Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Utah

Capturing Kindness: Our Volunteer Story at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, UT

 

We came to volunteer with our cameras and drones.  What we captured at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT was something far deeper: the heart of a place built on love, healing, and second chances.  Our mission was to photograph the sanctuary and its stunning surrounding landscapes.

 

Cradled between towering red rock cliffs, Best Friends feels like a secret world. Every sunrise painted the canyon walls in gold and coral, while drone flights revealed the sanctuary tucked perfectly into nature's embrace, winding roads, peaceful barns, wide-open pastures, and tiny cabins glowing in the morning light.

 

And beyond the sanctuary? Hidden treasures that took our breath away.  There's Hidden Lake, a little cave pool that doesn't look like much... until you look up.  Towering above it is a massive wave like rock, frozen in time. It curves and rises like a sculpture carved by wind and time, dramatic, ancient, powerful. The kind of place that makes you feel very small in the best way.

 

Then we hiked to the Sand Caves, a short scramble that leads to one of the most unique spots in the area. Inside, the walls ripple with natural patterns with layers of ochre, tan, and rust, etched with swirls and hollows.

 

It's like stepping into nature's own cathedral, every corner full of beauty and surprise. But it wasn't just the landscape we were capturing. It was the spirit of the sanctuary.

 

Best Friends is more than a sanctuary. it's a promise. A promise to never give up on an animal. They are a no-kill organization and rescue dogs, cats, pigs, parrots, bunnies, horses, and more, giving them love, care, and dignity. Whether you're walking a dog, cuddling a shy cat, or helping pigs roll in fresh mud, you're part of something bigger.

And yes! we fell in love.  Our favorites? Two pigs: Vincent from New Mexico! He was attacked by a wild dogs and has no ears. He is the friendliest, funniest sweetheart you'll ever meet.  Our other favorite, a little New Zealand guy named Colin  who snorted his way right into our hearts.

 

One of the most emotional moments was walking through the Gratitude Garden and Angels Rest which is a peaceful path lined with stones, trees, and tributes to animals who've crossed the rainbow bridge. Each name carved into stone represents a soul who made a human's life better. It's a quiet space, full of love, where every breeze feels like a whisper of thanks.

 

You can feel the legacy of joy these animals gave, and the deep, deep gratitude they left behind.  At the end of each day, we'd return to our cozy cabin, enjoyed our take out from the sanctuary's restaurant (with its panoramic canyon view), and reflect on what an honor it was to be here helping share the story of a place where animals are truly seen, healed, and loved.

 

So if you're a creator, animal lover, or someone looking to give back - come here.  There are so many ways to be part of the mission at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.  You can volunteer your time, whether it's walking dogs, caring for pigs, or even capturing the magic through photography like we did.  Or, you can donate to support the animals' care, sponsor a pet, or even adopt a new best friend of your own. Every gesture, big or small, helps save lives and spread kindness.  If your heart feels pulled to this place, follow it!  Learn more and get involved at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Because every soul deserves a second chance. And we all have the power to give it.

 

See you on the next adventure!

 

Love,

The Team