Best Friends Animal Society
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April 5, 2013
I had donated to Best Friends for several years before I visited the Sanctuary and volunteered there. Now I donate more. It is impossible to adequately describe the Sanctuary. It is huge! They have all sorts of animals there divided into different areas. The staff is totally committed to the best interests of the animals and they all seem to love their jobs.That this was developed by a small group of dedicated individuals is phenomenal! Donating to Best Friends is not just donating to this Sanctuary in Utah. Best Friends has outreach programs that impact all areas of the country. There main focus is to bring about a time of no more homeless pets. Best Friends members have made significant strides in Los Angeles where sales of dogs in pet stores is now banned. The New York group rescued a group of Beagles from a laboratory a few years ago. Teams of Best Friends are among the first on the scene at disasters to help the animals. They spent 6 months in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. They are actively working throughout the country to strike down breed specific legislation aimed at pit bull type dogs. They rehabilitated the worst of Michael Vick's fighting dogs and have adopted several of them out into loving homes. The training methods they use are really very simple, involving patience and love instead of domination and punishment. This charity has grown to become one of the"big guys" in the animal world and many people are critical of this. But this enables them to have the outreach I mentioned above and give aid and grants to other groups working toward a time of no more homeless pets. I could go on for days about the wonderful things this group does! My donation dollars go to local rescues and to Best Friends.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
January 7, 2013
My only sadness about Best Friends Animal Society and its sanctuary in Kanab UT is that not everyone is aware of the effort, excellence and enthusiasm by these dedicated animal lovers and caregivers. Multiple visits, volunteering at the sanctuary, continues to reinforce my admiration for the professional staff and their ceaseless efforts to affect the attitude and behavior of the animals and birds under their care. Their mission, "No More Homeless Pets" is woven into the fabric of their operations and mindsets. The flow of volunteers visiting the sanctuary, including myself, quickly learn that love and best intentions are not adequate to improve the lives of these smallest of God;s creatures. Instead, I learned about patience and persistence as well as relying on the expertise of the Best Friends professionals: if I wanted to make an impact upon animals who still are wary of humans, due to past experiences. Stimulated by my experiences there, and informed and educated by Best Friends sponsored Workshops, I re-enter my own community with commitment to aid local Shelters in any way, too.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 5, 2012
I donated $10.00 to this charity to help out any hurt and abandoned animals from the Hurricane Sandy disaster in New York City. This is a great charity because it make sure they can help out animals without putting them down. And you don't just choose this charity, but they give you an option to state any specifics on how your donation is used. So many people send money to hurt people, sick people, which is extremely important, but there are so many animals that need help too, and those animals can't help themselves, so I feel the Best Friends Animal Society is doing a great job at making sure those animals aren't forgotten. Please help out these poor, innocent, and defenseless animals are taken care of, and I wish to thank this charity to coming into existence so I can make a donation to do my part. I don't know for sure that anything was done, but I'm sure it was used and made a difference.
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Was your donation impactful?
Unsure
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 16, 2012
I have been donating to Best Friends for a number of years now mostly because of the amazing work they do to help creatures large and small either find a forever home or gives them a wonderful place to call home. The work they have done with re-branding Pit Bulls is fantastic. I would love to live closer so I could volunteer to help with the loving environment they create.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 16, 2012
Best Friends does incredible work providing a no-kill shelter for all animals in need. I wish we had more organizations like them.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 29, 2011
I love this organization. I first learned of it by watching DogTown, and I fell in love with what they do. I wish all shelters could help rehabilitate and provide a no-kill policy. Seeing what they do makes me want to move to Utah and work with them!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Giving me a chance to make a difference.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes, just wish that they could branch out and create more facilities nationwide.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
I want to help them stay a functioning no-kill shelter. Also, I believe in rehabilitating and providing vet services for the animals that require expensive care.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
July 24, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I have been a monthly automatic donor to Best Friends Animal Society for years. Last week I had the chance to visit the Sanctuary near Kanab, UT. It was beyond my expectations. They do lovely van tours. The area is just beautiful, and everyone is really nice and welcoming. There is so much love in the air, and you can tell everyone just loves what they are doing. There are some beautiful things to see in the area, not the least of which are Zion National Park, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and best of all (IMHO), Moqui Cave. If you ever think about visiting Best Friends, don't miss it.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 28, 2012
i volunteer with Best Friends and have seen first hand how they help in disasters (Katrina) setting up an area to help the animals, providing medical care and shelter for the animals in need. They do more than any other animal organization that i know of. They aslo support other group by giving them grants and offer courses in how others can set up their own rescue. They are incredibly supportive and encouraging. They also help train vets in other countries to learn how to spay & neuter. i can not say enough good things about Robin Harmon, one of their employees who has the biggest heart of any one i know. They are making a huge difference in the lives of many many animals and also humans.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
September 29, 2011
18 people found this review helpful
This used to be the most admirable animal sanctuary in the country when it was managed by Michael Mountain, but it's been a steady downhill ever since.
Gregory Castle's background more than 10 years back is a complete mystery; certainly he is not a recognized top-notch animal welfare professional. He has some vague history in church and accounting prior to his work with No More Homeless Pets in Utah.
Recently BFAS conducted a nationwide search (via a pricey head-hunter) for a Chief Marketing Officer and a Chief Development Officer -- both jobs with salaries up to $180,000. Gregory Castle's wife, a nice lady with breast cancer and no marketing experience, landed the CMO job.
Michael Mountain took an extremely modest five-figure salary during his entire tenure at BFAS, so to see six-figure salaries (which in Kanab, Utah, is completely uncalled for) becoming routine is very disturbing.
Do you want your donation of $25 or $50 to be just a pittance to these people?
And by the way, they make over $50 million/year and care for at most 2000 animals. Do the math: that's $25,000 per animal. Heck, in Kanab, Utah, you could build a small house for every animal with that much money.
Where is the money going, Best Friends?
1 person found this review helpful
September 1, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Best Friends is just wonderful. They help so many broken animals. I love the stories they tell about some of their animals. Plus they send cool videos. I love O. He is not very handsome but he sure is fun!
I have been a donor for a very long time. I trust what they do with the money I give. I admire the founders, they are very special. The most important part of BF is everyone who works, volunteers,or just visit for a day love the animals with there whole heart. I thank God for the wonderful place and I thank everyone who care for the animals. This is
send with my heart full of love for the animals and the wonderful people. God Bless You. Louise Reardon and my dogs Olivia. Mazie Grace,Penelope, Maggie and all of our cats.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I often get gifts for family and friends. I like to pick out different birds, bunnies, horses, of course cats and dogs that have special. It a great way to give gifts. If I need to talk to someone a problem,litter box problems,they are kind and caring.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I have no idea as I think they are the best!
August 31, 2011
My son discovered Best Friends via the television show Dog Town. We went out this summer and volunteered for a week. The place is amazing and it's all about the animals and not the tourists. I am also a donor and gladly help them with the amazing work they are doing!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
A dog I fell in love with was adopted about a month after we visited.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Wish that there were no more need for places like this
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