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Best Friends: The True Story of the World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary
" Sinjin the badly burned black cat. . .who survived to welcome others home Victor the abandoned Australian Shepherd mix. . . the capo among dogs Tyson and Tommy, two tiny black kittens. . .who had something to teach us all
Discover Best Friends A Place Where Every Animal Is Safe. . .Loved. . .And Never, Ever Killed
In the summer of 1982, a group of young men and women pooled every penny they had and bought 3,000 acres of high desert called Angel Canyon, Utah. It was to become the most famous "no--kill" animal sanctuary in the world. . .a haven for over 2000 furry and feathered friends including stiff--legged Benton who is "chairpurrson" of the TLC club. . .the infamous Goatie, comforter of horses. . .Baa Baa Ram Das, the sheep who teaches lessons. . .and Amra, the gigantic Malamute who is sheriff of Dogtown backed up by his deputy Rhonda, the tiny terrier who took one look at him and fell in love.
Discover Best Friends A Place Where Every Animal Is Safe. . .Loved. . .And Never, Ever Killed
In the summer of 1982, a group of young men and women pooled every penny they had and bought 3,000 acres of high desert called Angel Canyon, Utah. It was to become the most famous "no--kill" animal sanctuary in the world. . .a haven for over 2000 furry and feathered friends including stiff--legged Benton who is "chairpurrson" of the TLC club. . .the infamous Goatie, comforter of horses. . .Baa Baa Ram Das, the sheep who teaches lessons. . .and Amra, the gigantic Malamute who is sheriff of Dogtown backed up by his deputy Rhonda, the tiny terrier who took one look at him and fell in love.
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
164 people are currently reading
2487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 6, 2024
Best Friends
This book is about incredible people who came together to build an animal sanctuary for some special needs animals and other pets who had no homes. Their dream of a sanctuary included more hard work than is imaginable. It’s difficult to imagine the love and dedication that went into caring for thousands of animals. If you love animals, you will love and appreciate this book. It’s so much more than a 5 star rating. ❤️
This book is about incredible people who came together to build an animal sanctuary for some special needs animals and other pets who had no homes. Their dream of a sanctuary included more hard work than is imaginable. It’s difficult to imagine the love and dedication that went into caring for thousands of animals. If you love animals, you will love and appreciate this book. It’s so much more than a 5 star rating. ❤️
July 9, 2007
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.
October 17, 2008
http://www.bestfriends.org/aboutus/
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.
Pretty amazing story about the dedication of the founders and lots of good animal rescue stories.
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.
Pretty amazing story about the dedication of the founders and lots of good animal rescue stories.
October 27, 2013
The perfect book for any animal lover! All happy endings but warning: you might shed a tear!
May 9, 2008
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 volunteer. I had a chance to do that when I was sent to a conference in Las Vegas in February. I was only there for 2 days but they were quite possibly the best two days of my life. Which is especially interesting when you consider I spent my vacation time walking dogs, picking up poop, etc! The compassion and generosity of the people working there is incredible. I cried when I left because I didn't want to go. I started planning my next trip right away and will soon be going back for a full week.
If you love animals, this place is the Promised Land and you have to go. But read the book first so that you truly appreciate what they have managed to accomplish there.
After reading the book, I dreamt about visiting there and getting a chance to volunteer. I had a chance to do that when I was sent to a conference in Las Vegas in February. I was only there for 2 days but they were quite possibly the best two days of my life. Which is especially interesting when you consider I spent my vacation time walking dogs, picking up poop, etc! The compassion and generosity of the people working there is incredible. I cried when I left because I didn't want to go. I started planning my next trip right away and will soon be going back for a full week.
If you love animals, this place is the Promised Land and you have to go. But read the book first so that you truly appreciate what they have managed to accomplish there.
August 6, 2011
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 covers all its trials, tribulations, and victories.
The author introduces us to the friends who made their dream a reality and to the animals who were the reason for the sanctuary's creation. The book is full of heartwarming stories. My favorite story from the book is about two brothers, Tommy and Tyson. These two cats were living on the mean streets of Los Angeles and always walked with their tales entwined. The wonderful woman who fed them noticed that they were in danger as they slowly crossed a busy street. She finally realized why they walked side by side entwining their tails. Tommy was blind and Tyson was guiding him. She knew that they could not survive long on the streets and called Best Friends. The sanctuary did not hesitate, and Tommy and Tyson are now living the good life at the WildCats Village where there is no need to walk with their tails intertwined.
The purpose of the founders of Best Friends was to create a sanctuary where all animals, including the unadoptable and those with special needs, could live their natural lives being cared for and loved. The intent of this book is to tell their story and to inform its readers of ways to make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere. The book not only includes ways to get involved with Best Friends but also ways to help in your own community. The Best Friends web site is a wealth of information on how to get involved locally and nationally.
Best Friends is a must read for those who love animals. Some may put off reading it because of preconceived notions that it is filled with stories of animal abuse and neglect. There are a few stories of animal abuse, but the animals end up at Best Friends to live out their days in peace. The tone of the book is very optimistic.
My favorite quote is from this book, "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" (281). This is certainly true. I currently have four cats, whom I rescued from shelters, and the joy they bring me is indescribable.
The author introduces us to the friends who made their dream a reality and to the animals who were the reason for the sanctuary's creation. The book is full of heartwarming stories. My favorite story from the book is about two brothers, Tommy and Tyson. These two cats were living on the mean streets of Los Angeles and always walked with their tales entwined. The wonderful woman who fed them noticed that they were in danger as they slowly crossed a busy street. She finally realized why they walked side by side entwining their tails. Tommy was blind and Tyson was guiding him. She knew that they could not survive long on the streets and called Best Friends. The sanctuary did not hesitate, and Tommy and Tyson are now living the good life at the WildCats Village where there is no need to walk with their tails intertwined.
The purpose of the founders of Best Friends was to create a sanctuary where all animals, including the unadoptable and those with special needs, could live their natural lives being cared for and loved. The intent of this book is to tell their story and to inform its readers of ways to make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere. The book not only includes ways to get involved with Best Friends but also ways to help in your own community. The Best Friends web site is a wealth of information on how to get involved locally and nationally.
Best Friends is a must read for those who love animals. Some may put off reading it because of preconceived notions that it is filled with stories of animal abuse and neglect. There are a few stories of animal abuse, but the animals end up at Best Friends to live out their days in peace. The tone of the book is very optimistic.
My favorite quote is from this book, "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" (281). This is certainly true. I currently have four cats, whom I rescued from shelters, and the joy they bring me is indescribable.
May 21, 2021
This book gave me more of an understanding of all of the work that goes into opening and running an animal sanctuary and in saving animal friends.
A group of friends got together and purchased a 3000-acre piece of land in Kanab, Utah, where they slowly built up an awesome animal santuary called "Best Friends".
The stories provided on only a few of their longtime and dearest animal occupancies is very touching and will give you a renewed appreciation on your beloved pet, and even for straggler loose dogs or cats, or any other animal you may see not being loved or well cared for.
Sun, a 12 or 13 year old doberman and among the first inhabitant who lived in the santuary for nine years was old and had cancer. Instead of putting a dog down by injecting him or shooting him (like many in the country do), they allowed Sun to just live out his life as any human would, making his life as comfortable as possible. Sun disappeared one day and was found sleeping in the shade of the willow trees down by the river bank where they had always gone for daily walks for the past nine years. They made a stretcher and carried him back to the house where he would be close to his person for the remainder of his three days. On the third day, his owner had to run into town for supplies. He hugged Sun and said goodbye, seeming to know that they were mutually saying goodbye. Sun died confortable on his bed while he was away. Sun was buried on the knoll, which was his old longtime playground. The following spring, his owner took some time alone, went for a drive to the area and found Sun's grave area on the knoll covered in a variety of colorful wild flowers. It was as if Sun was showing him there was no finality in death. What was dog was now beautiful plants providing food for bees and hiding places for insects (p. 260). This is the way to handle the end of a dog's life.
But, with the malamute who had been with them since the beginning, xrays showed he had bone cancer and, in the end, could hardly walk. In his case, he was put to sleep by their vet.
For me, I wish they would have added more personal stories about how their animals came to be in the sanctuary, and the interactions between them, other animals and their new owners. These types of stories help teach me to be a better pet owner.
A group of friends got together and purchased a 3000-acre piece of land in Kanab, Utah, where they slowly built up an awesome animal santuary called "Best Friends".
The stories provided on only a few of their longtime and dearest animal occupancies is very touching and will give you a renewed appreciation on your beloved pet, and even for straggler loose dogs or cats, or any other animal you may see not being loved or well cared for.
Sun, a 12 or 13 year old doberman and among the first inhabitant who lived in the santuary for nine years was old and had cancer. Instead of putting a dog down by injecting him or shooting him (like many in the country do), they allowed Sun to just live out his life as any human would, making his life as comfortable as possible. Sun disappeared one day and was found sleeping in the shade of the willow trees down by the river bank where they had always gone for daily walks for the past nine years. They made a stretcher and carried him back to the house where he would be close to his person for the remainder of his three days. On the third day, his owner had to run into town for supplies. He hugged Sun and said goodbye, seeming to know that they were mutually saying goodbye. Sun died confortable on his bed while he was away. Sun was buried on the knoll, which was his old longtime playground. The following spring, his owner took some time alone, went for a drive to the area and found Sun's grave area on the knoll covered in a variety of colorful wild flowers. It was as if Sun was showing him there was no finality in death. What was dog was now beautiful plants providing food for bees and hiding places for insects (p. 260). This is the way to handle the end of a dog's life.
But, with the malamute who had been with them since the beginning, xrays showed he had bone cancer and, in the end, could hardly walk. In his case, he was put to sleep by their vet.
For me, I wish they would have added more personal stories about how their animals came to be in the sanctuary, and the interactions between them, other animals and their new owners. These types of stories help teach me to be a better pet owner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2010
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 small band of animal lovers did over many years. But thanks to their persistence their efforts were recognized by others leading to funding and volunteers sufficient to enable their long term success. But although the problem of killing or abandoning unwanted pets is diminishing, there is still no end in sight of animals needing their lifelong protection.
So read this book, but be prepared for some tears when you learn about the condition of some of the animals they found. But because we are talking about BEST FRIENDS, these sad tears will turn to ones of happiness.
There have been many great accomplisments in our country; this is one of them.
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 small band of animal lovers did over many years. But thanks to their persistence their efforts were recognized by others leading to funding and volunteers sufficient to enable their long term success. But although the problem of killing or abandoning unwanted pets is diminishing, there is still no end in sight of animals needing their lifelong protection.
So read this book, but be prepared for some tears when you learn about the condition of some of the animals they found. But because we are talking about BEST FRIENDS, these sad tears will turn to ones of happiness.
There have been many great accomplisments in our country; this is one of them.
February 28, 2025
I picked up this book because I was interested in reading some animal stories and also learning about how a sanctuary for animals is run. The sanctuary in the story is "Best Friends" located in Utah and I was surprised to read that it was started in 1982, long before I had ever heard of such places. The stories concerning the dogs and cats and other animals were wonderful but I was especially bowled over by reading about the dedication of the people who set up the sanctuary, the dedication to their vision of providing a safe haven for animals where they can live their lives in peace. I feel greatly heartened to know there are such people in the world who have such a love for animals...I will have to do more myself, such as giving more support to sanctuaries than I have...
September 13, 2019
I discovered Best Friends a couple of years ago and have become an avid follower. I was scheduled to spend a weekend at the sanctuary this year, but had to cancel because of an unexpected illness. I discovered this book by accident in a Kindle sale. Even if it wasn’t about an animal sanctuary, I would have loved it. In the book, sometimes I got a little confused by switching from one story to another, but the writing was excellent. The stories of the founders and how they began the organization and the animals and how they found their way to the sanctuary, are interesting and heartwarming.
Today, Best Friends is alive and well helping save animals all over the country. Their mission, Save Them All by the year 2025, involves working with other organizations and individuals to end the killing in America’s shelters.
I highly recommend reading this book. I also highly recommend visiting the website bestfriends.org to learn more about what they are doing today and to make a donation.
Today, Best Friends is alive and well helping save animals all over the country. Their mission, Save Them All by the year 2025, involves working with other organizations and individuals to end the killing in America’s shelters.
I highly recommend reading this book. I also highly recommend visiting the website bestfriends.org to learn more about what they are doing today and to make a donation.
March 1, 2018
The book walks you through many of the startup heartaches, dealing with people who discard animals like trash when they no longer want or need them and money issues. If you can't handle animal abuse stories you might want to stay clear of this book, there is not many of them but enough to show you the need for such a place. Good book overall but does get into unnecessary details. The unnecessary details are in the friends' stories who started the Animal Sanctuary and dealing with people. I wanted more animal stories but again good book overall.
October 12, 2011
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 volunteering at Best Friends. It is the happiest most beautiful wonderful place on earth!! To read how it came to be and then to see the result is truly awe-inspiring. From a group of determined friends came a world wide movement with a dream of no more homeless pets. Best Friends has outreach programs all over the country and is involved in animal rescues in natural disasters and in man-made disasters such as puppy mills and dog fighting.I cannot stop telling people about Best Friends but I can never have enough words to describe the wonder of this Sanctuary. I am proud to be a member of Best Friends Animal Society and to play even a tiny part its work. Read the book and visit the place. You will be forever changed!
November 30, 2021
A sweet story about a noble endeavor.
December 31, 2014
Clearly I enjoyed this because it's about saving animals. Best Friends seems like an incredible place and I am in total admiration of the people who were so selfless and generous in the time it took to get the sanctuary up and running. It's wonderful that animals who would not be given a chance in many places have this wonderful place to call home. I normally wouldn't say that a shelter is the kind of place that an animal should spend all his or her days, but based on what I see on social media, Best Friends seems to have no short supply of visitors and volunteers who are able to give the time needed and deserved to each animal there. I do wish that the book had provided more information on how Best Friends plans to achieve their goal of no more homeless pets rather than just telling the story of how the sanctuary began. I'm interested to hear more about their strategies and steps to reach their end goals and this was not included in the book at all.
November 24, 2016
Having just been to Best Friends, I can wholly appreciate how difficult it would be to put that magic into words, on paper. However, as much as I loved the background story of how this incredible place came to be and the stories of the people and animals who wove that fabric (and admittedly fell in love with Amra, the Sheriff malamute)....all that, it still wasn't enough to overcome the juvenile writing that distracted me and drove me nuts throughout. The timeline jumps seasons and back again. Some of the descriptors made me cringe. This book lacked heart, it lacked the passion that I wanted to feel from it. It felt like a seventh grade essay, in which this author plucked from numerous cliches to "spice it up." I hate to even critique someone that is writing about something that means SO much to me. But if it weren't for the topic, this book would not be staying on my shelf.
June 5, 2012
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
May 3, 2011
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..
May 17, 2014
What can I say, I am a sucker for someone helping an animal in need. This book chronicles just such folks.
my full review
my full review
November 24, 2013
As much as I like this organization, I found the book horribly written and very cheesy.
July 31, 2015
Not only have I read this, we visited BFAS!!
March 18, 2016
Great story on Best Friends animal sanctuary and how it rose from an idea to a successful place for animals. Heart warming stories on some of the original founders, too.
May 8, 2016
Most inspiring book I have EVER read. Love, love, love it!! These people gave up everything to make this wonderful, awesome, amazing place happen! This is a must read!!
October 1, 2016
Excellent read!!!! Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a wonderful place for many animals! Great stories of rescued dogs and cats and great people who take care of them!
Read
March 22, 2024Wish I read this before going to the sanctuary! But it was so nice to hear the back stories of the places I saw.
December 19, 2020
If I had a do-over, this would be what I’d do! Love all that they do!
January 22, 2018
Best Friends is the uplifting story of the 1982 founding and early years of what has become the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary. The tenor of the book is optimistic and filled with the can-do attitude of its founders, and I was pleasantly surprised that the heartbreaking animal stories did not digress into a militant, PETA-like attitude.
Additionally, I find it admirable that the fulfillment of the founders' vision was the result of their personal generosity of time, money, and love; they were not afraid of hard work, pinching pennies, and creative thinking to accomplish their goal. Because of this old-school attitude, combined with helping animals, I find myself drawn to the sanctuary and could easily envision a working vacation at Best Friends.
Lastly, a word about the excellent writing by Samantha Glen. Rarely have I read a book so engaging and well written! I would add extra stars if possible. Ms. Glen has a gift, and I hope she continues writing long into the future.
Additionally, I find it admirable that the fulfillment of the founders' vision was the result of their personal generosity of time, money, and love; they were not afraid of hard work, pinching pennies, and creative thinking to accomplish their goal. Because of this old-school attitude, combined with helping animals, I find myself drawn to the sanctuary and could easily envision a working vacation at Best Friends.
Lastly, a word about the excellent writing by Samantha Glen. Rarely have I read a book so engaging and well written! I would add extra stars if possible. Ms. Glen has a gift, and I hope she continues writing long into the future.
June 27, 2018
I remember a friend of mine telling me about her visit to this amazing animal sanctuary. So when I came across this book about its beginnings I had to read it. The book is chock full of tales both happy and sad of its furry and feathery inhabitants, their quirky little habits and their own contributions to this wonderful haven. It introduces the reader to the founders and the hardships they faced while caring for the animals. The writing is easy reading and their are enough twists and turns in the stories to keep the reader intrigued. Having thoroughly enjoyed this book, I plan (like my friend) to make a pilgrimage to this wonderful place one day.
December 26, 2018
This book made me laugh out loud, cry out loud and everything in between! It is a true story of how Best Friends Organization was founded and you cannot go wrong by reading this book. I loved all the stories about how some of the animals came to Best Friends and the role they played while they were there. The human stories in between were just as good but in a different way of telling the love for the animals that they had to take care of and friends they met along the way.
What really played to my heart was at the end when I saw the pictures of the people and the pets that they came to love.
What really played to my heart was at the end when I saw the pictures of the people and the pets that they came to love.
December 30, 2019
God Bless
wonderful!
Held me tight turnout.
I know the "unconditional love we get from our own adopted Rescued dog who had been hit and kicked and heaven only knows what before being rescued with 40 other animals and recomend to every one they adopt rescued animals.
I've heard "experts" say dogs (and cats) don't remember. HOGWASH!
THEY DO REMEMBER! Our beloved Belle - border collie/shepherd mix is the smartest dog I've ever seen. Get facial expressions tell us so much.
Now nearing her time to go over that Rainbow Bridge, we consider every day spent with her as a Gift!
If I were young, I'd go to Kanab to work for these awesome folks.
Bless all of you!
wonderful!
Held me tight turnout.
I know the "unconditional love we get from our own adopted Rescued dog who had been hit and kicked and heaven only knows what before being rescued with 40 other animals and recomend to every one they adopt rescued animals.
I've heard "experts" say dogs (and cats) don't remember. HOGWASH!
THEY DO REMEMBER! Our beloved Belle - border collie/shepherd mix is the smartest dog I've ever seen. Get facial expressions tell us so much.
Now nearing her time to go over that Rainbow Bridge, we consider every day spent with her as a Gift!
If I were young, I'd go to Kanab to work for these awesome folks.
Bless all of you!
October 25, 2011
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 given a chance when no one else would have them.
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