Best Friends Animal Society
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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
I have watched Best Friends help some animals that people had given up on and come out with such heartfelt results. They never give up. The animals at Best Friends get the very best treatment and all the attention, affection, love and training.
They rescued quite a few of the Vick dogs and were able to rehabilitate and give them forever homes. They have also rescued dogs from hoarders and puppy mills. They are truly the angels of shelters. They are actually more than a shelter, they are a community in itself.
God Bless the people of Best Friends, they are truly dedicated.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Understanding how to closely deal with animals the way they do. They have the patience and understanding of a saint.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
They need no change. They need more donations.
A friend and I visited Best Friends last October. Visiting there was on my bucket list and I fulfilled my wish. It is a wonderful place that is set in some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen. The staff there were so helpful to all the volunteers. You could see that they loved their jobs - who wouldn't! - and they are so loving and caring toward all the animals there. All the facilities were immaculate. The lunches were wonderful and served in a very scenic location. Angel's Rest was the most spiritual place I have ever been in. A beautiful setting - the chimes blowing in the soft breeze. What a wonderful place for your pet to be placed. I can think of nothing that was negative there. I just wish we could have stayed longer. I pray that I will be able to make the trip back again. We traveled thousands of miles to visit there. I just wish there was a Best Friends close to my home. I would spend all my time volunteering there. God Bless you Best Friends for the amazing work you do and the loving care to all the animals in your care there and also all the good work you do around the country.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Personally, my experience was one of joy and love in seeing all the animals so loved and cared for, Angel's Rest was a spiritually moving experience.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can think of no changes. Of course, you always wish for more funds to shelter and take in more animals. I wish for more sanctuaries like Best Friends all across the country.
I have volunteered at Best Friends for the last three years and I could say without any hesitation, these guys are amazing! Not only do they do a wonderful job of taking care of the animals on their sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, they also offer seminars, and lectures for any rescue group looking for information and guidance on how to run their own successful organization. The whole volunteer experience at Best Friends is great! They start you off with an overview (or orientation) of the sanctuary. Then, they have you sign up to work with the animals you would feel most comfortable working with (i.e. dogs, cats, pigs, etc.) You can chose a variety of duties, not limited to cleaning, or feeding, but things like walking, brushing, talking a dog on an "outing" or "sleepover". The staff at Best Friends is incredible. They make you feel like part of the team. It is very comfortable.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Several of the dogs we worked with were adopted within a few weeks of our volunteering. This not only is great for the dogs we worked with, but for others in need of a safe place until, they too, can be adopted. Also, I have experienced the transformation of a NYC "puppy store" to an "adoption only" model, saving more homeless dogs around the city and helping to put an end to puppy mills. The feedback from this transformation was, and continues to be incredible!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Open up a branch office in every state in the USA. Work to get federal funding and change laws to be in favor of animals. Animals have no voice, and there needs to be better laws that protect them. I believe Best Friends can actually work to make this happen. They have the passion and drive, and with the help of their members, they can bring awareness to the masses.
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
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Definitely had an effect on me. I am more passionate about animal welfare, and I continue to volunteer my time with Best Friends as well as other animal welfare groups. I have made many friends along the way, and I believe it has changed my overall health (I am a lot less stressed because I feel like I am doing good work)
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
This makes me feel great! Not only am I helping animals, I am helping myself!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Best Friends is an outstanding organization that literally helps thousands of animals both at the sanctuary where they can live out their furever lives and in the home of the lucky individuals who adopt from them. I recently took the Emergency Rescue Training and have learned even more about this great organization. If you haven't been to the sanctuary in Utah you must go and meet the pigs, dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses and all the rest. My favorite part is the exceptional steps they take for those animals who suffer disabilities. I just can't say enough great things about them. I am a Guardian and a Sponsor for Squeaky - one of the pigs. Please join me and help out one of the many, many animals in need.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have watched as hundreds of animals have found furever homes at the numerous events sponsored by Best Friends. I was so very impressed by the wonderful work done at the sanctuary in Utah for so many abused animals rescued by Best Friends. The care and love for the animals of all types is so very, very evident in all that they do. You must visit.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Find more donors and sponsor more fund raisers to allow them to take in even more disabled animals.
It may sound like a cliche, but I found my best friend, King, at Best Friends. King was an older dog and had been in two other homes prior to his stint at BF through no fault of his own. At most shelters, King would have been put down but not at Best Friends! He was ere, waiting just for me. That was three years ago and I have loved every minute of my elder friend who hikes, swims, backpacks and snuggle with me.
BTW, I also do volunteer for this organization and it is a wonderful experience.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Salt Lake City, UT
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...can't think of anything!
I had the opportunity to volunteer with Best Friends for a couple of weeks along with some family members several summers ago. I had always heard wonderful things about Best Friends, but the experience vastly exceeded my expectations. I have volunteered for over a dozen animal welfare and rescue organizations, and Best Friends is by far the finest. The animal enclosures are innovative, spacious, appropriate, and well enriched. Animal care, nutrition, and socialization practices are progressive and superior to what most animals receive in private homes, forget in a rescue/shelter environment. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and the volunteer program well organized. And finally, the organization's mission and philosophy are admirable and fully reflected by the work they do. As someone who has been doing private rescue for roughly ten years, Best Friends is my go-to standard for how I can improve upon my own practices. This is absolutely what every rescue should be striving to emulate.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
A NY rescue that once helped me with a difficult placement sadly fell into disrepair and neglect when its owner died of cancer; many animals suffered gravely as a consequence. Best Friends stepped up to the task of lending a helping hand. I am happy to say it has been re-established as the wonderful rescue it set out to be, serving citizens in the rural county it was located in, thanks to the generosity, expertise, and go-getting philosophy of Best Friends.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I feel that Best Friends has little, if any, room for improvement. I would like to rabbit and parrot programs get more attention on the website/magazine, but I understand that the broadest donor base is going to be dog/cat lovers, so it makes sense to cater to them.
Best Friends is a fine example of collaboration, caring and efficiency. They have an amazing network of volunteers, a well chosen and caring staff and their reach is incredible. From rescuing animals in the wake of disasters, matching pets with forever homes and advocating on behalf of all sorts of animals, they are unmatched when it comes to living their motto..."No More Homeless Pets."
Kudos to Best Friends!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We have personally adopted two birds from Best Friends. We also have friends who volunteer regularly. This is a great organization with vision and purpose.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
This is a well-run organization. I can't recommend any specific changes...in fact, I have learned much from them.
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?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Two words... unconditional love. The rewards for volunteering at Best Friends are many, but most of all, it is the heartfelt joy of helping animals who ask only for your attention and care. I only wish we could volunteer more often.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Best Friends is a godsend for animals. It provides a loving forever home for many animals. I was worried about volunteering after visiting other animal shelters. Best Friends was totally different, filled with people who really care about the animals and appreciate the volunteers. Our favorite place was Rescue Village, with all the rabbits. We really liked Dave and Terry (I think Terry), who give it their all each day and know all the
rabbits, their diagnoses and idiosyncrasies. I am proud to have volunteered, will do so again. My husband and I live in Florida, and when we decided to work this summer we
Oochose to work at Ruby's RV Park, specifically close to Kanab so we could volunteer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We volunteered at Old Friends and met a couple of dogs that we fell in love with. We were so happy to see that one of them was adopted between visits. He was a special needs dog for which the caregivers were able to find a good home. We also fell in love with Rhubarb, a dog at the Clubhouse. Everyone coming in loved the dog, petting and hugging him. Putting him in a walking cart every day is not easy, but the caregivers do it and make it a huge game each step he takes.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I didn't see the need for any changes.
I think what they do is great. Their memorial tribute and sanctuary to our beloved pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge is beyond words. I live in Wisconsin and am unable to come to the area but I would if I could. My Sophie is a young 2 year old yellow lab mix who I hope is with us for a very long time. I can only hope that when it is her time to cross the Rainbow Bridge that it is peaceful and on her terms. I would love to have a sanctuary like this in my area.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my overall role as a pet parent to my Sophie. I literally did not know that I could love my puppy girl so much. We do not have human children so she is the closest thing I have to a child. She is my furbaby and I love her very much.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None that I can think of.
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