a wildfire in New Mexico threatened local animal shelters, Best Friends and area animal welfare organizations teamed up to save lives.
Working together to save lives
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Kody the dog in her wheelchair next to Ranko Fukuda

Pup wheels her way right into adopter’s heart

Kody didn’t let an injury that left her hind end paralyzed slow her roll or keep her from finding love. Now she’s zooming around in a home of her own.
Special home for special-needs dog
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Edamommy the mama cat in a carrier with her kittens

Teamwork, tenacity, and an epic road trip save 36 cats

Planes, vans, serenading cats, and kitten stowaways highlight a cross-country trip to help a shelter manage a potentially deadly disease outbreak.
Lifesaving roadtrip
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Smiling volunteer from the MenHealing group with a goat

Finding healing through kindness to animals

Group's volunteer visits to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary have a therapeutic effect for both the animals and the people.
Service work helps heal animals and people
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J.J. McMahon and Whitey the dog in front of a metal sculpture of a dog at the Roadhouse

Adventurous dog helps heal adopter’s broken heart

When J.J. McMahon was looking for a furry friend and adventure buddy, he adopted Whitey from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. He found so much more.
Now a star is born
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The Williams family outside in Angels Canyon in front of a blue sky

Kids pay it forward to the animals

This dynamic young duo goes the extra mile to save animals through volunteering, donations, taking care of community cats, and more.
Their experience of a lifetime
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Eugene and Alice the cats snuggling with each other

Faces of No-Kill: 71 cats find love and healing

Cats from an overcrowded home started off timid at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, but they've learned to embrace love (and treats) from human friends.
See them now
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Volunteer Bill Coaker holding Rio the cat

Volunteer’s devotion to animals brings kindness to all

A volunteer’s 40th visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary highlights his dedication to cats with special needs and the people who care for them.
What brings him back
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Slim the dog running with a rope toy in his mouth

Flyball helps dog go from shy to super-fly

At Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, this once-shy dog learned new skills to become the fun-loving, confident pup he was always meant to be.
Harnessing the power of play
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Brook the dog wearing a collar and tag

Faces of No-Kill: Pup steals his way into hearts and home

Call 911: Someone stole another heart — a furry, canine someone who didn’t let a serious medical condition get in the way of charming everyone he met.
Routine leads to his best life
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