Actress Kristin Bauer van Straten—True Blood fans will know her as Pam—was so moved by her recent visit to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary that she called it “a trip for the soul.”

A longtime Best Friends Animal Society supporter, Bauer van Straten was thrilled when she finally had the chance to visit their Angel Canyon, Utah property, a paradise for rescued animals which just so happens to be the largest no-kill companion animal sanctuary in the U.S.

“Words can't describe this stunning operation,” commented Bauer van Straten. “Things impacted me that I hadn't expected. The beauty of the place, the backdrop of Utah is ever present. The people who work here and volunteer are quite astounding. I was also surprised by individual animals I met: a wobbly big black cat who pushed his head in to my hand and purred so loud; a guinea pig with a Mohawk who made such strong eye contact with me; and a seven-month-old pot belly pig who already knew all the tricks my seven-year-old dog can do.

“This is a trip one simply must do. Best Friends is the only place like it in the world. The founders have done something never before accomplished. Before their vision, no one believed [no-kill] was even possible. Lives are transformed at Best Friends through a very special combination of love and know how. Treat yourself to immersion and some of that transformation will also rub off on you, it has me." 

The Sanctuary offers free guided tours a minimum of four times a day. If you plan on going, reserve a space for the full two-hour tour. You don’t want to miss Dog Town!

Celebrity Dog Finn and His Star Mom Amanda Seyfried Join Forces to Remind People that Amazing Dogs are Waiting in Shelters #weheartsecondchances

Amanda Seyfried and her adopted dog, Finn, are the latest celebrities to join Best Friends Animal Society’s Save Them All campaign. Featuring celebrities posing with their very own rescued dogs and cats, the campaign aims to get companion animals adopted, an effort we are very down with.

“My dog, Finn, is my best friend. I honestly can't remember what life was like before he came into mine. I can't bear to imagine the thousands of incredible dogs and cats that are killed in shelters every single day simply because they don't have homes. When you adopt, you not only save
a life, but you end up with an amazing friend."
—Amanda Seyfried

*Founded in 1984, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters across the US from 17 million per year to about 4 million. And they’re not stopping there! Let’s go team No Kill!