Sanctuary Stories

Llorona the black puppy smiling and sitting outside on the sand

No contact, no problem for a sweet pup

When rabies quarantine was a must for a young puppy, staff found ways to keep her happy and healthy for three and a half completely hands-off months.
Now she's catching up on her puppyhood
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Gregory Castle smiling and holding a small dog

A Tribute to Gregory Castle

Remembering an extraordinary man and Best Friends co-founder.
He changed the world
Julie Castle Blog
Volunteers Rich and Linda Yates with a dog beside some crates

Volunteers hit the road to help animals in need

Rich and Linda Yates combine road trips with rescue work, lending their hands — and sometimes their backseat — to help the animals.
Now they're steady and spirited fixtures in the Best Friends family
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Indy the cat playing with a colorful wand toy

Faces of No-Kill: Mighty kitten's miraculous recovery

Indy fell into a coma when she was just a tiny kitten, but swift action saved her life.
She continues to make steady progress
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Rio and Mike the dogs outside on some steps

A road trip detour that changed a dog’s life

A cross-country trip and spontaneous visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary led to a life-changing moment for a very good dog named Rio.
Now Rio has blossomed
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Mirage the brown tabby cat being held by gloved hands

Miracle kitty survives fall off cliff

Following a tragic accident at Bryce Canyon, a 12-year-old cat is recovering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary — safe, healing, and surrounded by love.
Her journey now is one of comfort and care
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Rusty the cat sleeping while on a sleepover

Faces of No-Kill: Pet sleepovers spark second chances

The sleepover program at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary helps two kitties with special needs land in homes of their own.
Program offers potential adopters a chance to connect in a real way
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People checking out the wing of the peregrine falcon who is partially covered in a blue towel

Healing the fastest animal on Earth

It was a race against time to save a grounded peregrine falcon found near Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Wild Friends offers rehabilitation
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Line of baby bunnies eating cilantro

Hop into Easter with bunny tales and tips

Discover adorable bunny stories, learn fun facts, and get tips on adopting and caring for rabbits — just in time for a hoppy Easter.
Know what you’re hopping into if considering a pet rabbit
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Skipper the dog off-leash outside

Faces of No-Kill: Dog lands dream life on ranch

Skipper came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in need of an outlet for his boundless energy. Then something amazing happened.
Now he's home on the range
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Britt the dog wearing a jacket holding a large stick in her mouth

Senior pup finds her smile again

Britt came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary shrouded in a cloud of anxiety. Now she’s romping with her besties and chasing sticks like they owe her money.
She's thriving in her home-between-homes
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Emery holding Greenie the dog affectionately at the ranch with horses and rock formations in the background

Greener pastures for a shy mama dog

Greenie arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary as a shy mama dog. Now, she’s thriving on a ranch with mini horses, donkeys, and plenty of room to roam.
She has a home and a purpose now
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Ricky Bowry with a dog

7 days, 7 marathons: Helping pets and people

A team of athletes is adventuring across Utah to challenge themselves and raise funds for causes they love, including Best Friends.
They're raising thousands of dollars
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Two people petting a happy puppy

Celebrating the heart of Best Friends: Volunteers

Volunteers with Best Friends give their time, energy, and love to help animals thrive.
Recognizing the incredible individuals who give so much
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Jessa the dog with her adopters outside in some dried grass

Faces of No-Kill: Storybook ending for a senior dog

An 11-year-old dog left a couple spellbound when they met her at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Now, she’s queen of their castle.
Jessa has her happily ever after
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