Utah Stories

The governor of Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox, holding the written declaration as well as a kitten with Best Friends CEO Julie Castle behind him

Proclamations push no-kill progress for pets

More state and city leaders are joining the push to end the killing of pets in she...
These are a catalyst for change
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Boo, the black and white kitten, lying on a blanket

Three-legged kitten with a whole lotta heart

From injured kitten to confident cat, Boo’s story is all about second chances and ...
She hit the ground running (on three legs)
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Multiple black dogs on a red rock outcropping

Desert dogs find new hope

Dogs found in a remote Utah area are now safe and settling into foster homes in Sa...
Enjoying new beginnings
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Sunny the one-eyed kitten wearing a green vest

Faces of No-Kill: Cat sails through life after surgery

One-eyed kitten Sunny braved illness and a double surgery. Now she's charting...
Now she's embarking on epic adventures
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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 fu...
They're raising thousands of dollars
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Dr. Christina Boekhout holding Stone Cold the cat who is wearing a protective e-collar

Faces of No-Kill: Cat noses way into vet’s heart

During Stone Cold’s time in treatment for a hole in his nose, this charming gray t...
Now he's found love
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Lowe the tabby cat in his foster home

Cat who loses a leg gains a lot of love

Lowe, a brown tabby with three legs and a familiar look, leaves his harrowing past...
Now his playful spirit shines
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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 ca...
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 ...
Emma’s healing journey
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Stella the dog outside on a leash

Amid fires, CA pets start new lives in Salt Lake City

Although the wildfires are local to Los Angeles, the disaster is inspiring action ...
People step up to answer the call
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Line of carriers containing animals from Los Angles during the wildfires in front of the transport airplane

Fires inspire support for pets in L.A. shelters

Best Friends is moving hundreds of adoptable dogs and cats out of area animal shel...
Best Friends and our partners take in adoptable pets from L.A.
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Profile of Clementine the cat, showing her broken jaw

Adoptable pets from L.A. wildfires arrive in Utah

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary takes in dogs and cats from impacted shelters in the...
Meet some of the rescued pets
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Lisa holding McMuffin the cat outside in front of a blue sky with clouds

Faces of No-Kill: Paralyzed cat’s life in the fast lane

The way McMuffin adapted to his challenges shows just how resilient and unstoppabl...
Now every day is an adventure
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Group of people and dogs walking on a path in Strut Your Mutt outside surrounded by trees and grass

Sit, stay, strut: Thousands raised to bring pets home

Best Friends’ 2024 Strut Your Mutt fundraising walk and festival benefited animal ...
Strutting to Save Them All
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Bert the dog lying in the grass on his back with his feet up

Dog’s story of healing will give you all the feels

Surgery would allow Bert to walk and run without pain. But he would need months of...
Special bond forms at foster home
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