Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

[itself]

Well, we just returned from a long weekend at Best Friends, I believe it is the largest animal sanctuary in the US. There are 1600 animal on the grounds. We volunteered all weekend, with the cats, bunnies and dogs. We stayed in one of the cabins on the grounds, and I have to say, it was a life changing experiences.

We met two particular cats that touched our hearts. Smokey, a 3 year old female Russian Blue cat, whose rectum was destroyed by someone who stuck a firecracker up her bum. Thumper, a paralyzed black cat, from a dog attack.

We were the first ever to do a cat outing up to Angle's landing with a paralyzed cat. Smokey, who is harness leash trained, had a marvelous time running around the area of grass. We spent much of our time at the Cat Motel, where many cats are housed who will probably not be adopted.

There are over 600 cat and 600 dogs there. Horses, pigs, bunnies. The sanctuary covers acres, and if you have not visited the Angel's Rest Cemetery, even the toughest of you will cry. Chimes hanging and ringing everywhere....

Tell your friends about Best Friends. I am amazed how many do not know about it. Donate your time, and even money. It's an incredible place.

And for those of you that know Michael Vick, the football player, his dogs ended up here. Georgia, whom we did not meet this time around, a female pitbull whose teeth were removed by some veterinarian. She was tied to a chair, and forcibly raped by the male pitbulls. She is incredibly friendly from what others told us.

Check their website out at www.bestfriends.org

[badger]

oh, I am SOOO jealous!!

I've been watching Dog Town, and it never ceases to amaze me just how wonderful that organization is, and if I ever win boatloads of money in a lottery, I would create a sanctuary like that up here in Canada.

If I lived closer to Utah, I seriously would try to get a job there or at the very least do what you did and have volunteer trips.

I'm glad you had such a great experience there, and thanks for sharing your story!

[Zen]

I do know about that place. I'm pretty sure I couldn't bear a visit. I can't even visit the animal control adoption center:o

[lunacycles]

I worked for a local sanctuary whose director annually for a few years would go to Best Friends and spend a week volunteering and learning. She went at the time the Vick dogs were brought there, and was really blown away at how damaged they were, that this was the only facility capable of taking them on and providing quality of life to them who, as you noted, have been unimaginably abused. Animal cruelty is so hard to bear, and such a lesson for us. I adore Best Friends. And all people who do this kind of work in their own little ways. That is so great you got to visit.

Zen, the beauty of Best Friends (I think) is that even though the past was not ideal, they are animals who are being treated well and with love/respect now, and thus you see how resilient the dog (or cat, human, or any) spirit is in the right conditions. It's not depressing; it's inspiring.

[emily_in_nc]

Best Friends is a wonderful organization! I became aware of them through watching Dog Town on NGC, which sadly is no longer on. I am so thankful that there are so many kind people to work and volunteer at such an important facility. itself, thanks for helping out there. I bet it was a very fulfilling weekend! :)

Emily

[Trek420]

I worked for a local sanctuary whose director annually for a few years would go to Best Friends and spend a week volunteering and learning. She went at the time the Vick dogs were brought there, and was really blown away at how damaged they were, that this was the only facility capable of taking them on and providing quality of life to them who, as you noted, have been unimaginably abused.

Local group, BADRAP, got involved helping train and rehome many of the Vick dogs. It's remarkable how well many of them are doing. :)

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/news.html

Thanks to all the volunteers especially those who foster animals. Please support and adopt from a shelter if you want a pet.

As for Vick, this said in the most friendly, forgiving, non-violent, peaceful, loving all things spirit but for as long as he remains in pro football I hope that opposing teams get the biggest, baddest, dog lovinging'est, defensive line they can find and have them read this before every game with him.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/11/03/petscol110309.DTL

[badger]

Best Friends is a wonderful organization! I became aware of them through watching Dog Town on NGC, which sadly is no longer on. I am so thankful that there are so many kind people to work and volunteer at such an important facility. itself, thanks for helping out there. I bet it was a very fulfilling weekend! :)

Emily


WHAT?! it's not on anymore? as in they no longer air it or they no longer produce it? I thought it was such a valuable show to highlight the cruelty/sadness/rehabilitation/dedication/inspiration that's in every single episode.

I was especially moved in the episode where they showed the guy who works full time at the cemetary, how he cares so deeply about every single animal that crosses the rainbow bridge and does little ceremonies for them. The episodes where the animals die are so sad, but they all were shown love in the time they were there.

[itself]

Trek420,

Thank you for posting the article. People too easily forgive him.

The universe will take care of him. He is evil and it will come back around.

[Trek420]

Trek420,

Thank you for posting the article. People too easily forgive him.

The universe will take care of him. He is evil and it will come back around.

Yeah, karma's a b*tch. But she takes too long. I'd like those big pitt-puppy doggie loving defensive linemen to say "that's for my shelter adopted pitt, next one's for Hector, then one's for Audie, then we'll work on each of the dogs in the pool ...." as they trot back to the line. :rolleyes:

I'm not a football fan but this does make it interesting. :rolleyes:

Meanwhile thank you everyone who volunteers for animals and adopts.

[OakLeaf]

Thank you for volunteering.

[bambu101]

Best Friends has a wonderful reputation in the rescue and sanctuary community. Someone from a parrot board I am on is now the manager of the Parrot Garden section there. I would love to go there someday.

There is a great book about the beginnings of Best Friends in 1982:
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Friends-Worlds-Beloved-Sanctuary/dp/1575667355/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278379222&sr=1-1

[emily_in_nc]

WHAT?! it's not on anymore? as in they no longer air it or they no longer produce it? I thought it was such a valuable show to highlight the cruelty/sadness/rehabilitation/dedication/inspiration that's in every single episode.

I was especially moved in the episode where they showed the guy who works full time at the cemetary, how he cares so deeply about every single animal that crosses the rainbow bridge and does little ceremonies for them. The episodes where the animals die are so sad, but they all were shown love in the time they were there.

No longer produced, unfortunately. I read a blurb about the show being over not too long ago. :( That's not to say that NGC might not show reruns -- I hope so, though I haven't noticed it on lately. I didn't see the episode you mention; I hope I get a chance to. Every episode seemed to make me laugh and cry.

[badger]

I wonder why?

the episode I mention isn't all about him, it's actually a small part. It came about when one of the vets took a seriously sick dog home as foster when he just went straight downhill and he had to euthanize him at home. I had a hard time watching that episode and pretty much started bawling when they showed the cemetery scene.

[TsPoet]

Most of the people I know are not thrilled with the place.
I watched the first episode on Vick's dogs. I cried, I laughed a little, I went to bed feeling ill and so happy that place existed...
and I woke up upset and dismayed.
I can't remember the numbers now, but they discussed one of his dogs that was not adoptable and how much money she was going to cost them a year for the rest of her life - but they'll happily pay it (bring on the tears)... The amount of money the organization I work with could use to save approximately 100 dogs. That's right, 100 adoptable dogs that don't have a chance because we don't have any funding.
I'm not saying those 100 dogs have more right to life than the one dog, but really? Can't the money and expertise they employ there be used to help more?

[tiva]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/11/03/petscol110309.DTL

That's the most heartbreaking, haunting article I've ever read. We have two rescued pit bulls, and when I look at them, I think of the terrible things Vick did to similar creatures. It's hard to imagine or to bear.

[badger]

If you want to talk about disparity, how about the local spca I volunteer for? A couple of years ago they lost all public respect because it came to light that the AGM was giving himself huge raises to the point where he was making over $200K!! How he sleeps at night is beyond me, canvassing the public for funds to help the animals when he was stealing from them.

Every place (and people, too) will have their fans and nay-sayers. Poet, you bring up a valid point, but I still think they do right by the animals.

[PamNY]

Itself, sounds like a wonderful trip. I would love to visit Kanab someday.

TsPoet, I understand your frustration, but there's probably no way to bring fairness to animal rescue resources. Best Friends describes itself as a shelter of last resort, so cost per animal is probably high for lots of their residents. Their expertise at publicizing situations like Vick's dogs or Katrina does bring in money (and I don't fault them for that).

One reason I especially enjoyed Dogtown was that I saw some of those people in Tylertown after Katrina, and they really are that good.

[colby]

As for Vick, this said in the most friendly, forgiving, non-violent, peaceful, loving all things spirit but for as long as he remains in pro football I hope that opposing teams get the biggest, baddest, dog lovinging'est, defensive line they can find and have them read this before every game with him.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/11/03/petscol110309.DTL

Wow. Just... how could anyone do that to another living creature, let alone repeatedly? What kind of person is that? The food you eat is (generally) treated more humanely. I would be afraid for myself behind closed doors with someone like this, and fear for his children (should he have any, I don't really know much about him other than the fact he plays football and is a big fat a-hole).

[bambu101]

That is indeed a very haunting article...

I would like to point out that Best Friends has been around for close to 30 years, and started with some very basic services and humble beginnings. They have an excellent reputation in the rescue and sanctuary community, and as a result, have a lot of celebrity and big-name funding dollars behind them. Most shelters and animal welfare groups are really struggling these days, so every dollar counts!

[Norse]

For those in the MN, WI, IA areas, check out: http://www.homeforlife.org/vision.htm. I am a long-time donor and wish I could do more.

[itself]

The female pitbull you refer to that will be there the rest of her life is "Georgia."

Let me relay the story, please do not read this if you are really sensitive..

A veterinarian removed all of Georgia's teeth. They still have not found out who it is. Michael Vick had a chair for Georgia, in which she was strapped in. Then she was forcible raped by the male pitbulls.

She's a lovely dog, and if you go there, ask to meet her. She deserves the lap of luxury after what he did to her....

[crazycanuck]

:mad: :( aawwwwwwwwww...nooo..poor doggie :( Next time you go itself, give Georgia a big hug & lots o love.

[nancielle]

...
I was especially moved in the episode where they showed the guy who works full time at the cemetary, how he cares so deeply about every single animal that crosses the rainbow bridge and does little ceremonies for them. The episodes where the animals die are so sad, but they all were shown love in the time they were there.


I remember that episode so well. It was for Bruno, the elderly Chow Chow with the neurological problems (listed to one side, had difficulty walking, had gone home with one of the vets so he could be monitored more closely.) The ceremony is so touching. I love the windchime "garden" they have there...every time you hear the chimes it's the spirit of the animals who've passed on letting the people know they're ok. Since seeing that I've given small windchimes to people I know who've lost their pets. I have one in our back yard for a cat who had somehow gotten into our basement (probably for warmth, it was winter), couldn't find a way back out and died. He was found when another tenant went to check on the furnaces.

Itself, sounds like you had an incredible experience. A firecracker? Really? Who thinks up this sort of thing to do to an animal. I hope they caught the person who did this to that poor cat.

I wish they'd make more episodes of Dog Town.

[indysteel]

Watch this heartwarming PBS video of what's happened to Vick's dogs:

http://video.pbs.org/video/1757336290

I don't post that to get into a debate about Pits. I understand that they engender very strong reactions. I just think the love and care that's gone into rehabilitating these dogs is fantastic. I also think it's incredible that their rescue was the result of another dog's police work. Yay for our four-legged friends and those who work to protect and care for them.

[badger]

Indy, thank you SO much for posting that. Seeing things like that really restores my faith in humanity, that there are enough people out there who care about that breed and want them to be viewed as the good dogs they are. It just strengthens my desire to be a guardian to a pit bull all the more.

[indysteel]

Indy, thank you SO much for posting that. Seeing things like that really restores my faith in humanity, that there are enough people out there who care about that breed and want them to be viewed as the good dogs they are. It just strengthens my desire to be a guardian to a pit bull all the more.

You're welcome. I wanted to reach through my computer and give all those dogs and their humans a huge hug. Bless their hearts.

Where are you in the adoption process?

[badger]

in adoption limbo, actually.

I decided that I'm just not at the right place (literally and figuratively) to be a doggy mama right now. I have 2 older, needy cats and one frequent visitor cat (mom's), and am not home a whole lot. I'm sure the right one will come along eventually when the time is right (when I least expect it!)

[indysteel]

in adoption limbo, actually.

I decided that I'm just not at the right place (literally and figuratively) to be a doggy mama right now. I have 2 older, needy cats and one frequent visitor cat (mom's), and am not home a whole lot. I'm sure the right one will come along eventually when the time is right (when I least expect it!)

Well, best of luck with it when the timing is right! It'll be a lucky dog!

[lunacycles]

That's a great story. Thank you for posting it. A friend of mine who runs her own sanctuary in NM spent a week volunteering at Best Friends a few months after the Vick dogs arrived, and her report wasn't so positive at the time--but time indeed heals many wounds, and it's good to hear almost all of those dogs have a genuine future. :)