If you're an animal lover and you're ever in the red rock region of Southern Utah, you'll want to visit one of the most unique animal sanctuaries on earth. This unique animal sanctuary known as Best Friends is nestled in the heart of Angle Canyon and is home to over 1,500 abused and abandoned animals of all types. Best Friends animal sanctuary has attracted so much media attention that over 20,000 people make the trek each year to visit the plethora of animals that are given special care and shelter at Best Friends. Many of these animals have been abandoned or abused by uncaring and negligent owners and have now found a resting place where they can experience peace and happiness.
This unique animal shelter and sanctuary was begun in the 1970's by a concerned group of individuals who wanted to make life better for the thousands of unwanted animals who were being euthanized by shelters because they were unable to find loving homes. They visited these shelters and removed many of the dogs and cats who were scheduled to be euthanized, bringing them back to their growing shelter. They were able to find homes for many of these animals. The animals who were not adoptable due to illness or personality problems were made permanent residents of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary where they were allowed to live the remainder of their life in beautiful Angel Canyon, a 33,000 acre ranch in this beautiful scenic area of Utah.
Since those humble beginnings, the animal sanctuary has grown to be the poster child for the “no kill” animal shelter movement. Best Friends promotes their philosophy by reaching out to support smaller animal rescue groups across the country, helping them to set up adoption programs as well as spay and neutering services to help control the growing animal overpopulation. The sanctuary has also become a destination location for thousands of animal lovers who make the trip to this remote location to pay homage to the animals and the workers who make this unique sanctuary work.
If you visit the sanctuary, you'll be welcomed at a special center set up for visitors to get oriented to the layout of the sanctuary. From there, you'll make your way to Dogtown, the TLC Cat Club, the Bunny House, and Feathered Friends where you'll see the extraordinary care given to the animal residents of this special sanctuary. Along the way you're bound to see many colorful splendors of nature as you make your way from site to site. As much attention is given to the plant life at the sanctuary as to the animal life.
The dogs in Dogtown will greet you with wagging tails and enthusiastic barks as they roam freely through Dogtown. The dogs don't live in cages as they do in most shelters. They live in small groups where they are given large living areas complete with all the amenities they need to keep them happy and comfortable. You'll also receive an enthusiastic welcome from the cats at Cat World who are always eager to receive visitors.
Many of these animals will eventually find loving homes but until that time they are cared for with great skill and devotion by the staff and volunteers.
The next time you're in the Utah area, why not make a special trip and see this unique animal sanctuary in action?
