Blog

By Ken Hollman

This past Sunday morning, nine beautiful Porsches, no, make that eight beautiful Porsches and a Genesis met early at Black Bear Diner with the united goal of a great drive through the back country of southern Utah to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.  The morning air was crisp and the skies cloudy.  Our tour leaders, Doug and Leslie Beck greeted us upon arrival and gave us the usual safety talk.

With the prep work out of the way, it was time to get started.  Our drive began by making our way through Hurricane and then on to Apple Valley via Hwy 59.  After Apple Valley we continued through Hilldale and Colorado City with a stop a Bee’s Market to stretch our legs.  Back on the road we found the back country via Pipe Springs and Sand Dunes Roads.  With the sound of multiple exhaust notes echoing off the canyon walls, we enjoyed a fun and twisty run to our destination.  

Upon arrival we were met by our guides, Kira and Sergio, where were loaded into waiting vans.  We were then given a fun and informative tour of the facility and its residents.  We visited Dog Town, Cat World, Horse Haven, Marshall’s Piggy Paradise and Parrot Gardens.  It was heart warming to see our travelers meeting new friends, housed and cared for in special places constructed just for them.  Hugs, pets and endearing talk were a constant as we moved from place to place.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary founded in 1984.  The sanctuary was started by a group of people from all over the world who somehow ended up in Kanab, Utah.  They did not really have a plan but had just enough money to buy a 3300 acre parcel of land and begin the journey of becoming a ‘no kill’ dog and cat facility.  Over the years they have worked throughout the country to encourage the ‘no kill’ mentality.  As a result of their continuing work, a network of ‘no kill’ organizations have sprung up throughout the country.  On any given day,  they care for approximately 1500 cats, dogs, birds, horses, bunnies and pigs most with special needs that often make it hard to find homes for them.

At the end, we got the gang together for a group picture and presented a donation to the sanctuary with money raised from tour charges.  All in all, a fun day of Porsches, smiles and furry friends.

Ken Hollman