Book Description
Discover a place where every animal is safe, loved...and allowed to live out its natural life.Here is the inspiring true story of BEST FRIENDS, an animal sanctuary a few dedicated people made happen, and thousands of furry and feathered friends have called home.Meet the residents, including Sinjin, the badly burned black cat and Sparkles, the broken-down packhorse.Meet their rescuers: a famous symphony conductor, a successful architect, veterinarians and others.Most of all fall in love with the animals and people who share a special bond and whose often comic, sometimes poignant, always enchanting adventures together will touch your heart - and teach us all the true meaning of Best Friends.

"For everyone who has ever loved a pet, this is a message of the universal love between animals and people." (Booklist) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

It's all about SOUL
Best Friends is the story of how several dedicated animal lovers used all of their resources to become THE foremost Animal Sanctuary on Earth!

Angel Canyon, located in Kanab, Utah is a place where it's all about SOUL.

Best Friends Animal Society/Sanctuary understands that, whether two-legged or four-legged, we are ALL precious souls, who deserve love, kindness, respect and to be treated with a reverence for our precious lives.

That's correct: ANIMALS HAVE SOULS, just like we human animals do!
To think otherwise is to be ignorant, arrogant, speciesist, and one other thing: Wrong.

That is what makes Best Friends so special. They recognize and treat animals as their fellow souls.
We are all in this together. One life. One love. One Soul.

This book captures the love, the kindness, the dedication, and the soul of everyone at Best Friends,
four-legged and two-legged!

My favorite part of the book is the story about the two brother cats, Tommy and Tyson. The cats were born on the streets, because someone wasnt responsible enough to SPAY or NEUTER their cats.
A wonderful woman fed the cats and gave them fresh water, daily. While doing so, she noticed that the two brothers would always walk side by side, with their tails intertwined, as if they were Siamese Twins.
The kind woman couldnt understand what that meant. The woman realized that the cats were in danger, as they always crossed the busy City streets.
So, she contacted Best Friends.
Best Friends glady accepted the cats, and when the cats received a check-up from the veterinarian, the woman finally found out why Tyson and Tommy always walked together, with their tails intertwined: One of the cats was blind!!HIS BROTHER WAS GUIDING HIM ACROSS THE STREET TO SAFETY, BECAUSE HE KNEW THAT HIS BROTHER COULDNT SEE WHERE HE WAS GOING!That was why their tails were intertwined, and why one of the brothers seemed to be guiding his brother to safety......because he WAS guiding his brother to safety!

We can learn alot from our animal soulmates, if we only would take the time to watch them, and learn from them, and bond with them.

At Best Friends, all souls are treated equally, as one family.

That is why Best Friends are so loved around the world: they are the real deal.

I am honored to be a monthly donor to Best Friends' programs. I cant think of anything better to do with my money than to give it to my fellow souls who need it most: The cats, dogs, bunnies, etc of this world who are often neglected, or forgotten, or sent to a death chamber, even though they have not committed any crimes, and even though they are as equally precious as the rest of us.

This book offers a glimpse into the SOUL of Best Friends. I recommend it to any cat lover, dog lover, bunny lover, or to ANY animal lover for that matter.

This is a very special book, about very special souls, at a very special place.

To learn more about Best Friends, and all of the precious souls who live there, please visit: [...]

I hope that you enjoy this book, while cuddled next to YOUR precious cat or dog.
After all, they are precious souls, who happen to be members of the family, too!

Good animal stories
This was a good book, but I was disappointed in the ratio of actual animals stories to chapters about the trials and tribulations of getting the shelter off the ground. I appreciate what a monumental task it was, but I was thirsty for more about the animals.

Wonderful book about real people
I give this book 2 thumbs up.This is about a shelter for animals in Kanah, Utah.These people poured there hearts in tohelp the needs of animals.You have to read this book to see what each day consist of sometimes hurtful, but most of all for the good of the animals. We all should take a look at our own pets and give them a big kiss.They are the ones that wakes you in the morning and sees you to bed each night.Not to think of the protection they provide. Great book!

Great book for anyone who loves animals
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 Loved This Book - Could Not Put It Down - Fell in Love With The Animals!
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." ... Read more

Book Description
Leading animal rights activist Gene Baur examines the real cost of the meat on our plates -- for both humans and animals alike -- in this provocative and thorough examination of the modern farm industry.

Many people picture cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens as friendly creatures who live happily within the confines of a peaceful family farm, arriving as food for humans only at the end of their sun-drenched lives. That's what Gene Baur had been told -- but when he first visited a stockyard he realized that this rosy depiction couldn't be more inaccurate.

Amid the stench, noise, and filth, his attention was drawn in particular to one sheep who had been cast aside for dead. But as Baur walked by, the sheep raised her head and looked right at him. She was still alive, and the one thing Baur knew for sure that day was that he had to get her to safety. Hilda, as she was later named, was nursed back to health and soon became the first resident of Farm Sanctuary -- an organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and protection of farm animals.

The truth is that farm production does not depend on the family farmer with a small herd of animals but instead resembles a large, assembly-line factory. Animals raised for human consumption are confined for the entirety of their lives and often live without companionship, fresh air, or even adequate food and water.Viewed as production units rather than living beings with feelings, ten billion farm animals are exploited specifically for food in the United States every year.

In Farm Sanctuary, Baur provides a thoughtprovoking investigation of the ethical questions involved in the production of beef, poultry, pork, milk,and eggs -- and what each of us can do to stop the mistreatment of farm animals and promote compassion. He details the triumphs and the disappointments of more than twenty years on the front lines of the animal protection movement. And he introduces sanctuary. us to some of the special creatures who live at Farm Sanctuary -- from Maya the cow to Marmalade the chicken -- all of whom escaped horrible circumstances to live happier, more peaceful lives. Farm Sanctuary shows how all of us have an opportunity and a responsibility to consume a kinder plate, making a better life for ourselves and animals as well. You will certainly never think of a hamburger or chicken breast the same way after reading this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Timely, moving, and inspirational
If any book can change hearts and minds, it's this one. It comes out just as tens of millions of Americans are first learning what a "downed animal" is, and the scandal surrounding cruelty to animals in a slaughtering facility sends our federal food safety bureacracy into panic.That's somehow appropriate, for there are few individuals who have labored as long, as hard, and with as much patience as Gene Baur to bring the abuse of farm animals to public attention.Baur's principled compassion and quiet sense of mission lead from modest beginnings selling soy hot dogs from a VW van in the caravan trailing the Grateful Dead to the leadership of what is arguably the most effective farm animal advocacy group in the world. In Baur's telling, it is the animals that his organization saves who change hearts and minds.But his constancy, gentle style, and desire to engage with both people and animals come through in this wonderful account of nearly a quarter century of activism, and he emerges as a hero, deeply rooted in the finest traditions of American social reform. Whether he's writing about agricultural economics, relating his exchange with a neighboring farmer, explaining the strategy behind a campaign, or reflecting on the life of an animal rescued from the dead pile, his work moves, calls, and persuades the reader to the rightness of his thought.
... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (15)

Well-written, warm & provacative
I was already close to becoming a non meat-eating human before, but certainly after reading this extraordinary book, I've ceased to eat meat.The author really made me think about saying things like "I'm a real animal lover", when all I really meant was "I love dogs & cats".Had I really given much thought about cows, pigs, chickens & sheep before, as this book forced me to do, I probably would have stopped eating them long before now.

With that being said, this is not a sad or downer type of book, but rather it's very upbeat & entertaining, and allows the reader to see how intelligent & funny farm animals can be.

If you consider yourself a "real" animal lover, this is a terrific book for you!

Beautiful Story
This book is so unbelievably heart-warming. If you are the tiniest bit of an animal lover, this is a book for you. Kathy Stevens takes the reader to the world of the Catskill Animal sanctuary, where you meet loveable quirky humans, and just as quirky animals. You'll meet Paulie, a former cock-fighting rooster, who loves to go on errands, Dino, Rambo, and a host of loveable critters. Stevens really shows her true love of animals, regardless of their flaws, and I just loved reading all the stories in here.

A must read for young and old
I live near the Catskill Animal Sanctuary and know of the great work accomplished at this place of kindness.Thank goodness we have shelters such as this. Kathy Stevens, the author shares such a wealth of information about animals we think of as "just a pig, just a chicken,just a cow" etc.I would like to see it on a list of good summer reading for students.It is the youth that will have to initiate change and I think this book will help them make intelligent choices.Please be assured that this is a book for adults too, and we can make changes also.The pages fly by and at the end - you want more more more.

ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER READ!
This book had my emotions running hot and cold.I would smile and laugh at one moment and then be in tears another.The work these people are doing is just beyond words.Thank God there are people out there that have the privilege and means to do what they do.I read this book in one sitting.......I could NOT put it down.If you are an animal lover, please read this.After finishing the book, I was left with a good feeling...that so many of these creatures finally had a good, loving, caring environment.I could almost feel myself in the saddle on the horse and FEEL his joy at once again being allowed to run in the pasture.It was exhilarating!!Read it! You will come away with that good feeling, too.

Inspiring and entertaining!
Catskill Animal Sanctuary director Kathy Stevens tells beautiful stories about farm animals rescued from human cruelty and neglect.Without sounding preachy or judgemental, she weaves in information about standard abusive farming practices, how many of us unknowingly support animal cruelty, and how our daily choices can change the world for the better.Stevens lovingly portrays some of the individuals who have found refuge at the sanctuary...they come in all sizes and personalities: sweet, surly, brave, shy, and all amazing.This is an excellent read for anyone who has an affection for animals.It's especially good for people who aren't familiarwith animals raised for food. ... Read more

Book Description
Here children discover a world where the heart of every species beats as one!

Let's Go Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is designed to be read aloud in home, library, or classroom settings and to encourage conversation with children about kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership. Infused with humor, this delightful book is packed full of large, colorful photos of the animals of Best Friends.

Every year over 20,000 people visit America's most beloved animal sanctuary. You've seen Best Friends' `Dogtown' on the National Geographic Channel and read about their team's heroic efforts during Hurricane Katrina. Now kids everywhere can explore Best Friends 33,000 acre Sanctuary for themselves.

Let's Go Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary was written to be fun and light-hearted yet though provoking, while making a difference in the lives of children and animals.

About Best Friends

Best Friends Animal Society runs a massive facility located outside Kanab, Utah in the Golden Circle of National Parks. With an average of 1,500 animals and over 400 people on staff Best Friends is America's largest sanctuary for abused and abandoned animals.

Children journey along the Best Friends tour route exploring areas from Horse Haven to the Bunny House, Feathered Friends, Cat World and the world-renowned Dogtown facility. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Colorful and informative
This colorful, friendly book is designed as a tool to help children, ages about five to eight (my guess), to learn about animal sanctuaries, animal shelters, and, in a subtle, gentle way, about the ugliness of animal abuse. I can easily imagine this book being used in a classroom of first-graders or second-graders.

The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is an enormous refuge, for abused animals of all species, located in Utah. This book basically explains the nature and purpose of that sanctuary and, by extension, the nature and purpose of animal shelters and sanctuaries everywhere. The book, which is fifty-two pages long, accomplishes this by providing a verbal and photographic tour of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, describing the animals there, giving you the stories of how they ended up there, and how the animals are cared for, while they live there. I appreciated how the photographs and the text definitely emphasized the animals. The book did not end up being a piece of promotional literature, that glorified the one facility, as if they were the only facility engaging in the support and caring of animals that have been abused or neglected.

Most of the book, if you calculated the area covered by writing versus photographs, is dedicated to beautiful photographs, with the written explanations and captions being smaller. However, the writing is clear, concise, and worded in ways where children are going to understand the ideas, without feeling that they are being talked down to. The writing also does a nice job of giving children enough information about how animals are sometimes mistreated or neglected, without getting so graphic that the children might be traumatized. The tone of the writing is that it assumes that children will usually care about, and sympathize with, animals, and I see that as accurate.

The photography is also fairly balanced, in that it does not portray the animals at the sanctuary as a collection of perfect specimens of petdom. It shows, and talks about, some of the difficulties that a potential adoptive family might face if the animals were brought into that family. I will that the photography is done in such a way that many children will likely, after seeing this book, want to bring a pet into their home. There appears to be a large number of highly photogenic animals at the sanctuary, or else the photographer did an excellent job of being patient and catching the animals at their best.

As I stated above, this book is meant to introduce us to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, as well as to a series of books, with the same photographer, writers, and source material, but aimed at different topics.

There is a section, near the end of the book, that describes different kind of projects, for children and school classrooms to do, to help local animal shelters and sanctuaries. I really like that this section was included, as I can see children understanding and appreciating the book a lot, and immediately wanting to know what they can do to help. The section was done well, as all of the ideas mentioned are very feasible projects for a classroom or a school to do.

I am hoping, and suggesting any who might read this, who is connected to this series, that future topic for books include:

A description of good animal care, especially from a child's point of view.

A discussion of what children can do, if they believe that animals are being abused or neglected.

If I had a list a flaw, there is one small omission. When the book describes how people come to own dogs, it describes pet stores and "puppy mills" (not favorably) and animal shelters (favorably), but makes no mention of puppies obtained from responsible, caring breeders. I can imagine a child, whose family owns a dog obtained from a good breeder, wondering if his or her family obtained their pet in a good way or a bad way. That is a small point, that a teacher or parent could easily explain, but the book could have easily mentioned it.

WONDERFUL BOOK AND A GREAT TEACHING TOOL.A JOB WELL DONE!
This work hits on a subject that is near and dear to my heart.Animals have played a very important part of my life for over sixty years now and they are just as important to me now as when I received my first puppy when I was about three years old.My wife and I have been very involved with our local humane society for many years now.That being said....

This work takes the reader for an inside look at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located Southern Utah.Thousands of animals have been helped through this organization and Ms. Kelsey has given us a child's eye view of its workings, mission, needs, and indeed, delights.The book is designed to be read to children, and more specifically, is ideal for groups of children, although it is an absolute delight for the adult reader also.The photographs are quite professionally done and are works of art themselves.The author's easy style, humor and obvious enthusiasm for her subject shine through on ever page.She takes us on a verbal tour, supplemented by wonderful photographs, through this great organization.The author takes great pains in explaining the socialization process of these animals, stressing not only their physical needs, but emotional as well.This is a bit different than some of the works in this genre.We are given a peek at the different areas of this sanctuary, the bird house, horse area, pigs, dogs, cats, et al.Some individual stories of these critters are told as well as the source for many of the animals helped here.

This book is certainly designed for the class room.Its easy reading style and humor will be appreciated by the children.Each page is full of useful information and the photographs are well coordinated.Many questions are asked which are ideal for taking the children into a discussion.The author has also provided pages full of ideas for class projects, given some great web sites for further research, and above all, has infused an enthusiasm into her work which is rather contagious.Volunteerism is stressed here and the point is well made that everyone can do their little share to change what has become almost a national tragedy.Now don't misunderstand that statement.This is not a "sad puppy book," something that I find difficult to read to younger children.Everything here is upbeat and positive while still being quite truthful about the plight of these unwanted animals.

A WORD OF CAUTION:I am retired now and spend most of my days acting as a substitute teacher in local schools.We live in an area, Southern Missouri, which is more or less the puppy mill capital of the known universe.This is something my wife and I have fought for years and years.The author is quite harsh, and well she should be, when addressing this subject.The problem comes, in my case, where I will have a room full of about 25 students, and out of that 25, at least six or seven will have parents or grandparents who make their living as puppy mill owners.I plan to use this work at those schools, but I also plan to do a bit of verbal editing when this portion of the book is read to the students.While they need to know about such things, I am not about to be critical of their parents in front of their fellow students.Goodness knows I have had many heated conversations with the parents of these kids on this subject, indeed having been instrumental in shutting a few down, but don't feel the children should be subjected to the same line as I would give their mom and dad.

That being said, I cannot recommend this work highly enough.It is an absolute wealth of information and a delight to the ear and eye.The author has done a wonderful job here.I do wish there were more organizations out there like Best Friends...we certainly need them.

inspirational!
I am a children's book author AND a regular volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. I am also the editor of this book.To be frank with you, the book needed little editing!Nola's writing is fresh, funny, and full of heart.I knew her when she was a dog caregiver at Best Friends, and I was deeply moved by her love for animals.This love shines on every page of Nola's book.It is indeed a book for people of all ages. Highly recommended!

Not just for kids
This isn't a book just for kids.Being an animal lover and owned by a variety of animals, I found this a fun, informative book with awesome photographs, and suggestions on how a person can better serve the needy animals in their own community. Heck whose heart doesn't melt when seeing a photo of a cat or dog, horse, cow, even a pig?Recommend this book to any lover of animals. BestFriends.org is the authors site noted in the book. ... Read more

Book Description
In 1977 Cuny founded a wildlife sanctuary near San Antonio, Texas, to provide rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned, injured, and displaced wildlife. Her brief stories are often touching, such as when she describes a young raccoon, rescued from a fire, self-medicating its burned paws with aloe vera plants; or two crab-eating macaques, confined inside a research facility for eighteen years, experiencing the outdoors for the first time. Natural History , Bookshelf, March 1999.

Heartwarming tales of rescued creatures are presented in this collection of vignettes from a large wildlife rehabilitation center in Texas. Over the last 20 years, Cuny has run Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, which she founded to rescue orphaned, injured, and displaced wildlife. The center also provides permanent homes for animals too disabled to be released, as well as nonnative wildlife rescued from the exotic pet trade. The center takes in more than 5,000 animals each year. The history of each animal--from a tiny newborn field mouse to a black bear--is told in a few pages and illustrated with photos. . . .Cuny's love for her charges shines through in her stories. The large audience for animal tales of this sort makes this a recommended title, and maybe readers will be sensitized to the problems our species creates for other animals. --Booklist, Nancy Bent, February 15, 1999.

"The day we met she was feeding five beautiful yearlings intravenously, who surely would have died from dehydration, while she simultaneously supervised the feeding of skunks, possums, squirrels--you name it. She is selfless and dauntless in her battle to rescue and rehabilitate animals. I feel privileged to know her and serve on her board. There are few better qualified to look through the eyes of an animal. It is a beautiful, touching book." --Loretta Swit, actress

"Through Animals' Eyes not only entertains the reader with some amazing stories, but reminds us that human compassion can and should turn outward to embrace the animal world. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Lynn Cuny's work has made a difference; her stories will too." --Max Oelschlaeger, McAllister Chair in Community Culture and Environment, Northern Arizona University, author of The Idea of Wilderness ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Wonderful animal stories
Lynn Cuny has a gift for portraying the animals in her stories both as worthy of our care as well as needing respect for their needs as animals.Unlike some writers of animal stories, she always makes it clear that wild creatures are usually better off being left wild.While her stories often contain humor, they are always touching.

Strongly recommended for all animal lovers
Through Animals' Eyes: True Stories From A Wildlife Sanctuary is an anthology about the creatures cared for by Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation (WRR). Founded by the author in 1977, WRR provides sanctuary for orphaned, injured, or displaced wildlife, rehabilitating them for eventual release - or providing them with permanent care in large natural habitats if they are deemed nonreleasable. WWR also gives permanent care to exotic wild animals that have suffered from the pet trade, roadside zoos, or research facilities. From the raccoon with burned feet who perseveres to survive, to an abandoned emu who makes friends with a one-winged vulture in a game of pick-up sticks, these tales put one in the skin, fur, or feathers of the creatures who have paid the price of man's expansion. Through Animals' Eyes is strongly recommended for all animal lovers.

A Lovely Read
This charming vignette of stories will leave you with a new and wonderful perspective of wildlife, as well as a great deal of respect for the people at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Boerne, TX.This book is a must read for anyone with a love for the wildlife of these United States.

Couldn't Put It Down
This book was given to me as a gift and I couldn't put it down. This heartwarming book takes you into the emotions and thoughts of wild animals. They come alive and you see them as the caring, loving and intelligentbeings they are. This book will make you never able to look at a wildanimal as a "dumb" animal or expendable resource again. ... Read more

Book Description
Written after retiring from the sanctuary, it is being published as a promise to a very special boxer dog 'Elsa' who was his savour in difficult times. Sadly 'Elsa' is now with the other doggies in the sky but hopefully by writing this others will see that animals and dogs especially can be mans/woman's best friend.

We as humans have responsibility to animals yet this book shows that in even a country supposedly full of animal lovers there are still cruelty and neglect. In the world as a whole it is even worse yet all most domestic animals want is companionship and shelter.

The author underwent a life-changing situation when in his early thirties. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer but fortunately for him he survived and now over the age of sixty-five seems as healthy as anyone. This change made him reassess 'life', what is it for? Being a businessman he continued in his small way and was successful for over thirty years but that in itself was not enough. As a result he and his former wife decided to help animals mainly domestic in some small way leading to the setting up of the animal sanctuary. The business aspect helped support this and later he advised others not so fortunate into going into business. When retiring from advising he had helped over 12,000 people from all walks of life and, many on the lowest rung of society into a new life by working through HRH Prince Charles charities and government-sponsored schemes.

Now mainly living in Thailand where there is also a dog problem far in excess of the UK he is trying with difficulty to help where he can. ... Read more