Customer Reviews

Best Friends: The True Story of the World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought this book when I visited Best Friends about 2 years ago but only just read it. Why the delay? I was expecting lots of negative stories - people abusing animals, etc. When I finally picked the book up to read I zipped through it quickly amazed at the powerfully positive messages. Yes, there are stories of the bad things that humans do to animals but these are used to highlight the good things that humans can do if they make the choice to care.

Almost more than the animal stories are those of the people who made Best Friends real. The compassionate people who saw a need and, out of their own pockets, decided to make a difference. Although the organization became (and is) public it began as a labor of love.

If you love animals you will find this book one of hope and passion. It made me wish I could pack up and move to Kanab, UT to become a full-time volunteer!

Read the book and, if you haven't already, visit the sactuary itself. It's truly a testament to what love can do.

I just loved this book!!! I have been a member of Best Friends for a few years, receiving their mailings, their magazine, and sending them donations to help all the critters they rescue. Needless to say, I have been a dedicated animal lover for many years!I finally got the opportunity to visit Best Friends and work there as a volunteer last Fall. The sanctuary is 1000 times more than I ever expected. The place is huge, beautiful, spotlessly clean and the atmosphere is totally filled with love. The physical and emotional well being of the animals comes FIRST, period! It is truly a sacred place. I advise you to get this book and read it. I assure you.... Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is FOR REAL!

I am a restless reader, usually read a few pages of this, a few pages of that, so it takes a long time for me to work through any one book... but I could not put this book down! The story of the loving, dedicated, risk-everything-for-a-dream group of friends who started the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, is too wonderful, thrilling, cliff-hanging, and heart-warming to be a true story - but it is a true story! Some reviewers find fault with the thoroughness and organization of this history of the shelter, but I think the emphasis of the book is right where it should be, on the stories of the fascinating and endearing animals that shaped the development of the shelter, and the commitment of those who cared for them. The ongoing problem of millions of healthy animals being euthanized at shelters each year, because their people have discarded them, is heart-wrenching, but this book dwells on the positive, and leaves the reader filled with hope and inspiration. The Best Friends Animal Society Web site is also a great place to read "tails with happy endings."

Samantha Glen writes with beauty, sensitivity, humor, and simplicity to tell the story of the animals and people of Best Friends. I loved the whole community: people and animals. The dogs, cats, horses, and others had as complex and endearing personalities as the men and women who dedicate their passions to allowing these animals to live. Now I have to review my own existence and determine if anything I do rises to such heights of unselfish giving. I heard Mary Tyler Moore interviewed on Backstage at the Actors Studio. When asked what she hoped God would say as she enters heaven, she replied, "Come. . .meet all the animals you helped save." If God holds true to that wish, the folks at Best Friends, upon entering heaven, will be greeted by millions .

"Best Friends" will make you feel both joy and sadness. Joy for every animal saved and sadness for the reality that there are many people who treat animals as nothing more than disposable objects.

As for the writing, the author was able to bring out in me the full range of emotions that I experience as a pet owner. The day to day happiness they bring, the worry when they are ill and the sadness when it is time to say good bye.

Through their magazine, I have been acquainted with the people, animals and developments at Best Friends over the last few years. With the reading of this book, I now feel I know them so much better - the struggles, the personalities, the whole feel of such a caring sanctuary. There is not a word for the dedication, self-sacrifice, and determination that brought this organization to where it is now. I will continue supporting them and only wish I had been there in the beginning. I have thought it would be wonderful to visit Best Friends - now, I really want to! As I got in to the book, I only allowed myself to read a chapter a day, so I could prolong the joy of these new friendships and to put off finishing it! A wonderful saga of people with a cause and animals whom others did not want. You won't be disappointed.

I was fortunate enough to volunteer my time twice helping to take care of the rescued animals after hurricane Katrina.I volunteered thru Bestfriends in Mississippi.It was probably the most satisfying work I've ever done. When I got home I found out about this book and couldn't wait to read it. I cried, I laughed I didn't want to put it down and i didn't want it to end. It made me more determined then ever to visit the sancuary in Utah as soon as I can.It explains how the animal sancuary first got started and all the ups and downs involved in getting it started. I would say to anyone who loves animals this is an absolute must read.

I'm a fifteen year old girl, and I love animals. I found these true stories of humans and animals to be beautifully written and as engrossing as any novel. I am inspired by these great people. This is a book for all ages.

I loved this book! I'm ordering another one because mine is getting so dogged-eared from passing it around. I work with many animal organizations and am truly impressed with Best Friends! I was hestitant about ordering another animal story book because they often have heartbreaking, awful stories about the misery of so many. This book is different! It gives hope and a wonderful feeling that there are so many out there to help our animal friends. It tells the story of the people who pulled this wonderful organization together and of the many residents who were so fortunate to find their way to this sanctuary. I really felt like I got to know all the animals written about in this book. It was delightful to get to know all different personalities! Thank you for telling the story in such a positive, up-lifting manner! Not only am I making it a point now to visit Best Friends, I have become a Guardian Angel supporter!

If you are a true animal lover, you will love this book. It's a story about how the Best Friends Animal Santuary got started as well as stories of beloved animals they have rescued. If you believe in rescuing our furry friends, this book is for you!