A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. It was amazing! I’ve picked a few dogs to share with you in the hopes that you’ll help them find a forever home. All photos and descriptions from the dogs are from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Meet Sasha the Sunbear! This sweet lady loves going for car rides, taking a nice stroll, or lounging in the shade. Sasha is an introvert and can be shy around new people, but she gets so excited when she sees her friends that she sings. This beautiful girl loves the great outdoors so much that she took herself on adventures in the past. Because of this, she needs super-secure housing with ideally a nice big yard. Sasha is a single lady and would prefer to be your only pet as she is most confident when it is just her and her people. If you have fallen in love with this striking lady, then ask us about Sasha today!
Barley is an outgoing little fluff ball who loves to go on adventures. His short little legs and his age have never held him back! He’s always up for romping around, rolling on his back, and simply having a grand ol’ time. Barley enjoys the company of his people friends and does very well after some relationship building. He would need his potential new family to come to meet him at Dogtown to make sure it is a good fit. A couple of his all-time favorite things to do are playing fetch with a rotation of squeaky toys and get pets when he’s comfortable and ready.
Domineo has a lot of personality for such a little guy! He is a spirited, energetic, and somewhat independent fellow. He is very smart and is a quick learner. Domineo is eager to work and learn new things – especially if there’s a treat reward involved. He enjoys long walks, showing off his skills on the agility course, following his nose to find new scents, and playing with his favorite Jolly Ball. He can be very affectionate once he’s built some trust. If you’re ready to welcome this fun-loving guy into your home, he would love to meet you too!
Whistler is an exceptional guy looking for a very special home. He is a typical hound when it comes to sniffing and baying. He loves to use his nose and then tell everyone about it! Whistler is thought to have a cerebellar disease which basically means he is missing part of his brain; because of this, he often shows some repetitive behaviors.
Whistler has done great at the sanctuary with a structured routine and relationship building with his caregivers. He can be a sensitive boy, and things like loud noises, stormy weather, and constant change can throw him off. Whistler lives with other dogs but prefers to coexist as opposed to constantly play. He really enjoys canine company. He knows how to use his dog door, and it may help in a new home to have a similar set-up to help him with routine.
Whistler loves walks and cookies and is a good learner with some patience (and cookies). He is also very affectionate and sweet once he knows and trusts you. He loves to bury his soft fur under your arm or weave between your legs for affection. If you’re interested in meeting Whistler, we ask that you spend some time with him at the sanctuary to make sure it’s a good fit. Whistler is a caregiver favorite, and his friends would like nothing more than to see him happy in his perfect home.
Strawberry is as sweet as her name! She is friendly and affectionate with everyone, although her exuberance for life may make her a better fit in a home without small children or anyone unsteady on their feet. Strawberry would make a great exercise buddy. Her idea of a perfect day would be to start off with a food puzzle, followed by a hike or maybe an agility lesson or splash in the kiddie pool, time to romp around in a backyard, then a training session or nosework for her dinner, and a cuddle session to finish her day.
This smarty-pants aced her C.L.A.S.S. training program, so she holds attention, has leash up manners, waits at the door, comes when called, abides by loose leash walking, offers a polite greeting, waits for the food bowl, and knows ‘leave it,’ ‘stay,’ ‘give’ and ‘take’ (trades valuable objects), in addition to two tricks! She has a history of ear infections, so she experiences sensitivity around her head and ears, but that doesn’t prevent her from being a loving cuddle bug. Adopt Strawberry, and she’ll help you meet all your fitness goals!
Ricardo is an energetic and goofy dog who would love to join you on your next adventure! He takes a minute to warm up to new people, but once you’re his person, he never wants to leave your side. He loves swimming and playing frisbee and is always up for a good hike. Although he is a senior dog, don’t let that grey face fool you – Ricardo has the energy and enthusiasm of a puppy and would love a chance to show you his playful side.
If you think Ricardo could be a good fit for you, contact Best Friends for more information.
Cordelia can be a really sweet, silly girl. But people only see this side of her when she’s in her comfort zone beside her best dog buddy. He helps give her a lot of confidence, and she is more willing to try new things if he’s with her. Cordelia was born in 2012. She is really smart and excels at training – especially when food is involved. She’s become a rock star at agility at the Sanctuary. Because Cordelia is a very shy dog, she can be shut down and extremely nervous when out of her comfort zone. She doesn’t like being touched by people and probably never will be comfortable with that. Cordelia would do best in a relaxed, structured home with a very patient person or family who understands her personality and accepts her for who she is. A home without many visitors would be best. When there are visitors, she would be most comfortable staying in a quiet room so she won’t be forced to socialize. She’ll also need a confident dog buddy who will be a good role model for her.
Caliente is originally from Puerto Rico. He is a fun and energetic dog who loves walks and hikes; he’s always up for an adventure. Cali rides nicely in the car, and he’s crate trained, too. He learns fast and loves training; he knows “sit and “down” and is an absolute star at agility training. Other favorites include solving food puzzles and frozen Kongs, as well as snuggling up on his bed with a collection of toys. Caliente absolutely loves toys and playing fetch! He also really enjoys the company of other little dogs and enjoys playing and going on walks with his friends. He does need an adult-only home. He needs a while to warm up to new human friends, especially men, but once he does, he can be very friendly and cuddly. He would do best with an experienced adopter who will be patient with him and give him time to feel safe and comfortable.
Safira looks to be a Border Collie mix. Treats and baby talk are the way to this girl’s heart. Safira can be a bit shy and fearful with people she doesn’t know, but with a little time and patience, she will give her trust. And, once she trusts people, she loves them.
Born in 2011, Safira is an active, playful girl. She loves toys, especially tennis balls and her big Jolly ball. Fetch, and swimming are two of her favorite things. Safira has overcome her fear of cars and enjoys golf cart rides around the Sanctuary. She eats a prescription diet and prefers male dogs to other females. She’d love a home with someone who will take the time to get to know her and who will enjoy her playful, silly side.
Tacoma is a young dog, but when we call ‘Puppy puppy puppy,’ he comes running. Tacoma is very shy and does take time to warm up to people. He currently does not allow human touch. He gets his confidence being around other dogs and enjoys playing with them. The way to earn Tacoma’s trust is treats, dog friends, and high-pitched baby talk. Tacoma is learning how to be a dog and the skills needed to thrive in life while at Dogtown. He is looking for a home that can give him lots of time, love, patience, and treats while he settles in.
If you are interested in adopting any of these dogs, fill out an adoption application with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. If now isn’t the time to add a dog to your life, I hope you’ll share these dogs!
In addition to dogs, you can also adopt cats. birds, rabbits, pigs, goats, and horses from the Sanctuary. If you can’t make it out to the Sanctuary, Best Friends Animal Society also partners with rescue organizations all over the country.
melissa chapman says
I could never choose among all these sweet pups. I have my own rescues and I am a little partial to shih tzus but this is such a great sanctuary and doing an amazing job
Ben says
I love that you’re shining a spotlight on this rescue and those adorable dogs. Adopt don’t shop all the way!
Tara Pittman says
So many cute dogs. I know that my boys would want them all.
Brianne says
This is just beautiful. Thank you so much for letting everyone know about this rescue. There are so many dogs out there who need homes, and rescues like this work tirelessly to make that happen.
Amber Myers says
These are all such awesome sounding dogs. I do hope they get adopted soon! We always adopt our pets.
Richelle Escat says
Glad to meet all these dogs! I like Sasha’s personality the most.
Ivan M. Jose says
They are so cute! If I had the space in my house and if they were just near my place, I’d definitely adopt them.
Scarlett Brooklyn says
Thanks for posting this. It’s a really great way for someone who wants to adopt to get to know the dog first.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
So many gorgeous dogs to choose from. We prefer to adopt as it gives dogs a chance of a new, great life.
True says
Oh goodness, this put me in my feels because I am currently in the process of deciding what type of puppy I would like to adopt! All of them are so precious, I would get in trouble for bringing all of them home!!
Kathy says
These dogs are all so adorable. I really wish I could have a dog, but my cats just don’t like dogs. Maybe someday, and if I do, I will certainly adopt.
Louisa says
I am spoilt for choice because these are really cute puppies
Marysa says
I have heard about this animal sanctuary for many years. How awesome that you got to go and visit!
Nikki, RVT says
These dogs are all so adorable! I am so glad you are highlighting them for adoption – every dog deserves a home filled with love.