California Stories

Diana Ross the dog, very happy outside with a person sitting next to her

Diana Ross the dog finds her endless love

Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep a once-stray dog from getting to a new home, thanks to a dedicated foster caregiver.
Second time’s a charm
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Person walking a heeler-type dog outside

Public support is the answer to Los Angeles Animal Services' crisis

Angelenos are a largely untapped reservoir of support for shelter pets
Urge Los Angeles Animal Services to engage the public
Julie Castle Blog
Cheesecaek the dog smiling with tongue out

Grant helps save senior dog’s eyesight

A Lab mix named Cheesecake had a disease that threatened her eyesight, but a Rachael Ray Save Them All Grant helped her to see again.
Extra funds help save lives
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Selfie of Victor with Dakota the dog whose tongue is out

Faces of No-Kill: Beloved senior dog goes home

After bouncing from place to place for a decade, Dakota finally has the stability and unconditional love she deserves.
Now life is all about the simple pleasures
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Three kittens swaddled in gray and orange cloths

‘Purrito’ kitten, then and now

Meeko is all grown up and still a celebrity — in his own home.
See how he's grown
Best Friends Magazine
Mark Wahlberg with the dog who is the star in the "Arthur the King" movie at the premier

All roads lead home

Upcoming film 'Arthur the King' is inspiration to adopt a pet.
Read more about the film
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Smiling husky dog on a leash

Stories of kindness and care toward animals

From the power of photos to the magic of a good haircut, these animal lovers are making a difference for pets in need.
Bring a smile to your face
Best Friends Magazine
Tina Turner the dog, lying on the floor, being hugged by a person

Foster home is simply the best for mama dog and pups

What’s love got to do with it? How a dog named Tina Turner and her puppies were a case of foster love at first sight for an 11-year-old girl.
She now has a new name and home
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Spots the dog lying on the floor with eyes closed and mouth open smiling with Ellie behind him petting his chest

Senior dog finds love on the beaches of California

Spots came to Best Friends with an aggressive form of cancer and captured the heart of his foster person.
Read about their deep connection
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Rainbow the dog, smiling with mouth open

Faces of No-Kill: Solutions for dog with special needs

From a neurological condition and seizures to a penchant for pebbles, Rainbow has a lot going on — but her main concern is having fun with friends.
Her personality now shines
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Gilda the dog on a couch

Faces of No-Kill: Pup trades farm life for city lights

Gilda, a dog with a heart of gold, finds her spot on the couch with her new family.
She's transitioned well
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Franklin and Nigel the cats lying down on the ground close to each other in their shop

Adopted cats call a vintage shop their new home

How a precocious pair of cats went from homeless to living the good life in their unconventional new digs
Now they share an important role
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Dilute tortoiseshell community cat with tipped ear in front of a vehicle

Community cats: The Tweety vs. Sylvester debate

No-kill, TNVR, and finding common ground
Response to article in The New Yorker
Julie Castle Blog
Staff from the Inyo County Animal Shelter outside with a couple dogs

Helping a small rural animal shelter sustain no-kill

In Inyo County, California, ninth largest county in the nation, a small animal shelter is reorganizing for continued success.
Learn what they're doing
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Vera the dog next to a smiling person who has both hands affectionately holding her

Faces of No-Kill: Saving a dog with a sensitive soul

Vera went from a busy shelter to a charmed life in her new home.
Now she's a cherished member of the family
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