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.