Sage's Tail Wag Leads to New Texas Home

After a successful knee surgery, the energetic dog found her forever family at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:00pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing a dog playing with toys in a sunny backyard, the warm light and blurred background creating a sense of peaceful contentment.Sage, a rescue dog from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, enjoys the simple pleasures of her new Texas home with her devoted owner Liz Tran.Kanab Today

Sage, a dog with a penchant for toys and enthusiastic tail wags, was adopted by Liz Tran after Liz met her during a volunteer shift at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Sage had previously undergone knee surgery at the Sanctuary, and Liz was initially unsure about adopting her due to the dog's special needs. However, Sage's endearing personality won Liz over, and the two formed a strong bond. Now settled in Houston, Texas, Sage spends her days patrolling the backyard for squirrels, napping in the sun, and playing with her ever-growing collection of toys.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of animal shelters and sanctuaries in connecting homeless pets with loving families. It also showcases how adopting a dog with special needs can be a rewarding experience, and how the bond between a pet and their owner can blossom even when there are initial concerns. The story reinforces the mission of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to support no-kill shelters and encourage community participation in pet adoption.

The details

When Sage arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, staff discovered she needed knee surgery to relieve pain and stabilize her joint. After a successful procedure and recovery, she was ready for her next chapter. At the Sanctuary, Sage had a unique way of doing things, like howling to let staff know it was 'walk-30' and then choosing a toy to bring along. She was also known for her exuberant tail wags, which Liz Tran, a volunteer, fell in love with during her visits. Despite initial hesitation about adopting Sage due to her special needs, Liz couldn't resist the dog's charm and ended up taking her home to Houston, Texas.

  • Sage arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and underwent knee surgery.
  • Liz Tran met Sage during her volunteer shifts at the Sanctuary.
  • Liz adopted Sage and brought her home to Houston, Texas.

The players

Sage

A dog with a penchant for toys and enthusiastic tail wags who was adopted from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Liz Tran

A volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary who fell in love with Sage and adopted her, bringing the dog to her home in Houston, Texas.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

A no-kill animal sanctuary located in Kanab, Utah, that provides care and rehabilitation for homeless pets and works to support no-kill shelters across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Her tail would go thwap, thwap, thwap when she saw her favorite people. And when I realized I was a recipient of her tail thwap, I felt so honored.”

— Liz Tran, Sage's Adopter

“I knew I loved her the first time I met her.”

— Liz Tran, Sage's Adopter

What’s next

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary continues to work towards its goal of supporting no-kill shelters across the United States, encouraging community participation in pet adoption and fostering to help keep animals out of shelters.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story showcases the transformative power of animal adoption, even for pets with special needs. It highlights the important work of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in rehabilitating and rehoming homeless pets, and the joy that can come from opening one's home to a furry companion.