Absolutely amazing what this organization has done to save homeless animal lives in this country. Fighting for them on so many fronts in innovative ways, changing public perceptions about pitbulls ( see the documentary -The Champions), FIV & Community cats, medical innovations, promoting spay & neuter, public outreach, pursuit of no-kill policies & legislation and a television program -Dogtown, making available extensive dog training info to the public on their website. They were there in NOLA in the wake of Katrina, and they were here in NJ helping distribute food, etc after Sandy. Imagine my surpise when walking a local shelter dog around the corner of the building & running into John Garcia! i've been to the sanctuary in Utah and it is amazing. Even after Harvey the leadership & innovation continue as they announce a 30 day wait/ hold period (instead of the ridiculously short 3 days in Houston) for people to reunite with their pets after their lives have been totally upended. And guaranteed adoption of pets found as strays or given up after that horrific event. They lead the way in everything they do for the animals. They have changed the equations for dealing with homeless pets,
I have visited the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. The founders and employees were exactly as they represented themselves - friendly and fiercely devoted to all animals. They had 2 areas that really touched me - a wind chime garden with plaques honoring passed away animals and an honor wall, recognizing major supporters of their cause. I don't have faith in a lot of charities, but Best Friends Animal Society reaffirms my faith in what charities should be. They acknowledge any donation, big or small, recognizing that all contributions are important. I have them listed as a charity to receive part of my estate when that time comes.
I volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in July this year. I had a great time and it was heart warming to see how much the staff cared about, and knew the animals that were in their care. I spent my time in dog town learned so much. Some of the dogs had been there for years, and were treated like family. If Best Friends hadn't taken them in they probably wouldn't still be alive.
What a wonderful organization! Not only do they do great things for the animals in their care, but they reach out to other shelters. In my case, my pooch was being carried into the room to be euthanized when he, I'm told, laid his head on the girls chest. She had just taken a training offered by Best Friends on recognizing adoptable dogs. She turned around and got him to a rescue organization where I found him. For this I will be forever grateful!
I visited Best Friends this year (2017) , I've been a member for many years. My mother was a longtime member and monthly auto donor. We both have long appreciated their dedication to saving our best friends, the innocent and beautiful animals. I was very impressed with the stunning setting of the Santuary, very well laid out according to each animal and their specific needs.
Best Friends is more than a place though, it is a movement for change in our consciousness, in how we view and share our planet with our animals. The 'no-kill' agenda must succeed as we can no longer accept putting down millions of wonderful loving friends each year. No one will get this done except Best Friends and their tireless dedication to this end. Partnering with major cities and aiding and assisting them with this work in towns across the country. Rushing into areas devastated by natural disasters to save the animals that's Best Friends, they just are the Best!!
One day I was browsing the internet when I first cam across this charity. Even from the website's first look, one can tell that the group is professional, impactful, determined, devoted, and above all, wants to solve problems in society. I was so impressed by what I saw, I decided to donate some money to them. They gave me membership for it ($25 or above) and there is so much included in the package, including magazines, cards, letters, pictures, and more! They value your donation greatly and make you feel special for helping them, which is definitely the right thing to do; look how much they have succeeded on! Keep up the good work, Best Friends, and Best of Luck!
I have volunteered at the Kanab UT sanctuary 6 times in 6 times. Every year it gets better and better. The love shown by all who are lucky enough to work at the sanctuary is incredible. The animals there want for NOTHING. The compassion, patience, and love is second to none. I leave there feeling uplifted and ready to face the world.
Best Friends is the pinnacle of animal rescues. Their commitment, competence, success, compassion, and innovative thinking are unparalleled. The dogs they successfully rescued and rehabilitated from the Michael Vick hell-on-earth dog fighting ring are a shining example of their ability to marshall the resources needed to save those who need us most. Countless animals owe their lives and untold numbers of humans have found their own best friends through this amazing organization. And even more of us are moved, inspired, and overjoyed to witness their beautiful work. Whenever my anger and disgust at the cruelty of humans towards animals rises, I think of the response of the Best Friends folks when asked about Vick - they don't think about him, they just focus on helping the dogs. If I win the lottery, much of my winnings will go to Best Friends. Bless them.
20+ yrs ago I volunteered at a local rescue in NJ. I never heard of Best Friends but we asked for help & were given $500 to start our feral cat program. I'll never forget thinking "this org in UT is giving our little shelter $?" I've been a member since then & am continually amazed by the great work they do. I now live in UT & visit the Sanctuary & our 4 babies in Angel's Rest every chance I get. Together we can save them all!!
I visited close to 5 years ago, and it's an amazing place. Very tranquil and beautiful. The first thing I noticed was despite the fact that there's so many animals (spread out over acres!) the entire property is well maintained. Each animal shelter is extremely clean. The amazing thing is that the majority of the work is done by a steady stream of volunteers. You can even do sleepovers with some of the cats and dogs - i believe one overnight stay provided you've done daytime volunteering in that part of the sanctuary. You get to cuddle and take care of all sorts of animals, and be surrounded by beautiful vistas at the same time. It's a trip I would recommend to anyone.
I love the work Best Friends does in saving animals! They are changing peoples misconceptions of shelter animals and residing awareness of the needless killing of so many unwanted but good animals! I spent a vacation in Kanab volunteering and was amazed at the staff and facilities in Kanab but love that the work reaches far beyond that little town.
I've been to Best Friends multiple times and have a great time every time! Whether it's visiting horses or pigs or dogs and bunnies, every part of the sanctuary is unique and wonderful. The people who work there are wonderful and their mission is outstanding.
Best friends are the absolute best animal rescue group on the planet and the only one I donate to. I have supported them from almost the beginning when they were sitting outside of stores getting their message out. They have come so far. I visited several years ago when they still getting going. I was impressed then and am even more impressed now. I can't donate as much now that I am older, but I share their story whenever I have the opportunity. Thank you Best Friends for all you do for the animals. God bless you.
Best Friends is the absolute best. They took in many of the "Vick" dogs and rehabilitated them to be able to be adopted. They are true animal lover's. They help all animals, especially the most needy. They are great.
I don't have a personal story. I just know that Best Friends is the only organization making a concerted nationwide effort to end the travesty of the millions of shelter killings each year. I wholeheartedly support them in any way that I can.
This non-profit has spent so many hours helping to save animals in the areas of Texas affected by Harvey and we appreciate you so much!
I volunteered and visited Best Friends twice from out of state . What an amazing experience to be with like minded people. The work they do for animals is far reaching . It can be a bit overwhelming the sheer volume of dogs and cats at Angel Canyon however I also am so grateful for all the lives they have saved and the care they receive at Best Friends. I love Best Friends Animal Society for so many reason.
Best Friends does the BEST work. We adopted our dog from them 8 months ago. We had a wonderful adoption counselor, Lauren, she was so helpful. We were really impressed with how much love, time and attention goes in to helping the animals and finding them the right homes. All the staff and volunteers we met were so kind.
When I was a child I often worried about the homeless animals living through the hot Las Vegas summers. I thought about how great it would be to have a huge property where the animals could be safe and never suffer again. Best Friends made this childhood dream a reality. It's amazing when you find others that share the exact vision as you....only better!
