The National Geographic Channel's series DogTown kicks off its third season tonight, Friday, March 20th, at 10 p.m. The series examines the important and emotional work of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, among the largest no-kill animal shelters in the U.S., as it houses, treats, and seeks permanent homes for dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, goats, pigs, parrots, and other domestic animals. Best Friends is often these animals' last hope as many are tough to adopt due to advanced age, shyness, or medical conditions.Best Friends is set on 33,000 acres in southern Utah's Red Rock canyon country, not too far from what's appropriately called the Golden Circle of parks: the Grand Canyon (about 75 miles away), Zion (25 miles), Bryce (60 miles), Lake Powell (65 miles), and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (10 miles). Best Friends, about a four-hour drive from Las Vegas, welcomes visitors and offers eight spacious guest cottages for those dropping by. You can even spend the night with a dog or cat from Best Friends if you're thinking of adopting; they provide the supplies and kibble, too. Camping is also available on their extensive grounds and there are some pet-friendly hotels in town in Kanab. Beyond a day visit and tagging along on one of the four, 1-1/2 hour tours offered daily, it's possible to stay a little longer to volunteer to help feed the animals, clean enclosures, assist with grooming, and even take Fido for a stroll and play fetch.
If you're planning a trip in out West this summer, consider stopping by Best Friends to check out DogTown (or Cat World, Horse Haven, even Piggie Paradise) yourself. My dear friend Jill Williams, a Pennsylvania native like yours truly, did just that for two weeks five years ago and was so moved by the important work of Best Friends and the sheer beauty of the place that she now lives in Kanab with her husband and son; they both work for Best Friends (she as part of their Guardian Angel program), and her family of three humans, three dogs, and three cats love it. She tells me she can't imagine a more beautiful place.
Photos: Left, National Geographic Channel; Right, Jill Williams
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Drove by this place once when crossing the country. Always regretted not stopping but I was traveling with someone who was anxious about how many stops I wanted to make and I had to be selective. I probably would never have left. This is a wonderful way to incorporate tourism with animal rescue. There should be one in every state.
Hi thanks for the info, really nice to read somthing interesting for a change. I Love my dogs :)
As soon as I saw the first episode of Dogtown on NGC, I was HOOKED. I immediately booked a trip to Best Friends with my daughter to celebrate my 50th bday. It was a transformational experience that will shape the second half of my walk through life. This place is pure magic. Its amazing to be able to volunteer and take part in such a worthy and wonderful endeavor. I cant describe what it is like to be in this beautiful canyon, working side by side with thousands of other staff and volunteers who treat these down and out creatures like they are the most important things on the earth. The positive energy there will renew your spirit and give you hope for the future. To visit and volunteer, just check out the Best Friends web site. If you possibly can, book one of their cottages or cabins and stay on site to really get the feel of the place. I cant say enough about it. We already have our next trip booked! Thank you NGC for giving us more episodes about Dogtown, please keep them coming. Love you Best Friends.
I think you guys are doing a great thing. I cry everytime i watch your show, and i think each and everyone of you are awsome people. and i was wondering what site i would go on to look at the adoptable animals that you have. thank you very much.