Jul 11, 2021 3 min read

Over the last five months, 14 animals have found their forever homes with the help of Best Buds, an adoptable pet of the week program that publicizes available dogs, cats and rabbits in the region.

In an effort to do more, The Healing Center partnered in February with Animal Friends, located in Pittsburgh, and The Almanac to draw attention to animals in the region in need of a loving home.

“We laugh when we say ‘Best Buds’ because of the marijuana connotation. The reality is they are always ‘Best Buds’ when given the opportunity. We love our animals at The Healing Center, both adopted and unadopted,” Chris Kohan, co-founder of The Healing Center, said.

Each year, the nonprofit rescues and rehomes roughly 2,500 animals. Since the pandemic began, they’ve had to alter their adoption process. Exposure, especially from corporate partners like The Healing Center, has helped to create vital awareness about the shelter and their services.

More importantly, dogs like Haddie can have a second chance at love. This sweet five-year-old was transferred to Animal Friends from another shelter and is currently available for adoption.

“Through this partnership, we have been able to extend our mission of creating lifelong matches, and with the help of our friends at The Healing Center, shine a positive light on pet adoption and the amazing animal companions who are waiting at shelters and organization like Animal Friends,” Cody Hoellerman, Animal Friends’ chief community engagement officer, said.

“Haddie has an incredible zest for life and her excitement while meeting new people radiates from her entire body in the form of lots and lots of wiggles! When Haddie first arrived at Animal Friends, she was in need of some medical attention but our incredible staff got to work right away to get her on the road to recovery. And, now she’s ready to find a family of her own! Haddie would prefer to be the only dog in the home so that she can get all of the love and one-on-one attention she deserves.”

Best Buds will continue to be featured on The Almanac’s website with the hopes of many more happy matches.

“Nothing gives us more joy than witnessing all of these amazing animals get matched with a home that will spoil them forever. We are extremely proud to partner with great organizations like Animal Friends and The Healing Center to promote adoptable animals to our caring readers across the South Hills,” Chris Slota, the advertising manager of The Almanac, said.

To learn more about Haddie and other Best Buds, visit thealmanac.net/bestbuds. To learn more about Animal Friends, their services and their current adoptable companions, visit thinkingoutsidethecage.org.

Sponsored content brought to you by The Healing Center.