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Submitted by Wendy , August , 2019
Ellie is a relatively new arrival at the Sanctuary. This senior coonhound girl lost her home when her loving human could no longer care for her. She came to us from a network partner to find a perfect retirement home of her own.
Initially, Ellie can be a little shy. But once she gets the sense that everyone is friendly, she turns into a genuine flirt using her paw to remind you to keep petting her. Ellie likes to keep an eye out for opportunities to have an adventure of her own. Her hound nature drives her to want to explore and she has shown a willingness to slip out through a door or gate. Healthy and social, Ellie lives with other dogs at the Sanctuary and will be an easy addition to a hound savvy home.
Submitted by Wendy , August , 2019
Have you ever been mistaken for someone famous — perhaps a musician, actor or athlete? It happens to felines as well. In fact, there’s a cat at Best Friends who looks so much like a certain someone, he’s named after him.
Sporting a handsome gray and white coat with impressive jowls, Little Benton bears an uncanny resemblance to Benton, a famous former Cat World resident.
Though Benton only had one eye and a bum leg, he had a larger-than-life personality. So large, in fact, that Benton’s House, built in 1995, was named in his honor. This building helped change people’s perceptions about adopting special-needs animals.
Submitted by Wendy , August , 2019
Barat is a sturdy American pit bull terrier mix. He’s a big guy, and at first glance he can look pretty intense. Turns out, he’s big old softy.
Barat lived in a home, but his strength became too much for his elderly owner. It was a difficult transition for Barat and when he first arrived he was a very frightened guy. One of Barat’s caregivers, Alaina, recalls the time she took Barat out to the admissions play yard. She thought some time outside in this relatively small and securely fenced area would be good for him. Fresh air and a bright blue sky can be soothing.
Submitted by Wendy , April 19, 2018
A few years ago, Elwood was in the early days of his recovery. The world (especially the noises that accompany modern living) were terrifying.
No matter how frightened Elwood was and no matter how many times caregivers had to coax Elwood out from under his bed, nobody in Dogtown ever thought of giving up on him. Today Elwood is doing great. Dump trucks are a daily occurrence on the roads around the Sanctuary. Elwood doesn’t love them and probably never will, but he is no longer shattered by their rumbles. Caregivers and behavior consultants have helped Elwood gain confidence and learn to stay present and calm.
Submitted by Wendy , August , 2019
Weebles is most often found in one of two kitty daybeds positioned in the lobby. Her bright blue eyes blink a welcome to everyone who comes through the door. She is the greeter, and she takes her self-appointed job seriously.
Weebles just looks so content that I’ve never asked her to move. I automatically go to the daybed she is on, give her a pet and say hello. She suffered some type of spinal injury as a youngster that caused her to be a little unsteady. In the many times I’d been through the door at Benton’s, not once had Weebles been walking anywhere — until today.
Submitted by Wendy , September 06, 2017
Twyla in New Mexico where she was found as a stray. She was (and is) very shy. Twyla was reported to be an escape artist. That can go hand in hand with being shy and wanting to avoid contact. When she is scared or startled, Twyla flees. But here at the Sanctuary, Twyla hasn’t shown us the escape side of her gentle and quiet nature. Maybe it’s because her caregivers know the way to most shy dogs’ hearts: patience, lack of pressure and yummy yummy treats.
When you read quietly to her, she’ll even approach you for treats, provided they are yummy enough.
Submitted by Wendy , September 06, 2017
Dogs are full of love — which might be the reason we humans feel so connected to them. Raquel is a shining example of a dog with more than her fair share of love to go around. While it might take some time for Raquel to let you in her circle, once you’re in, you’re in.
November marks Raquel’s five-year anniversary at the Sanctuary after coming from a rescue group in Michigan. Since her arrival, she’s stolen plenty of hearts. She excels in agility and obedience classes and (at a mere tap of the chest) jumps into the arms of her caregivers.
Submitted by Wendy , August , 2019
Wilbur came to Best Friends from Arizona in 2009. He is a large cat with an easy purr and an even easier attitude about life. That’s a good thing, because even though Wilbur has a couple of medical challenges that require a little help, he makes it as easy as he can and goes with the flow.
“Wilbur loves to talk to us,” says Barbara. “I have an unsubstantiated theory that there is a Siamese in his ancestry. And enjoys lap time.”
Submitted by Wendy , April 19, 2018
If you were to meet Corban today, you’d become instant friends with an easygoing dog who likes cuddling and chasing (somewhat lazily) after tennis balls. He was anxious and so terrified of men that he would bark and lunge at his fence if they stepped anywhere near his yard.
Corban’s transformation from a dog who would bark and lunge in fear any time he saw a man to one who’ll lean in for hugs and show love to any human is truly remarkable.
Submitted by Wendy , August , 2019
You can read more about her story here and her progress. She is feeling much better thanks to medication and thoughtful caregivers. Coraline is starting to unlearn that it hurts to be held. She is being very brave every time she allows chin rubs, and slowly but surely she is even remembering how to play.
We’ll be here to care for Coraline until she is adopted. And she will be. She is a very special cat who will flourish in a home of her own.