Up until last weekend, I did not know that anyone could visit, tour, and even volunteer at The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. After spending two short, but life-changing, days at the sanctuary it was clear to me that every dog lover needs to visit this amazing place. Here’s why.
#1 – See Your Donations In Action
It can be hard to know if the money you are donating is really going to the cause or to the CEO’s pocketbook. Once you see The Best Friends Sanctuary, you will know your money is going to top-tier care (the puppy room has heated floors for their comfort in the winter and every animal has access to the outdoors if weather/health permits) and not management paychecks. In fact, the workers there drive inexpensive cars and the houses in the area are modest. It’s truly about the animals.
#2 – Understand The Mission
Another part of supporting a group is figuring out just what the people you are supporting truly stand for. Spend a weekend at the sanctuary and it will be obvious that they truly mean it when they say they are there to “Save Them All.”
#3 – Learn About Their Programs
Best Friends is groundbreaking when it comes to programs – anything to save animal’s lives. From trying Parelli natural horsemanship on pigs and clicker training bunnies, to a trainer who is taking rescued dogs and training them to be service dogs, they are doing it all.
#4 – Teach Your Kid’s About Compassion
Unique to Best Friends, they allow children as young as six to volunteer (in the cat rooms), allowing the whole family to come, volunteer, and learn about giving back and compassion. I can’t think of a better vacation.
#5 – Find Your Passion
Have you been wanting to get involved but just not sure where you would be a good fit? While visiting, you can volunteer in any of their areas (except the wild friends). Volunteering with horses, birds, dogs, cats, even rabbits, may help you learn where you are meant to make a difference.
#6 – A Positive Experience
One of the best things about Best Friends is the positivity that surrounds the sanctuary. It’s not depressing – they don’t use the “sad” card or make you feel guilty because you can’t adopt them all. No finger pointing here – Instead, there is a feeling of family and about working together to bring positive change.
#7 – See That Saving Them All Is Possible
If you, like me before I went to the sanctuary, have ever wondered if we really can have only no kill shelters, a trip to the sanctuary will show you it is possible.
#8 – Return With Passion
Being at the sanctuary will light a fire that you can take back to your local shelter. With the help of Best Friends, you may even bring No-Kill to your community. It’s empowering to say the least.
#9 – Your Vacation Will Mean Something
While vacations can sometimes make you feel guilty for spending too much money, or depressed because you have to return to work, a vacation at the Best Friend’s Sanctuary will make you feel good because while there you gave your time and worked with animals in need.
#10 – Find a Friend
And, of course, most of the animals are adoptable so if you are looking to bring back a new friend, you can certainly do that too (be warned, you will want to take them all home!).
#11 – Start a Career
Wondering if you want to work in animal rescue? Staying and volunteering at the Best Friends Sanctuary is a unique way to get your feet wet and decide if this is the thing for you before you dive in.
#12 –Education
If you are already sure you want to work with animals, the sanctuary has educational workshops throughout the year to help you be successful. They even have one for those wanting to start their own animal sanctuary.
#13 –Being With Like-minded People
Being with a group of animal lovers who understands your passion and doesn’t think you are crazy is very freeing. I heard about the passing of one of my cats while on the trip and it was amazing to be with a group of people who understood the pain I was feeling. If you have suffered a loss, a visit to Angel’s Rest is emotional and wonderful.
#14 –Exploring
When you need a break, the scenery at the sanctuary is breath-taking. Nestled within the sandstone canyons, you can hike right on the Best Friends property or travel a short distance to Brice, Zion and even the Grand Canyon.
#15 –Inspiration
If nothing else, going to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary just may inspire you to do more. Then, they can connect with one of their network partners near you (or, maybe you encourage your local shelter to become a partner!) so that you can help turn your community into a “no-kill” neighborhood.
Toledo, United States.
