Just outside of Kanab, Utah, lies the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Situated on the 33,000 acre ranch of Angel Canyon, the animal shelter is involved in global efforts to show kindness to all animals and actively works toward its goal of "No More Homeless Pets."
Dogs and cats are very popular, but the society also cares for other wounded or rescued animals, like birds, horses, pigs, and rabbits. Furthermore, Best Friends has an officially licensed wildlife rehabilitation program to assist in wild animal recovery and return.
Origins of Best Friends Animal Society
The animal sanctuary originally started out in Arizona in the 1970s by a group who refused to accept the practice of killing unadoptable animals at humane societies. The workers began a pilot program and accepted animals that were about to be euthanized at shelters.
They managed to rehabilitate and find homes for animals that recovered well and were adoptable. The number of animals who were still unable to be placed into new homes grew steadily, and the Best Friends Animal Society eventually relocated to Angel Canyon in the 1980s.
Adopting Pets at Best Friends
Whether adopting a new pet from Best Friends or another animal shelter, it's important to recognize the responsibility in caring for animals, i.e. having the financial means, keeping a clean environment, providing sufficient medical care, and meeting the pet's needs for basic care, emotional bonding, and activity time.
Best Friends has hundreds of animals ready for adoption on any given day. Some animals are completely healthy while others have special needs to consider. The website offers an online application process for interests in domestic as well as wild animals.
Best Friends Global Network
The Best Friends Animal Society hosts a global online community to share information through blogs, forums, and ongoing news related to animal campaigns, pet adoptions, and rescue efforts.
People who are interested can also connect with local activists, animal lovers, shelters, and rescue organizations in their state of preference by using the interactive map.
Best Friends Magazine and Radio
The Best Friends Animal Society produces a bi-monthly publication which is the nation's largest general interest magazine related to animals. The current rate for subscribers is a minimum donation of $25, and the proceeds support animal care at the sanctuary as well as the society's global mission of No More Homeless Pets.
Best Friends also hosts radio interviews with online archives featuring authors, such as Mo Rocca (All the Presidents' Pets), and leaders in the animal rights movement like Linda Blair, spokesperson for Last Chance for Animals.
Careers and Volunteers at Best Friends
The sanctuary utilizes people from all over the world who come to work or volunteer on behalf of the animals. The local town of Kanab, with a population of approximately 4000, is the primary residential area where houses and rentals are available.
Job openings in general animal care as well as professional or managerial positions are listed on the website as the need arises. Volunteers can also participate by becoming a Best Friends ambassador, network volunteer, team leader, international writer, or part of the rapid response program.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary cares for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects related to pet rescue, care, recovery, placement, and death for those who could not be saved.
For animals that die while at the sanctuary, Best Friends has designated a heavenly retreat and cemetery known as Angels Rest, where the peaceful, spiritual energy is often palpable.
Sources:
- Best Friends Animal Society. Retrieved from BestFriends.org on 18 August 2009.
 |
