BS: Best Friends Sanctuary

Subject: BS: Best Friends Sanctuary
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 06:59 PM

Last week I had to put my little dog, Darby, to sleep. I had gotten him just over a year ago from a local humane society. I had told them that I was looking for an older animal that needed a happy ending, and lo and behold, they had one. We had a wonderful year, in spite of his 13 years and his chronic congestive heart disease. I'll be looking for another old guy when I get resettled upon return to Juneau.

A friend sent me the website address of a place in Utah that maintains an animal sanctuary. I spent a couple of hours reading their links. No animal is turned away or euthanized for any reason other than health, and they make every effort to provide a home for them, an effort that results in somethng marvelous. It's at www.bestfriends.org; take a look at it. It's a heartening story of good people doing good things that gives me hope in this too often depressing world.

Subject: RE: BS: Best Friends Sanctuary
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 08:10 PM

Ebbie,I like the idea of taking an elderly beastie to give it a bit of contentment before the black Rabbit/Dog etc comes.Well done. I often wish I had a more settled existence,as I would love a dog, but
I am out too much to consider it fair on ANY animal. Best of luck with your next retiree.

Subject: RE: BS: Best Friends Sanctuary
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 08:39 PM

Thanks, Leadfingers. Giving an old animal a 'happy ending' sounds noble and altruistic- but the fact is that I got just as much in return. He was a great little guy.

Do take a look at the link, though. It's a wonderful site.

Main Animal Areas
Dogtown The world's only town that's gone completely to the dogs!
TLC Cat Club They need a little extra help but their spirits really fly high
WildCats Village An entire village for alley cats who grew up on the mean streets.
Bunny House Hundreds of Easter bunnies and other cast-offs now living the good life.
Horse Haven Home to horses, burros and farm animals once abused at rodeos, circuses, ranches, and petting zoos.
Feathered Friends A fully licensed rehab program for birds and other wildlife.

"There are never fewer than 1,800 dogs, cats and other animals living at the sanctuary.

"Many of them are soon ready to go to good new homes with loving families.

"But there are also those who are the outcasts of society -- unwanted, lame, too traumatized by past abuse, or too old, handicapped, or ill.

"For these innocent creatures, Best Friends is a unique home and haven. There's just nothing else like it anywhere."

www.bestfriends.org

Subject: RE: BS: Best Friends Sanctuary
From: JenEllen
Date: 17 Dec 03 - 10:55 AM

Thanks, Ebbie. It's a great place. One of my very bestest friends actually planned her wedding so that she could spend her honeymoon helping at Best Friends (I run with a weird crowd). It is amazing because no-kill shelters usually aren't "no-kill"--they are just LOW kill. Best Friends manages to give their less placeable tenants life, as well as a bit of dignity for the time they have left. I don't think it is unappreciated (as you know from Darby).

Subject: RE: BS: Best Friends Sanctuary
From: Kim C
Date: 17 Dec 03 - 11:31 AM

What a great site! I'm going to join after Christmas. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Best Friends Sanctuary
From: NicoleC
Date: 17 Dec 03 - 12:28 PM

I've been donating to Best Friends for several years, ever since someone submitted a donation in my name as a present. They are a fabulous organization that does a lot of good work. One of the most successful programs is swapping animals with other shelters. They take the "unadoptable" from other shelters and swap them for puppies and healthy friendly dogs that can get easily adopted.

Your donations will be well spent by Best Friends.