Stories

Pumba the dog with mouth open in a smile

Watch: Heartwarming reunion between dog and his person

Pumba’s person never intended for him to end up in a shelter, and everyone could feel the love when the two were reunited.
See the love
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Leo Decatmeow the cat in a person's lap and looking very happy

Faces of No-Kill: Cat goes from scared to superstar

When Leo Decatmeow came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, he was scared and a bit overwhelmed. Now, he’s living the life of the star he’s named after.
Daily outings in the stroller helped him adjust
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Kansas City Chiefs player Derrick Nnadi in his football uniform at a game

KC Chiefs star scores big off the field for homeless pets

Derrick Nnadi’s love for animals shines as he supports Best Friends for My Cause My Cleats.
Wearing his passion on his feet
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Cat standing next to a chalkboard sign that says, Thankful for boxes

Giving thanks with the animals at Best Friends

Celebrate gratitude for everything from a tiny skateboard to crunchy leaves and cardboard boxes with animals at the Sanctuary.
Sanctuary animals offer their thanks
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Happy dog smiling outside in a field

Book reviews: Puppies, mysteries, and memories

Reviews of ‘Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog,’ ‘Pumpkin Spice Puppy,’ and ‘I Wish the Rainbow Bridge Had Visiting Hours’
Books for pup lovers
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Dog with two different colored eyes and licking his lips in a home environment holding a toy ball

Lack of funding and lifesaving structure is costing lives at LAAS

Increased deaths and missed opportunities demand accountability and action.
Demand change now
Julie Castle Blog
Goldilocks the cat in a basket with her paw over the side

Faces of No-Kill: A just-right home for persnickety cat

For Goldilocks, home didn’t turn out to be a cottage in the woods. Instead, it was an NYC apartment full of love.
See her now
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Smiling tan and white dog in a home setting

Celebrating 40 years of Best Friends together

Read letters from animal lovers like you who’ve shared their memories of Best Friends Animal Society over the years.
See some of the letters we've received
Best Friends Magazine
Heron being anesthetized for the endoscopy

Heron gets emergency surgery and second chance at life

A distressed night heron came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in need of care after swallowing a fishhook.
Delicate procedure helps bird
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Shepherd-type dog in a home setting

3.4% fewer animals were killed in shelters so far in 2024

Best Friends’ latest data shows a turning point for shelters across the country.
Let’s celebrate the positive momentum in lifesaving
Julie Castle Blog
Smokey the pig being introduced to Peter, another pig

Shy piggy blossoms with a little help from his friend

When Morgan Denning visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she wasn’t planning on adopting a pig. Then, fate stepped in.
Sleepover leads to match made in piggy heaven
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Person holding a Ryan Reynolds face on a stick with the cat carrier holding the cat she'd adopted

Pets named Ryan Reynolds go home during birthday bash

Playfully trolling an A-list celebrity for his birthday and saving lives? Best Friends is so there.
A birthday to remember
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Marble the cat on a person's lap while someone else feeds Marble a Churu treat

Faces of No-Kill: Cat heals from injury in style

Marble came to Best Friends with two broken legs. Now, she’s on the road to recovery and sporting the latest in veterinary fashion.
She's getting stronger every day
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Tabby kitten lying on a gray blanket with another cat in the background

Virginia’s no-kill commitment: A big win for pets in the commonwealth

Virginia Loves Shelter Animals Month encourages no-kill in 2025.
This isn’t just a declaration — it’s a rallying cry
Julie Castle Blog
Greggy out with two other dogs, all happy

Sunny pup doesn’t let injury slow him down

Greggy came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary with an injured leg and found his footing again in a foster home.
He's now blossomed into a well-rounded, confident companion
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