Bryce Canyon National Park

Remember the trip I took to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary a couple of years ago? It was magical in every way. In case you missed it, here’s the blog.

Grand Canyon South Rim

I loved it so much, I went back this Thanksgiving with my family. We made a whole trip out of it- Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks. 

But we spent Thanksgiving Day at Best Friends. 

Once again it was magical. I suspect, if I return again, it will be magical then too. We went on a guided hike in the morning, learning about the native plants, how the canyon was carved, and the native people who lived on the sanctuary land about 1000 years ago.  The bonus was, our tour guide was the grandson of the man who originally sold the sanctuary land to the Best Friends Animal Society founders! 

He shared stories of his childhood playing in the river and running around the 3000-acre property.

Cave Mouth at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

In the afternoon, my husband, daughter and her boyfriend took a tour of the sanctuary (and got to play with the puppies!)while my son, his friend and I volunteered with the kitty cats. I love cats. Always have. I would have loved to have gone back to Dogtown, but I didn’t sign up to volunteer until a few weeks ago and the available volunteer slots were with the kitties.

I loved it. We all did. My son and his friend (yes- these are the same two who painted the artwork for the Portraits of Hope project) both love cats and neither of them have cats at home, so this was a treat. When we arrived, the cat caregivers needed help with the dishes and laundry. We were there to support the staff and we were happy to oblige. After that, we were asked to walk cats! What???!!! I’ve never walked a cat before and they explained that you really don’t walk cats. They walk you.

The first cat, named Paytrix was a big cat. Many of the cats in their housing pod have disabilities and he was mostly ok but sometimes had some trouble walking. Only adults are allowed to hold the cat leash so I got to do the honors. He likes to walk over to other housing pods and when those caregivers see him, they come out and give him treats. Basically, it’s Trick or Treating- and he gets to do it every day.

But Paytrix doesn’t like coming home. So one of the cat caregivers comes out with a stroller so we can stroller him home. The kids are allowed to push the stroller.

After walking Paytrix we played with some of the resident cats and then a few more cats needed walks- all in strollers, so the three of us walked the path together. 

Yes- those are wild turkeys. We all acknowledged that those turkeys are smart to be hanging out at a No-Kill animal sanctuary on Thanksgiving!

Just before it was time to go, another cat named Auri needed a walk. Auri has trouble with his hind legs and goes to physical therapy weekly. It’s good for him to go on walks because when he falls down, he uses his muscles to get himself back up again which helps the rehab.

Big Horn Sheep at Zion

It was nice spending time with the cats, and the kids enjoyed the experience and now I can add “I’ve walked a cat” to the list of things I’ve done in my life!