Visiting Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab Utah

You refused to be satisfied until we agreed to go tear up and snot at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, in Kanab. We're dehydrated now - I hope you're happy.

Just the visitor's center

Best Friends started with a couple dozen animal lovers who rescued animals from shelters and kept them in their homes. Twenty-eight years ago, they found this 3000-acre tract, pooled their monies, and made a down-payment. Today, they have a $45 million annual budget, all private donations.

L to R: Raven, Celine

This was Celine's first approach to be petted since her arrival. She's a quick learner; she twined around our legs throughout our visit. The cat was friendly, too.

It's a lovely place, and that's all I'm going to say about that.

The staff prefers you not stick your hand into the fence, but, since Liz was extruding out through the fence, this seemed legal. Please notice the "feral" kitty.

Holly is half domesticated, half community pig.

No matter what Judy says, this is NOT the end.

Teddy got so fat in his previous situation that he was mechanically blind - his fat squeezed his eyes shut. Think about that when you're reaching for the Krispy Kremes.

Timmy the Goat has been adopted, but deferred his relocation until his friend's broken leg is healed. She gets very bored hanging around in her body splint all day. Pooping and peeing on yourself is fun - ask any vulture - but a horse needs a goat.

  I AM TOUCHING A HORSE!!! Her name is Montana, and I know other stuff about her, but this is a half-hour show, Wilbur.

Lunch at Angel Village was super-duper! It's strictly vegetarian, and vegans can find plenty to eat, too. Food is free, the view is $5. All-you-can-eat, and coffee and teas. Eat there. 11:30 AM - 1 PM.

They look a little like scary avenging angels to me, but they're still bloggable. 


















Sit around on the porch and enjoy the hummingbirds. Very peaceful.

We loved it a lot, and we signed up to volunteer tomorrow. We asked about pigs, and learned they are the fortunate sons, so there is rarely an opening. We'll see what's open tomorrow and choose something then.

No, it's still not the end.

We strolled downtown and saw this store:

Mary Lee is the owner of Coral Canyon Nature Center, and she runs educational workshops about desert animals.

Taxi catching a ride on Annie. I touched him, too, and that felt sufficient.

Mary intends to have facilities that are more spacious for the animals, and that's why she opened this store. She sells handmade gifts and crafts to raise money. I learned a lot about Taxi, the carpet python, Annie asked what he eats (rats), and I asked where his anus is (there). It's a cute shop, and a place to find locally-made souvenirs and gifts for the people back home who resent you for visiting Kanab without them.