Kanab, UT June 8-10

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Marlene discovered a rather remarkable place in this little town, just south of Zion Natl Park, named the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This place is an amazing non-profit that came here in 1986, with the purpose of saving abandoned, abused and lost animals. They purchased 3,000 acres here, among the beautiful red rocks, and leased another 30,000 acres from the govt. They have been successful, continue to raise large amounts of money each year and have a potpourri of animals, usually some 2,000 in attendance. They place enough in adoption to keep their population constant, and have an extended outreach program to other sanctuaries. Many of their animals are dogs and cats, but they have goats, horses, all kinds of birds, rabbits (immediately neutered) among others. They took 22 of Michael Vick's most abused dogs; they took many animals lost in Hurricane Katrina; they take great care of these animals. Some of the facilities are wonderful. Maybe we should send our cat there. Would you believe they have an annual budget of $27 million? Major Los Angeles/Hollywood benefactors! Wonderful place; animals don't know how good they have it; but they probably deserve it. Have a special place for cats w/incontinence called the Hotel Incontinental. They do a good job of placing animals you wouldn't think they could; wonderful place. Even have a very dignified and respectful cemetery w/wind chimes; hard to describe but very nice. No animal here is euthanized. If you ever get out this way, you should stop by and take a tour of the place, it's free. Entry billboard; apparently one of the principals of the foundation does most of the sign work.

One of the cat areas; they have it great. All they are missing is a loving family home.
Another section for cats is furnished like a room in a house. In the above area there is a tree that allows them to climb up in the rafters.

One of the dog areas; they play classical music for them; seem to love it.
This is a central area off of which are several outside dog runs. Each run houses two to four dogs. The dogs are walked each day. Certain dogs are considered trustees which means they can run outside on their own and just return at night. The facility is air conditioned for them.