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21st out of 79 books
—
75 voters
Best Friends: The True Story of the World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary
Discover a place where every animal is safe, loved, and allowed to live out its natural life. It is Best Friends, the no-kill sanctuary in Utah's Angel Canyon -- and this is the inspiring true story of how a few dedicated people have made it happen, and how thousands of furred and feathered creatures have called it home.Best Friends is home to about 1800 animals at any one...more
Paperback, 284 pages
Published
February 1st 2001
by Kensington
(first published 1997)
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Go to the best friends website and take a look at this amazing rescue sanctuary.
In the early 80's a group of friends living in different parts of the country pooled their resources to buy property in Angel Canyon, Utah and moved there. The purpose was to create a sanctuary where unadoptable and special needs animals could live out their lives. The sanctuary grew to what it is today and animals have literally come from all over the world to live at Best Friends....more
Go to the best friends website and take a look at this amazing rescue sanctuary.
In the early 80's a group of friends living in different parts of the country pooled their resources to buy property in Angel Canyon, Utah and moved there. The purpose was to create a sanctuary where unadoptable and special needs animals could live out their lives. The sanctuary grew to what it is today and animals have literally come from all over the world to live at Best Friends....more
This book should be required reading for anyone interested in saving animals. It tells the story of a group of friends with a cause and the wonderful amazing result of their determination. I read this book because I had to read a nonfiction book for a summer reading club and I like dogs. I have since volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary 3 times and will continue to go back as long as my old bones will let me.Indeed I would like to retire to Kanab, Utah and spend the rest of my days volun...more
This is one of the best "feel good" books I've ever read. If you ever doubted the power of having a vision, or of having a diverse group, or of having commitment to a goal, or having shared values then you will want to read this book because that is how they created one of the world's best animal sanctuaries.
Can you imagine taking in all kinds of critters in all stages of health and functionality, hundreds of them, with very scarce resources to support your efforts. That is exactly what this sma...more
Can you imagine taking in all kinds of critters in all stages of health and functionality, hundreds of them, with very scarce resources to support your efforts. That is exactly what this sma...more
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and it tells a beautiful story, of how a group of friends built one of the world's most unique and compassionate animal sanctuaries.
During the 1960's, this group came together, from all faiths and walks of life. These friendships endured and deepened, bonded by optimism, love for animals, and a shared vision of a safe haven where all creatures would be welcomed and loved, in spite of illness, disability, or gener...more
During the 1960's, this group came together, from all faiths and walks of life. These friendships endured and deepened, bonded by optimism, love for animals, and a shared vision of a safe haven where all creatures would be welcomed and loved, in spite of illness, disability, or gener...more
The week before this book arrived I found the Best Friends magazine at a local independent bookstore - it's great - upbeat, informative - I think I will have to subscribe.
I had a hard time putting this book down - it was really interesting to hear how they started the sanctuary and to "meet" some of the people who made it happen. I had heard some of the stories of the animals themselves - a fellow dog-walker at our local Humane Society shared two little books put out by Best Friends - one was ab...more
I had a hard time putting this book down - it was really interesting to hear how they started the sanctuary and to "meet" some of the people who made it happen. I had heard some of the stories of the animals themselves - a fellow dog-walker at our local Humane Society shared two little books put out by Best Friends - one was ab...more
After reading this book I decided that I needed to visit and work at the sanctuary, for it's history, mission, and founders are inspiring. The stories made me laugh and cry (and did I cry.) In 2005, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the sanctuary and hope to return, for it is the promised land for animal people. I now have several copies of the book in my classroom for my students to read.
I had heard of Best Friends Sanctuary and had seen the sign as we drove to the Grand Canyon. We had wanted to stop Thanksgiving 2009, but our beloved Abby had died tragically, so we drove passed on our way home.
My husband stopped in March and bought this book for me at the Welcome Center.
I spent today finishing this book. It is with tears clouding my eyes that I write this review. It is truly amazing that this group of people stuck it out through everything thrown their way to make this wonder...more
My husband stopped in March and bought this book for me at the Welcome Center.
I spent today finishing this book. It is with tears clouding my eyes that I write this review. It is truly amazing that this group of people stuck it out through everything thrown their way to make this wonder...more
Best Friends: The True Story of the World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary by Samantha Glen describes how Best Friends Animal Sanctuary originated and expanded. The book commences in 1982 when a group of friends pooled their resources and decided to purchase 3,000 acres in Kanab, Utah in order to build the animal sanctuary of their dreams. They had already outgrown the ranch they had purchased four years earlier in Prescott, AZ. The author chronicles the first fifteen years of Best Friends and co...more
3.5 stars -- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and its colorful newsletters and mailings, is instantly recognizable to just about anyone who’s ever been involved in animal rescue and welfare. This is their (sort of) story.
Best Friends: The True Story of the World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary could have been a far more interesting read with a bit of author disengagement from the title subject; as such, it reads like a better-written, lengthier version of the free paperbacks charities occasionally...more
Best Friends: The True Story of the World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary could have been a far more interesting read with a bit of author disengagement from the title subject; as such, it reads like a better-written, lengthier version of the free paperbacks charities occasionally...more
I came across this book while I was in the midst of a huge dog story kick. It was an amazing and inspiring book. Of course it made me laugh and cry but I am always so impressed by people that have the courage and commitment to follow their dreams. The founders of Best Friends Sanctuary are incredible people - my hat goes off to anyone that is willing to work so hard to help those who cannot speak for themselves.
After reading the book, I dreamt about visiting there and getting a chance to volunte...more
After reading the book, I dreamt about visiting there and getting a chance to volunte...more
I sped through this book, enjoying all the stories of animals in trouble saved by Best Friends and, for the most part, the positive aspects of their story. Financial problems were touched on but not dwelt on. It reminds me, in some ways, of Mountains Beyond Mountains, the bio of Paul Farmer. In that book's preface, I believe, the author says he admires Farmer which sort of sets up the idea that the biography is not completely impartial. In Best Friends, one gets the sense that the author is a gr...more
Take a look... You can see that almost everyone rated this book 5 stars!!
Yep, there is a reason because it is an inspiring true story of how a few dedicated people came together and made this sanctuary a success.
I purchased the book at the visitor center after taking a tour of the 300 acre site. As an architect and planner, I was impressed with the facility.
Check out their web site, youtube or the sanctuary in Southern Utah and you will be hooked
Yep, there is a reason because it is an inspiring true story of how a few dedicated people came together and made this sanctuary a success.
I purchased the book at the visitor center after taking a tour of the 300 acre site. As an architect and planner, I was impressed with the facility.
Check out their web site, youtube or the sanctuary in Southern Utah and you will be hooked
I heard about Best Friends about a year ago and have been fascinated by it ever since. I plan to visit Kanab sometime in the next 2 years so was ecstatic to read about how this animal sanctuary came to be. I really enjoyed this book and the story of this great organization's founders. I hesitated when starting this book because of the simple way it's written, but it grew on me and soon I was wrapped up in all the goings-on at Angel Canyon!
I would love to visit this animal sanctuary in Utah! Best Friends by Samantha Glen tells of how this animal sanctuary got started. It is an amazing story that I really enjoyed reading. The love these people have for animals is boundless. The pictures in the book are special too. With our help, Best Friends can continue to do the wonderful work that they do. God bless this special place!
I adore Best Friends Animal Sanctuary !! Love it, Love it, Love it!! But this book..... not so much. I found it to be choppy and slow and just felt very flat. Even some of the "emotional" parts didn't come across with any feeling. I'll read more about Best Friends because I can't wait to go there someday but this book just didn't do them justice.
Aug 09, 2009
Sara
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
animal rescuers, DogTown fans, dog lovers, cat lovers
Recommended to Sara by:
Evelyn Bridges
A star off for language and another for new age ideas. Possibly a boring read for anyone not engaged in animal rescue (or avid fan of DogTown on TV) but a dose of encouragement for me! I cried. Three times.
Interesting writing style - almost like a novel.
Interesting writing style - almost like a novel.
I watched the entire 4 seasons of Dogtown which is part of Best Friends. LOVED the series. This book was interesting in that it explained how Best Friends came to be, but I felt it could have been written a bit better. Still made me cry in some places, but also made me feel amazed at the kindness of others.
Best Friends is the most amazing organization + place I know of. And this book tells the incredible story of how they came to be in an easy to read and engaging way. Check out www.bestfriends.org and then read this book - you won't regret it.
Amazing story about an amazing place. Perfect example of Margaret Mead's quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
this book was really inspiring. I am glad there are people like this in the world. I don't know that I believe in psychic cats...but it is still a fun book to read and I think that kids would enjoy it too..
This true story reads like a novel. You will grow to love the characters, both animal and human and you can't help but be touched by the amazing animal stories and the efforts of such caring people.
come on - what's not to love about the story of a bunch of people commited to helping unwanted animals ... had me sobbing from cover to cover
Wonderful true story and everyone should have the opportunity to visit at least once in their lives. It's the most amazing place!
After I visited Best Friends last month I wanted to know more about it. The book was wonderful! It made me smile and cry! Thanks for the wonderful work they do at Best Friends and I hope I can visit again soon
This is a great book, the style is not the best, but the story is amazing.
Suggested to any animal lover...
Suggested to any animal lover...
The story of how Best Friends began is exciting and well written, but the book flags after that.
Lovely book about an amazing sanctuary. I highly recommend the book and a visit.
I thought this was going to be a series of stories about different animals in an animal shelter. Well, it was that and so much more. This story also details the story of how Best Friends Animal Sanctuary came to be in Keneb, UT, eventually winning over the most skeptical neighbors. Not only a great story but quite an inspiration. Oh yes, I'm a member. You can visit their website (www.bestfriends.org) to adopt a pet or farm animal or you can just donate to feed someone there. Great, great place w...more
Oh! So many tears, but such happy ones. This is a truly wonderful book, very touching and meaningful. The personalities of, and relationships between, the animals is truly amazing. We could learn so much from them. I had heard of the sanctuary but never realized how close it is to me -- only 6 hours away! My next excursion will definitely be to Best Friends. I simply have to go and see this place, meet these people, walk these precious lands, and surround myself with animals who have been a give...more
Interesting & touching in places. A good read.
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“There is no better application of the Golden Rule than to help a homeless pet. In doing this, you are giving the gift of life itself. And since there is no greater gift, there can be no greater reward”
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