Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Colette and Sarita found companionship at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary while facing very different challenges. Colette was healing from a badly injured and infected left front paw, while Sarita was nervous around people after living outdoors. In a feature published January 31, 2024, Best Friends Animal Society describes how caregivers placed the dogs together in a desk-side area at Dogtown, how staff observed their play and gradual changes, and how each later moved to a different placement.
How did Colette and Sarita meet?
Their meeting began with two separate arrivals and two different kinds of need. Colette was found by a good Samaritan north of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. No owner was identified nearby at the time. Her left front paw was severely injured and infected, and the damage was serious enough that two middle toes could not be saved.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The feature by Sarah Thornton says staff reported the found dog to local police in case a family was searching for her. That detail matters because Colette’s story began as both an emergency medical situation and a lost-or-stray investigation. The account does not say whether an owner was later located.
Colette received treatment and surgery, then continued recovering at Dogtown. Her care included a desk-side setting where staff could supervise her and keep the injured paw clean. The story does not provide a medical diagnosis beyond the severe injury and infection, does not list medication or rehabilitation protocols, and does not present measurements such as healing time or gait scores.
Popular on Amazon
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
Sarita arrived through Navajo Nation Animal Control after living outdoors. Staff described her as nervous around people. Rather than treating that description as a permanent personality label, caregivers looked for a confident dog companion who could share a controlled space with her. That search led them to Colette.
Caregivers paired the dogs in the desk-side area at Dogtown. Jeri Harrington, identified as an operations support specialist, shared the workspace and recalled that the connection was immediate: “It was instantaneous, incredible, ridiculous.” Her wording conveys how striking the first interaction seemed to the people watching, while the rest of the feature supplies the more gradual account of what happened afterward.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What were the dogs’ different challenges?
Colette’s challenge was physical. Her front paw had been badly injured and infected, and two middle toes had been amputated because they could not be saved. A front paw bears weight during ordinary movement, so staff paid attention to how she used it after surgery and after her bandage came off. The article does not claim that she regained a normal paw or that she no longer needed support; it reports that she became steadier over time.
Sarita’s challenge was social confidence. She had lived outdoors and was nervous around people when she arrived from Navajo Nation Animal Control. The story does not identify a single cause for that nervousness, and it does not diagnose an anxiety disorder. It describes a dog who needed time and patient exposure to people, handling equipment and ordinary interactions in a shelter setting.
Putting those needs side by side helps explain why the pairing appealed to caregivers. Colette was already receiving recovery care and was able to share a supervised area. Sarita needed a calm, confident canine companion. The account presents the placement as a thoughtful caregiving decision, not as a standardized treatment or a promise that any injured dog and any fearful dog should be paired.
What did the dogs do together?
Harrington remembered the dogs playing with toys beneath her desk. “They would take all of the toys out of the box, they’d toss them in the air, and they’d be under my desk playing,” she said. The image is unusually specific: the dogs were not merely housed side by side. They interacted with the toys, moved around the workspace and used the area as a shared place to play.
The feature also describes them spending time around staff and volunteers. That setting gave Sarita opportunities to see people while a familiar dog was nearby. It gave Colette opportunities to move during her recovery while caregivers could watch her. The article does not assign a percentage of their day to play, state how many toys were available, or say that play occurred without supervision.
Staff and volunteers walked the dogs. Walking was part of the dogs’ ordinary activity at Dogtown as the story recounts it, but the article does not call it a formal physical-therapy program. It does not specify distances, surfaces, frequency, or veterinary restrictions. Those omissions are important: readers can understand the reported sequence without turning a human-interest description into a medical protocol.
How did Colette’s footing change?
After Colette’s bandage came off, the story describes her as initially less steady on the recovering foot. That is a point in the timeline, not a quantified assessment. There is no published measurement of balance, strength, range of motion or pain in the feature.
Also popular on Amazon
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
As Colette continued moving around, the account says she became steadier. Staff and volunteers walked her, and caregivers continued observing her in the desk-side area. The combination of time, healing, movement and supervision appears in the narrative, but the source does not isolate one factor as the cause of improvement.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Her steadier movement also changed the way readers could see her progress. Recovery was not presented as a single dramatic moment. Instead, the story follows a dog who had surgery, came out of a bandage, looked uncertain on the foot, and then appeared more stable as she kept moving. That is the extent of the claim: a reported observation about this individual dog.
Nothing in the feature establishes that Colette’s amputation was reversed, that all infection risks had ended, or that she no longer needed monitoring. It also does not say whether she would require additional treatment after leaving Best Friends. The next placement was selected so she could receive more attention from potential adopters, not described as a final veterinary discharge.
How did Sarita become more comfortable?
The story says Sarita gradually became more comfortable with people. It specifically mentions increased comfort with people, leashes and harnesses. Those details suggest that her progress involved both social contact and the equipment used during routine handling, but the article does not provide a formal behavior assessment or a before-and-after score.
Her improvement is described as gradual rather than instant. The dogs’ first connection may have been immediate, according to Harrington, but Sarita’s comfort around humans developed over time. She shared the desk-side setting with Colette, spent time around staff and volunteers, and was walked. The feature presents these experiences as part of her story without claiming that companionship alone produced the change.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallReaders should also avoid treating “nervous around people” as a fixed trait. In this account, it describes how Sarita was perceived when she arrived. Later, the same dog was reported to be more comfortable with people, leashes and harnesses and eventually lived with a foster family before adoption. The sequence shows change in one dog’s circumstances; it is not a general forecast for every dog from an outdoor or shelter background.
Did the dogs help each other?
In the ordinary sense, they gave each other company. Colette and Sarita played, occupied the same supervised workspace and moved around while staff and volunteers were present. Their shared routine created opportunities for interaction at a time when one dog was recovering physically and the other was learning to tolerate human contact.
It is reasonable to say that caregivers used the relationship as part of the dogs’ environment. It is not reasonable to say the feature proves that Sarita’s confidence improved because of Colette, or that Colette’s paw became steadier because Sarita played with her. The article records what staff saw and what happened next; it does not test alternative explanations.
Colette’s healing could reflect surgery, time, ordinary movement and continued care. Sarita’s changing responses could reflect repeated calm interactions, handling practice, the presence of staff and volunteers, the dog companion, or several influences together. The source does not rank those possibilities. Its value is the close account of two individual dogs and the decisions made around them.
Recommended Free Tools
Also popular on Amazon
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
Why was a desk-side area useful?
The desk-side location combined proximity and oversight. Staff could keep Colette’s paw clean and supervise her recovery while the dogs shared space. Harrington could observe their interactions during work, including the play under her desk. The feature does not describe the area’s dimensions, flooring, schedule or staffing ratio, so readers should not imagine a detailed facility design that the article does not provide.
For Sarita, being around a working staff area meant exposure to people in a setting that was neither an isolated kennel nor an uncontrolled public environment. She could be near caregivers while also having a dog companion. Again, the account does not call this a prescribed behavior program. It simply explains where the pairing occurred and what people noticed there.
The arrangement also made observation possible. Colette’s movement after the bandage came off could be seen, and Sarita’s responses to people and equipment could be noticed over repeated encounters. That kind of observation helped caregivers decide what next steps made sense, including foster placement for Sarita and a rescue referral for Colette.
Where did Sarita go after Dogtown?
Sarita later spent time with a foster family and another dog. The feature says she was subsequently adopted. It does not name the foster family, identify the other dog, provide an adoption date or describe the adopter’s location.
That foster period is a meaningful transition in the story. Sarita moved from a shelter-origin background and a supervised Dogtown pairing into a home setting with another canine companion. The article presents adoption as the reported outcome, not as a guarantee that every challenge had vanished. It also does not provide a long-term behavioral or medical follow-up.
Because the feature was published January 31, 2024, the adoption is a historical outcome reported at that time. The article does not establish Sarita’s current status years later. Readers should not infer additional details about her life beyond what Best Friends reported.
Where did Colette go after Dogtown?
Colette traveled with other dogs to a rescue organization in Colorado. Best Friends’ account says the move was intended to give her more attention from potential adopters. The source does not name the Colorado organization, state how long she stayed there, or report whether she was adopted.
Her placement differed from Sarita’s because the dogs’ needs and opportunities were different. Sarita went to a foster family with another dog and was then adopted. Colette went to another rescue setting where she could receive focused adopter attention. Neither path is presented as better in the abstract; they are the separate next steps described for these two dogs.
The Colorado transfer also marks the limit of the published narrative. The feature follows Colette through treatment, surgery, recovery observations and a rescue move, but it does not provide a later veterinary report or adoption update. Any claim about her current home, mobility or health would go beyond the account.
Also popular on Amazon
- SYMBIOTIC DIGESTIVE ECOSYSTEM: Our dog probiotics build a 4-way digestive ecosystem: Digestive enzymes pre-break nutrients for easy absorption, while probiotics + prebiotics balance and nourish gut flora. Pumpkin helps dogs with a sensitive stomach maintain regular bowel movements. These layers go beyond ordinary probiotics, turning every meal into steady nourishment, digestive ease, and enduring energy*—so your dog stays balanced and full of life.
- TRIPLE IMMUNE SUPPORT: Gut health drives immunity, and our probiotics for dogs target it. Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and support mucosal immunity, while plant antioxidants* (Rosemary & Green Tea) and natural Vitamin E help protect immune cells from daily wear and tear. Formulated for triple immune support - helping your dog stay vibrant and ready for everyday adventures.
- DUAL-ACTION SKIN & COAT NOURISH: True skin and coat health starts from within. Gut and immune support work in sync with Salmon and Flaxseed Oils (Omega-3 & 6) to nourish skin and coat from the inside out. This dual-action care promotes a soft, shiny, and glossy coat you’ll love to touch.
- PURE INGREDIENTS: We believe in complete ingredient integrity. Every batch of our dog probiotic chews is crafted in GMP-certified facilities using trusted, premium sources. They are free from grains, soy, and artificial additives. This commitment to safety and quality ensures a clean formula you can trust for your dog’s overall wellness.
- TASTE DOGS LOVE: Made with natural duck flavor, our probiotic chews are loved by most dogs, even picky eaters. Unlike other hard chews, these soft, easy-to-bite chews are perfect for puppies and senior dogs. They help support digestive comfort, gut balance, and skin & immune health: areas commonly affected by occasional diarrhea, seasonal allergies, itchy skin, or paw licking. A tasty daily chew your dog will love.
What is the timeline of their story?
Arrival: A good Samaritan found Colette north of the Sanctuary with a severely injured, infected left front paw. Staff notified local police in case an owner was looking for her. Sarita arrived from Navajo Nation Animal Control after living outdoors and was described as nervous around people.
Medical care: Colette received treatment and surgery. Two middle toes were amputated because they could not be saved. She recovered at Dogtown in a desk-side area where staff could supervise her and keep the paw clean.
Pairing: Caregivers sought a confident dog companion for Sarita and placed her with Colette. Harrington recalled an immediate connection, and the dogs played with toys beneath her desk.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Ongoing observation: After Colette’s bandage came off, she was initially less steady. The story reports that she became steadier as she kept moving. Staff and volunteers walked both dogs, while Sarita gradually became more comfortable with people, leashes and harnesses.
Next placements: Sarita spent time with a foster family and another dog before being adopted. Colette traveled with other dogs to a rescue organization in Colorado for more attention from potential adopters.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does the story show, and what does it not show?
The account shows how caregivers responded to two distinct needs within an animal-welfare setting. They arranged medical care and supervised recovery for Colette, looked for a suitable companion for Sarita, watched the dogs’ interactions, and changed their next placements as opportunities arose. It also shows that progress can be described in ordinary terms: steadier movement, greater comfort with people, and tolerance of leashes and harnesses.
It does not show that dogs with similar backgrounds will follow the same path. It is not a veterinary case report, a controlled study or a test of canine companionship as a treatment. There are no comparison groups, standardized behavior measures or long-term follow-up results. The reported progress belongs to Colette and Sarita as described by Best Friends’ feature.
The story also does not support a product recommendation. Toys appear because the dogs played with them, while treats, cushions, bandages, leashes and harnesses are mentioned as part of the setting or routine. The feature does not evaluate brands, materials, prices or safety performance. A reader who wants enrichment ideas should consult a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional for a particular dog rather than treating this narrative as a buying guide.
How does the no-kill goal fit into the article?
Best Friends’ 2024 feature placed the dogs’ story within the organization’s stated goal of having all U.S. shelters reach no-kill by 2025. The article described no-kill in terms of saving every dog and cat who can be saved while accounting for community safety and quality of life.
Also popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
That was a goal reported in a story published in 2024. Since 2025 has passed, it should be understood as a dated organizational aim, not as a current target or proof that the goal was achieved. The Colette and Sarita narrative illustrates individual shelter and rescue work; it does not supply a national outcome measurement.
Why their friendship remains memorable
The appeal of Colette and Sarita’s story is the contrast between their circumstances and the simple setting in which their paths crossed. Colette was learning to use a paw altered by injury and amputation. Sarita was learning that people, leashes and harnesses could become part of a predictable routine. In a desk-side area, they played, rested near staff and volunteers, and became familiar faces to the people caring for them.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHarrington’s description—“instantaneous, incredible, ridiculous”—captures the comic energy of toys flying from a box and two dogs playing under a desk. The later developments add a quieter dimension: Colette became steadier, Sarita became more comfortable, and the dogs moved toward separate opportunities suited to their situations.
The strongest conclusion is also the most careful one. A supportive environment, attentive caregivers and a compatible dog companion gave Colette and Sarita room to progress as individuals. Their reported outcomes are encouraging, but they remain the outcomes of two dogs in one dated account, not a promise or a universal formula.
Read Best Friends Animal Society’s original account by Sarah Thornton, published January 31, 2024, for the complete narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Best Friends know whether Colette had an owner?
The story says no owner was identified near Colette when she was found. Staff reported her discovery to local police in case a family was looking for her; the feature does not say whether an owner was later located.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What happened to Colette’s paw?
Colette had a severely injured and infected left front paw. The story says two middle toes were amputated because they could not be saved. It later reports that she was initially less steady after her bandage came off and became steadier as she continued moving.
Why were Colette and Sarita paired?
Sarita was nervous around people after living outdoors, and caregivers wanted a confident dog companion for her. Colette was recovering in a supervised desk-side area, so staff placed the dogs together there.
Who described the dogs’ first meeting?
Jeri Harrington, an operations support specialist whose desk-side workspace the dogs shared, recalled that their connection was “instantaneous, incredible, ridiculous.”
How did the dogs spend time together?
The feature says they played with toys, pulled toys from a box, tossed them in the air and played under Harrington’s desk. They also spent time around staff and volunteers and were walked.
The Bottom Line
Colette and Sarita had different needs, but a supervised Dogtown pairing gave both dogs a supportive setting. Best Friends reported steadier movement for Colette and growing comfort for Sarita before Sarita entered foster care and was adopted and Colette moved to a Colorado rescue. Their story is encouraging, specific and individual—not proof that companionship produces the same result for every dog.
Leave a Reply