Best Friends Animal Society is a True Haven
By Teresa Ambord
Have you heard of the Best Friends organization? Best Friends is a non-profit group that takes in unwanted and abused animals, creating a safe, happy place for them to be. Best Friends operates on a no-kill policy, and is the nation’s largest animal sanctuary, providing adoption, spay/neuter programs, and educational programs as well.
Best Friends Mission Statement
"To help bring about a time when no homeless, unwanted animals are being destroyed in shelters and when every dog and cat that’s ever born can be guaranteed a good life with a loving family."
Best Friends Animal Society is working with shelters and rescue groups nationwide to bring about a time when there will be no more homeless pets. Their hope is that, within the next ten years, they can provide the necessary support and resources to allow people and groups across the country to help build no-kill programs in their communities. They do this by hosting conferences, workshops, and adoption events through the year. They teach others how to start spay/neuter programs and how to gather a team of volunteers.
Best Friends is set in the semi-circle of the white cliffs of Zion Nation Park. It’s a perfect place for dogs and cats to find refuge, peace, and room to roam. In the pastures of Angel Canyon, horses and burros graze contentedly. This animal home is known as the Sanctuary. In this peaceful setting, thousand of animals which have seen hard times are given a second chance at a good life. There are never fewer than 1,500 animals at any one time.
All animals that are not already spayed or neutered visit the clinic for this procedure. They receive medical check-ups, vitamins, good healthy food, and a lot of TLC. With a little luck, they are adopted out to loving homes. But if not, they have permanent homes at the Sanctuary.
If you’d like to find out about volunteer opportunities with Best Friends, e-mail them at volunteers@bestfriends.org or phone 435-644-2001, ext.119.
