Cleveland Armory

The heart-warming story of Cleveland Amory and Friendly…

Cleveland Armory
Cleveland Armory

Cleveland Amory, a prominent author and television personality, founded The Fund for Animals in 1967 and Black Beauty Ranch in 1979. He served as president of The Fund until his death in 1998.

Cleveland Amory named a burro Friendly because she fit that characteristic perfectly. During The Fund for Animals’ 1979 Grand Canyon rescue of 577 burros, Friendly became Amory’s makeshift shadow, following him throughout the corral. Friendly has since passed away (from old age) and is buried at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, where she has resided for more than a quarter of a century.

Kitty Cantrell’s work captures the bond between Cleveland Amory and Friendly. Kitty was honored to create a life-size piece commemorating their inspirational lives together.