Stories

Dog in create for a flight transport following the Los Angeles fires

An unexpected reprieve in shelters after the L.A. wildfires

Thank you for supporting our second home.
A look back at the Los Angeles wildfires
Julie Castle Blog
Gray and white longhair cat in front of a multicolored blanket

Heartwarming stories from Best Friends adopters

From lovable dogs to shy cats, these adoption stories give a glimpse at pets' lives with their new families.
Read about these newly adopted pets
Best Friends Magazine
Person petting a happy dog wearing a vest

How rescue groups and shelters save more pets together

Across the country, animal shelters rely on rescue groups to help them save more lives and maintain no-kill.
Partnerships saves lives
Best Friends Magazine
Person's hand petting a cat in a ray of light

Demystifying common cat myths

From purring to trainability to declawing, here are nine common cat myths that have been effectively debunked.
Get the facts
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Maddy the cat lying on a blanket playing with a toy

Resilient kitten having a ball at home

After overcoming obstacle after obstacle, Maddie is exactly where she belongs: in a home filled with love and adventure.
Now the good times roll
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Cover of the book, ‘Pawprints to Heaven’

Book review: ‘Pawprints to Heaven’

The grief from pet loss can be overwhelming. In this gentle memoir, a veterinary cardiologist shares her journey as well as words from her clients.
Tales of animals who crossed the Rainbow Bridge
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Two people outside holding signs at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia

Virginia is for (pet) lovers

The commonwealth marked a milestone with 80 animal shelters now no-kill.
Successful event at the Capitol in Richmond
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Daisy the dog outside on some green grass

Faces of No-Kill: Just 2 weeks give pups second chance

Daisy and her puppies have bright futures thanks to the power of teamwork and short-term fostering.
Lifelong impact from short stay
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Tanner the man lying next to Tanner the dog

How a Baltimore shelter saved a scared dog named Tanner

The Best Friends embed program supported Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) in finding new ways to save more pets in their care.
A plan for every animal
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Cheyenne the shepherd, standing on her hind legs, with her front legs up on a person

A surge in lifesaving at Alabama animal shelter

Best Friends embed program supports new procedures and strategies that provide a foundation for future success at City of Selma Animal Services.
Now looking to the future
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Multiple people doing medical work on a small brown dog

New animal shelter data reveals nationwide progress

Reporting from animal shelters across the country shows thousands more dogs and cats are being saved, but unfinished business remains on the way to no-kill.
Saving lives in Wisconsin and Nebraska
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Allan the kitten standing on an orange ball

Faces of No-Kill: Kitten’s job is just play

Thanks to early intervention and a dedicated foster volunteer, Allan the kitten can run, jump, and play with the best of them.
Now he's zooming around his dream house
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Nymph the cat in a kennel

Cat’s future looks bright after life-changing surgery

Thanks to skilled veterinary professionals and devoted foster volunteers, Emma is healthy and thriving in a loving home.
Emma’s healing journey
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Two kittens snuggled sleeping together on a red bed

More shelter pets adopted in 2024, but the fight isn’t over

Data reveals gains in adoption and fewer shelter animals killed, yet shelters are still facing challenges—especially for big dogs.
Positive trends but there’s more work to be done
Julie Castle Blog
Dr. Lisa Williams with a feline patient in the mobile spay/neuter trailer

Teaming up to revive an Illinois community cat program

Coles County embraces a new program to spay and neuter community cats with support from a Best Friends grant.
Mobile clinic has been a game changer
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