When I was turning 8 years old, all I wanted was a puppy. I had talked my mom in to letting me have one. My dad took me to the Humane Society to look. We found a little shy black and white puppy that I feel in love with. We were able to take her home and I named her Sarah. Our golden Max fell in love with her and taught her well. 3 years later max passed away and my brother was turning 8. We thought getting a new play mate for Sarah would be good. We found a golden name Topper that had been with 3 different families and still did not have a good home. We took him and gave him a home. He became very attached to me and slept on the floor next to my bed and always made sure Sarah was next to me. They would even go on sleep over with me to my best friend’s house. About 3 years ago Topper got very sick and we had to put him down. The vet said we had run out of ways to make him better. Sarah is still very much a puppy at heart. She and I missed him very much. Just by chance I needed to go to the pet store to pick up turtle food. The Humane Society was there doing adoptions at Petco. I went and looked and my heart melted when I saw a black lab mix named Brian. They let me bring him out and he was everything I needed to help Sarah be happier. I was able to bring him home. My little Family and I have loved Brian more and more every day. Sarah will be 13 in December and Brain is now 3. They are the best dogs anyone could ask for. They are not just my dogs they are my kids. Thank you for giving me the two best things in my life.

     - The Van Dam Family

 

About 5 months ago in May of 2009, my husband and I adopted Alcovea. My husband started to get an aching for a new dog. Neither he or I had ever owned one growing up and were interested in a new experience. So we took a trip to the Humane society and really found nothing we were totally interested in until my husband spotted Alcovea, a 1 yr. 3 month old beautiful brindle colored pit bull. She was highly malnourished and terribly timid. her foster parent, Mary explained to us her terrible past of abuse and neglect. But with many visits to the Humane society, She quickly warmed up to my husband and I, and soon her tail was happily curled up and wagging once again. I was a bit apprehensive at first when my husband mentioned an interest in pit bulls since I had of course heard all the stories about them and how rough they can get. Let me tell you, I was HIGHLY mistaken! She is a gorgeous dog with a heart of gold. She snuggles with me every single night and is very protective over my husband and especially me. we just love to listen to the sound of her snoring at night. We love to chase her around the house and give her raspberries on her soft tummy. I would suggest to anyone seeking a new dog to not overlook pit bulls. The more people own them and start to treat them right, the better we can clear the negative image that they have wrongly received. We are so grateful we have found her and appreciate the care she was given by the employees there. Thank you so much!

I'm writing to share my adoption success story with you.

I went to the Utah Humane Society last November with a friend who wanted to adopt a dog. That day changed my life, because that?s when I met Cupid, a shy little Lhasa Apso mix. So even though I am allergic to dogs, I took him home for a one-week trial. Aside from the occasional sneeze, I had no allergy symptoms. (Cupid is a non-shedding dog.) Otherwise, it was a scary week, because I?ve never owned a dog before and everything was new to me. More than once, I thought I should bring him back so he could go to someone who was more dog-savvy, more knowledgeable.

But I looked into his eyes and knew he'd never have an owner who loved him more.

So I read about dogs. A lot. My friend (who also adopted a dog that day and has had dogs all her life) helped me when I felt unequal to the challenge. And Cupid, bless him, showed me every day how grateful he was to be with me. That made the whole thing worthwhile.

Over time, I felt more comfortable and confident as a dog owner. I give him love, food, toys, and opportunity for exercise. But what he gives me in return is so much more. I look forward to being covered with kisses when I return home from work. I like to sit outside in the sun and let him sit in my lap. I cheer for his achievements. He?s a beautiful boy.

I still don?t know everything about dogs. And Cupid is still shy. But I continue to read and learn and socialize him to be more comfortable with new situations. This month, he attended a birthday party with more than 30 guests and did great!

I added a second dog to the family a few months ago. The two dogs get along well, and I love them both. But Cupid has a special place in my heart?he was my first dog, and the Utah Humane Society kept him safe until I could find him.

As our family walked into the Humane Society about 3 years ago, we didn't know what to expect. Thinking about the kitten we were going to adopt had excitement running through our family! One by one we met and played with the candidates. When it seemed like we had gone over every kitten, we still couldn't make up our minds. As I was standing by the cages, something caught my eye. A hairy little paw reaching through to touch me. As I approached the cage I realized this was no mere kitten and looks were NOT on her side. We didn't know what to expect as we lifted out the very hairy and VERY matted cat. She had been declawed and wasn't able to groom her thick coat. But looks and age were not on our mind. Fate had brought this no-named cat to our family. She just had to let us know that it was her whom we were looking for . 

We want to thank the Humane Society for our two beautiful girls. We adopted Kahlua in 2007, and Abbie in 2008. It took them a little while to learn to love one another, but they now get along really well (most of the time!). Our girls have giant personalities and keep us laughing every day. They were both adult cats when we got them (Kahlua was 2 years old and Abbie was 4), and we’d really like to encourage others to give older pets a chance. We are so thankful for our cats and know that they have many healthy years left.

I had just arrived in Salt Lake City from Minneapolis, MN to live with my fiance, Nate, in June 2008.  I had wanted a cat since I was five years old, but hadn't been allowed to have one growing up.  For making the "big move", Nate agreed that we could get a cat for me.  He is more of a dog person, but set these feelings aside to make me happy.  Little did he know that he would find a pet that would become just as much "his" as she was "mine".  We came to the Humane Society twice to look for the perfect new friend.  We went into the big cat house and she chose us.  She walked right up to Nate, let him pick her up and began to nuzzle and purr.  She knew which one of us she had to win over!  We took her home and she has been a wonderful member of our family ever since.  Her name was orinally Gigi, but we renamed her Nyla, which means cloud in Gaelic, because she looks like a storm cloud.  Everyone who meets Nyla comments on how pretty she is.  She plays fetch with her favorite mouse, greets us at the door when we come home from work and loves to cuddle in bed.  Looks like Nate got his "dog" after all!  We can't believe how lucky we are to have gotten such a wonderful animal from the Humane Society and are in the process of looking to adopt a friend for Nyla in the next couple of months.  Thank you for all that you do to bring great animals into people's lives.  We can't believe someone ever gave Nyla up and feel so lucky that she chose us.        -Sincerely, Erin Donnelly

On June 1, 2008 our buddy Snickerdoodle came into our lives. He had been neglected; his hair was so matted he had been shaved; he needed intensive work on his teeth; he was incredibly nervous. We all fell in love when we saw him. A year later our dog that was shaking and nervous when we met him is healthy, confident and loved. We are so happy to have him in our lives. He greets us eagerly at the door each day. He snuggles when we're relaxing and he's energetic when we're walking. He is our sweet yorkiepoo that we now cannot imagine life without. Thank you Humane Society for taking him in and helping him find his way to our family!

I got Buddy in may of 2008, at the time he was Captain, but he is now buddy. I love this crazy hyper dog, he is so sweet and he loves people, and loves to go on his daily walks. When we got him he was probably 8-10 months old and now over a year old. Most of the time he is a crazy puppy but other times he is a lazy sleepy dog. I love to play with him outside, and he loves the snow he rolls around in it and just has tons of fun!! My family and I love this dog, THANK YOU for giving this amazing dog!

Hi, I'm writing to talk about Roxy.  Once upon a time she was known as Candy.  Roxy liked the new name more so we decided to call her that.  She has been a great addition to my family.  I have wanted another puppy for a while and went through great pains trying to find one.  I was going to buy one from a dog breeder but I have friends in a different state who were very big in saving animals and decided to look up the humane society.  The day I went on the website, the first dog I saw was Candy.  She was a great looking lab and she was a perfect age.  I went up to the Humane Society that day not really wanting to get one and after I saw her, I knew she would not be there the next day.  I went up and loved Candy.  She was very friendly and loved to be played with.  I have had her for almost 4 months now and I love all the things we do together.  She is almost a year old and I am already getting ready for her birthday.  I think we will have a party with my kids and celebrate her first birthday.  I wanted to thank you guys for having her and appreciate all that you do for the animals of Salt Lake.  I am hoping to get her a friend soon, and I am always looking on the site to find the perfect one.        -Yours Truly,       Chris and Roxy

I am so grateful to the humane society for my kitty Spike.  My fiancé got him for me before I went in for ankle surgery so that I would not be home alone for two months.  Spike has turned out to be the best pet I have ever owned in my life.  He and I are joined at the hip.   Everyone that meets Spike knows he is such an amazing cat.  He is so fun.  He is always making me laugh, and is great at giving out loves.   He is such a spoiled cat, but he deserves every bit of it.  Thank you for helping me to find Spike.      -Jennifer Nelson

Hi everyone at the shelter, I hope all of you find homes as loving as the one that I did.  I was 3 months old when I found my forever home.  Oh yeah, my full name is Ratfink, but I prefer to be called simply Fink.  I think what happened was that those cute eyes that I learned early on caught the eye of the lady that's the female head of my new pack, because she kept looking at me and talking to me. I was kind of sad when she walked away, but the she came right back with a shelter attendant and they took me out! I fit into the pack leaders hand with room to spare! I must have cleaned his whole face that meeting and I never went back into the cage!  They took me home. I had a home!!! I was named for a drag racing cartoon character drawn by Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth of Manti, UT.  He's gone now though.  The first tag they gave me said Ratimus Finkus Canus! My family consists of Mom who works at a place in South Salt Lake; my dad who's a mechanic specializing in classic cars (I am THE official shop mascot of Psychotic Automotive!), then there's Grandma who's a nurse and grandpa who's a couch potato.  I like that because I can cuddle with him when everyone else is busy doing something else! And there was a recent addition to the house; Grandma bought a friend for me named Snickers.  He too is a Rat Terrier and we play all the time. Dad says that when we are running upstairs it sound like a herd of elephants downstairs!  Well, what can I say-we like to play rough.  I always greet my people when they have been gone.  I am just over 2 years old now and should only weigh 12-15 lbs, but I am a treat hog and weigh in at 18.2 lbs....what can I say? I am muscular, not fat.  Visitors always say 'what a cute dog' when they see me and I can't help but think, 'dog, hmmph! I am a Fink, and that's Miss Fink at the least! If not Queen Fink! Peasants! What do they know anyway? Dad also says that it seems like I run the place, but I know better-HE'S the pack leader here-I know which side of the biscuit has the gravy!  May the new 2009 year bring homes to all of you at the shelter-good loving homes like I found!      Signed,          -THE Fink

For anyone who is considering adopting a pet from HSU, I would personally like to say it its the best thing you could ever do.  I found Dolmic 8 years ago.  I knew the instant I looked in his eyes, that he would be a member of our family.  He was a little over a year old, and had already been returned to HSU 2x's, when we met.  As a life long pet owner, I have had many dogs, but never one as sweet as Dolmic.  When we visit my dad (another life long pet owner), he calls Dolmic the perfect gentleman.  (As far as the name, I kept his previous name to give him some continuity).  I do not know his previous story, but he was terrified of certain objects like brooms, and dog brushes when we met, but now lies happily at my feet while I am sweeping.  Instead of running into a back room trembling, I now have to shoo him out of the way.    Dolmic had a lot of energy when he was young (and still does), which fit right in with me as I am always hiking, running, etc.    I can not fully express with words what a wonderful pet Dolmic has been.  He motivates me to get out when I may not always initially feel like it.  To see how happy it makes him just to go for a walk makes it worth it, and makes me appreciate the little things in life more.  He cheers me up, and gives me kisses when I am sad.  He has been the best addition to our family.  In fact, my parents who had always bought pets from breeders, just last month got a dog from the shelter after their older dog had passed away. Dolmic has been the perfect companion, and I could not have wished, nor imagined a better dog!          -Jenny Hatch

It was September 20,2008 when my boyfriend and I went into the Humane Society to look for a new dog. We walked into the puppy room and none of those dogs seemed to be right for us. We then went to meet all the bigger dogs and still the same we thought that today just was not going to be our day. As we headed for the door we saw the kennel over by the toys. She was sitting all alone chewing on a squeak toy when  we caught each other’s big brown eyed stare and it was love. I had to take her home!  A perfect happy well behaved Rotti/Tan Hound mix! We could not have gotten a better dog! We are so happy with her and cannot imagine our lives without her!! Thank You to the Humane Society and Thank you to her foster parents for taking such great care of her and teaching her such good manners!      -Love-      Ruby’ Mom & Dad

Dear Humane Society: Just wanted to update you on my cute little doggie, Frankie. He is an 11 year old Chihuahua who was fostered (by Denise, I think...) for about a year and a half. She was afraid he would never find a home because he can be aggressive. he'd been 'returned' twice from placements. I said I'd 'try him out' for two weeks and by day two I was in major LOVE! Frank's not a bad dog, he is a dog who gets over stimulated easily and, like a lot of older people, just needs his space and a little quiet sometimes. Who doesn't?! He was a poorly socialized dog who didn't get along with other dogs, or kids, or cats, or cars, or more than one person... I had my work cut out for me. For the first year I got to take Frank to work with me, everyday! I took him EVERYWHERE with me. The store, work, friends houses....everywhere. I'd bring along his bed, a blanket to let him burrow into and some treats. After a few months, he was so much less aggressive that I took him to Thanksgiving with 40 people and he was the star of the show! This summer at the Framer's Market, he was selected as the Pet of the Week and had his picture in the newsletter! About a year ago, Frankie ran out of the house right into a moving car! He was very hurt and I rushed him to the hospital. After a lot of pain and tears, we ended up amputating his leg and I bought a doggie carrier so that I could strap Frankie to me while he healed - he got so much better in every way. His surgery wound healed, his personality was sweeter (from being strapped to his Mama all the time) and he loves car rides now! he became calmer, more secure in his surroundings, less 'bark'y and more loving. About three months ago, I got a new boss who doesn't allow dogs at work, so, Frankie and I found him a sister! Pattie is from No More Homeless Pets Utah and is also an amputee. Frank went right up to her in her cage at the adoption site and then walked into her cage and laid down with her! She has brought Frank love, excitement, friendship and a playfulness that I have never seen. So, now we're a family. Frankie, Pattie, Kitty (also a HS adoption) and me. I love those dang dogs (and Kitty) so much - I've never been happier and neither has Frankie! I've attached some pictures of Frank and Pattie - use this email however you'd like. Thanks for giving me the chance to love these guys!      -Heather, Frankie, Pattie and Kitty Hans       Salt Lake City

The last week of February 1997, I came to choose a pet from the Humane Society in Murray, Utah. This is my baby and she chose me!  Her name is Liberty James and she is almost 12 years old now.  Words cannot express the joy she has brought me.  How my life has been touched by a little kitty that took a swipe at me in a shelter!  Adopting her has been the best thing I have ever done--and it wouldn't be possible without the amazing work of the employees and volunteers of this shelter.     I wanted to share my story in hopes that it will make you smile and know that all these years later, it still makes a difference.  Thank you and God bless you for the service you give the community, and most importantly, the animals!     My sincere thanks,  Kelly Thackeray Astoria, NY

My boyfriend and I had gone into the Humane Society on January 10, 2007. I had just moved out on my own and felt really lonely living alone and I missed my dog at my parents house a lot, I decided getting a new dog would be the thing I needed for my new home.  The minute we walked in to the puppy room I saw this cute little pit bull just staring at me with her puppy face and I fell in love with her at that moment, we walked around to look at all the other dogs but I went right back to her. When we took her into the room to spend time with her at that moment I realized we both needed each other.   From the minute my baby (her name is Posh) came into my life, she has completely changed me. I realized how wonderful all of the homeless pets were and how much the deserve a home, Posh and I attend most No More Homeless Pets events, and always try to donate food and treat for all of the other homeless pets. I believe all of the animals at the Humane Society deserve a chance to find a great home just like Posh did, and fill a home with lots of love just like Posh did to us.   I do have to say that when I got Posh I didn't know much about Pit Bulls, but she did prove to me that they are such a loving caring breed, that I have made a decision to own a Pit bull my whole life. The reputation they have is nothing at all true, and I promise if you give them a chance you will fall in love with them just like I have.   I just want to thank the Humance Society for watching over my baby before we met, and for all of the great service they do for these animals!

We adopted Missy August 11. What a joy she is to have around the house. Always full of life and her tail is wagging 100 miles per hour at all times. She's the most affectionate dog I've ever come across. Here's a picture of her on our daily hike into the mountains. She loves rock climbing and chasing lizards (with little success mind you). Some people would say Missy was lucky to have been adopted by us, but we know it's the other way around. She's a true friend and will forever be a part of our house.      -Chris

Hello,   My name is Bailey, and if it looks like I'm smiling, its because I am!  I wasn't always named "Bailey," and my story wasn't always so joyful.  My past life is such a blur nowadays that I'll start with the time a few months before my adoption.  I was brought by my previous family to the Utah Humane Society because they hoped that I could find a home with a new family to love and to care for me.  It seemed like an "OK" place; all the other dogs were barking and excited, some stood up on their hinds legs and wagged their tails as people walked by as if to say, "pick me, pick me!  I'm a fun dog!"  I was anxious to see the people come in to visit too, and at first I'd greet them with a smile and a wagging tail - I have a beautiful thick, furry tail!  Folks would stop to look at me and would walk by, as they often did.  I noticed that lots of dogs were being adopted and getting to ride home in their new families' cars, but not me.  I started to wonder what I did wrong.  After a few months in the shelter, I realized that the people coming in wanted younger dogs and I was already six years old.  "I'm a border collie, I have lots of years and lots of energy left in me!", I thought to myself, but no one seemed to care.   Months went by and I started losing faith.  I had my own pen to sleep in, but it was lonely, too.  Night after night I spent alone on a hard concrete floor.  The staff at the Humane Society were really nice, but I could tell they were losing faith, too.  One day, a cute Mom and her daughter came in and stopped to look at me.  I was really not in the mood, and I thought for sure they would not want me.  I was dirty, my coat was matted - it was embarrassing.  I didn't even stand up to greet them.  They walked away and I thought, "Oh well," but to my surprise, they returned with a staff member and leash.  They wanted to walk with me!  I put on my best face and tried to walk with a spring in my step like the younger dogs did.  It was really tough because although no one knew it, my feet hurt so bad from being on the concrete for so long.  I did the best I could but I still had a slight limp.  I figured I'd show them my great personality, so I wagged my tail, and I walked wherever they wanted to go, even with sore feet.  It was so nice to be outside!  At the end of the visit, they put me back in my pen.  What happened?!  I thought I was so good!  I put my head down and went to sleep.  I guess they didn't want me either.   The next day, they came back with Dad.  I wasn't too excited.  They left me behind the last time, yet, they had a leash and wanted to take me for a walk again.  I again tried to hide my limp, but it was tough.  I heard the dad mention my limp, but he didn't seem to mind.  We played in the yard for awhile and this time they didn't put me back in my pen!  Could I finally be going "home?"  Well, I was eventually put back in my pen, but it was only because I had to be checked out by the veterinarian before I could go home.   The day finally came!  Everyone was so happy, most of all, me!  The staff were so excited that the Glasmacher family wanted to adopt me that they even gave them a discount on the adoption fees.  On the way home, I wondered what kind of home will I live in?  Will I be in indoor dog or an outdoor dog?  Will I be chained up in the yard or will I have a nice dog bed to sleep on?  It didn't matter, I was going home!  We arrived at the house and I was taken inside.  They gave me a bath right away and boy, did that feel good!  I was dried off and brushed, and then they let me stay inside.  I found a place to lie down on the carpet and went to sleep.  Its been almost two years and my life is so wonderful now - I sleep in the bedroom with one of the boys and I sometimes sneak onto the parents' bed after they get up.  I get to hide under the bed when the scary thunder comes.  I have food and water in my bowls all day long (but I don't overeat).  I go on walks several times a day with the kids.  I did get in trouble once when I nipped at the heels of a passing bicyclist (hey, I'm a border collie, I herd things!), but I haven't done that since.  I share my home with a little Yorkie named Ratchet, who I think is crazy, but I love him anyway.  Oh, and my limp went away.   Thank you, Utah Humane Society, for not giving up on me.      -Bailey the Border Collie

In October of 07 my son and I adopted a second German Shepherd. I have found with many dogs, specifically the working/ herding breeds, if they don’t have a job they go self employed. My female Shepherd has a job; she is a Certified Therapy Animal. My son and I had been looking for an animal that he could train and participate in volunteer work with as well. I found Shadow (then named Braxton) on Petfinder.com. A gal in the Salt Lake area was fostering him for the Humane Society. Thank you Julie for your kind heart, gracious spirit and fostering the newest member of our family. We were told Shadow was approximately six months old and rescued from his former master, as he had been severely neglected. He was, however, recovering and did not show any short comings because of his neglect. We made a trip to see Shadow and, of course, I was instantly taken with him. I made my son wait a week just to make sure this is what he really wanted to do- it was!   Shadow fit right into the family but it took me a while to decide what this animal was all about. He has such a dark, serious face, he has to herd everything on two or more legs and he puts his mouth on everything too! He is constantly underfoot and armpit, I can not get in to a cupboard or drawer with out him checking it out. None of these are complaints mind you, I really take pleasure in an inquisitive dog, but this guy takes the cake and first prize! It took me a little bit but I finally figured it out… he is happy! He enjoys everything his humans do and some of the things we don’t, like getting into the Tupperware drawer. Does not matter what shadow is doing, it’s his favorite thing. “Chewing on a toy at your feet- it’s my favorite thing, sneaking on your bed in the middle of the night- it’s my favorite thing, checking out the Tupperware drawer, chasing flies like a cat, and slurping your tooth brush when you are not looking or sitting so I can be petted- it’s my favorite thing.”   He has gained a tremendous amount of weight and the muscle he lost as a result of his neglect. He has also gained a couple of inches and his body has filled out to be the majestic adult male dog he is. He has never shown any signs of his neglect either physical or psychological. He did not understand treats and was a little spooked by loud noises (AKA the vacuum) but he has long since gotten over that. Most specifically the food part! He now thinks the vacuum is a game of chase. He has immense potential to become a great therapy animal. Shadow is happy, healthy and we just love him!   Shadow is the dog on your right        -Jen, Jordan and the Animal Family       Utah County

In February of 2008, my husband and I decided that a dog just might be the kind of medication I needed to battle my depression that I had been fighting with for a few years.  When we walked in to the HSU we knew that we wanted an older dog, one that was house broken, and that loved being loved.  We walked past Presley a couple of times before I decided I wanted to take her out and walk her a bit.  My husband and I fell in love with her.  She walked so well on the leash and was so sweet.  We took her in to the room where we could sit and spend more time with her and she just caught my heart.  She listened, she was so sweet, and she just loved the attention.  It was like we connected.  So, we took her home that day.  She is such a wonderful dog.  She lets us know when she has to go out, and is so lovable.  We only had a couple of problems with her getting in to stuff when we were both working, but for the most part, she has been the greatest dog I could have asked for.  I am no longer taking my anti depressants and even my doctor attributes that to having someone there with me all the time that relies on me to take care of her and that gives unconditional love.  I am so glad that we were able to find her.  She really has changed our life for the better.      -Eric and Lindsey Turner

Saturday, March 8th was an interesting day that started out as "No, you can not have a guinea pig", "No, you cannot have a SNAKE!". Dad simply stated that if we were to have another pet it would have to be a cat or a dog. At the time, we had 2 older cats (15 & 18) and I hadn’t had a dog since I was 6. Neither my husband nor I really had an interest in a dog, but that Saturday dad sent a message and the next thing we knew we were running all over looking for an open shelter. When we arrived at the Humane Society, we looked at all the animals and decided to walk Luke first. My husband declared him more interested in dogs than people, but I wasn’t certain of that. We walked several other dogs as I watched another family take Luke out. As soon as that family put him back, I took him out again. This time he was only interested in us. He was nearly 2 years old, housebroken, and good with cats. Seemed right (we didn’t want to mess with breaking in a puppy). Luke was a perfect addition to our home. We bought him a bed which he immediately slept on, and the only casualty so far was one of Dad’s shoes (the first day we left him all day by himself). After only one week we took him camping with us. He was a good car passenger and slept in the tent with no issues. He climbed up the big rocks with the kids and had the best time. He is so sweet and just loves everyone. The only ones not interested in Luke are the cats which Luke so desperately wants to play with. He is taking it slow with them. The cats have let him know that they are the boss, but I know Luke will be hanging out with them in no time. Thanks!      -Angel, Jim, Cassandra, and Bryce Fehlig       Sandy, Utah

On valentines day of 2008 my husband and I came to look for me a puppy. What I had in mind was a small to medium sized dog. I found Billie first and she was barking like crazy,That and she is 4 yrs old.. I told my husband that she was so cute but the barking was not someting I could handle. Well I went all over the place and yet I kept coming back to Billie. I finally asked to take her to the get to know you room. I have to say that I fell in love with her. My husband was not so sure. We found out that we could take Billie for a week to see if she was what I was looking for and to decide if she would fit in with our two cats. Well to make a long story short we went back the next day and adopted her. She is the sweetest little girl anyone could ask for. As for the barking I think that was her way of saying take me home. She gets along great with her two fur brothers Moose and FatKat. She keeps me company during the day and is a daddy's girl when he walks in the door. She was the best valentines present anyone could ask for. I hope others will give older dog's a home as well because they need love to.      -Thank you Katherine Englert

I had always thought of myself as a cat person. The only dog I would have ever considered getting was a pug. After months of searching for a pug, I finally opened my eyes to the hundreds of adorable, loving and available dogs at the Humane Society. I felt so selfish! My boyfriend and I drove down to HSU and checked out all of the dogs.   Ginger, a Black Lab Mix, stared at us with her chocolaty eyes, and we fell in love. We adopted her in November of 2007. She is quiet, sweet, and snuggly indoors and playful, hyper and energetic when the time is right. She is the perfect dog for a cat person! Ginger is well-behaved and quiet, so much that I have probably only heard her bark 5 times to this day. She is beautiful, and I would recommend a black lab to anyone! Don't fall victim to "black dog syndrome" where black dogs in shelters are commonly ignored. Ginger is a princess and I couldn't be happier!! Thank you Humane Society!      -Sarah Brazell (volunteer)

My mom and I adopted Lydia on May 31, 2007.  We were looking for a female black lab puppy. We had to get special permission from my therapist to get a dog because where we live dogs aren’t allowed. So I begged my therapist to write us a note. When we had permission I was so happy! We called up the Humane Society and asked them if they had black lab puppies. The people there said they did, and at that moment my mom and I went straight down to adopt.    We got there and started looking for a dog. All the dogs there were special and I wish we could've adopted them too! Well we were on our quest, we found her. She was a 5 month old black lab puppy. She had only been there 5 days, and she had just been fixed. We took her outside to see if we bonded and we immediately did. She wasn’t really playing with us, but she stayed close to us and sniffed us well. I think she wanted to decide if we were the right family for her. So while we were outside with her, my mom and I decided to adopt her! It was great! I chose the name Lydia. I am not sure why I chose that name, but it fits her personality well....   When we got home, she was a happy puppy. Luckily for us she was house broken, and she didn’t have problems with wetting inside. But a week later she came down with kettle cough. That first week wasn’t the greatest for her. Her surgical wound was healing and she had kennel cough. But soon after she was back to her hyper self! She became used to us and her name. She is a year and 2 months now, and has grown into an adult! But she still has her puppy energy and puppy face. Lydia loves walks, and her dog bones. She gives hugs, kisses, high fives, and shakes, speaks to you, and lets us know when she needs to go to the bathroom. She is still learning to roll over.    She is a very special dog, and we love her very much

My Fiance and I got Frankie from the Humane Society when he was four months old. He was so sweet I was imediatly attracted to him. We weren't planning on adopting, but we couldn't resist our Frankie. His first week was rough, he had a bad case of Kennel cough, and of course I was worried sick while he was up every other minute coughing.. but after a visit to the vet and some medication, he was happy as could be a little later. He is a purebred Blue Heeler and is completely wonderful.. Full of energy and life. We recently had a new addition to our family and got a mini Dachshund, which Frankie is completely in love with. He is a wonderful dog and we love him to pieces.

Several years ago when my husband and I moved to Salt Lake City we had 2 dogs; Juneau and Hamilton. Shortly after an exhausting move from Florida, Juneau climbed our fence and ran off. Despite an extensive and desperate search, we never found her, my husband was heartbroken and Hamilton was lonely for his friend. So we decided to go to the Humane Society and see if any dogs caught our eye…well oddly enough none did. We were about to leave when one of your volunteers mentioned she was fostering a Bassett hound. We were definitely interested and made an appointment (with Hamilton of course) to meet this little hound. Well it was love at first site, for my husband.  I was much more apprehensive, I had heard hounds could be stubborn and difficult to train…in the end my husband won out… and Lucy Loo came home forever. And boy was I wrong…she was a ray of sunshine and toe kisses (and she is very easy to train, and does whatever she wants) and soon I too was in love with her as well, and it was a good thing too because within a month of her coming home Hamilton was diagnosed with cancer. She was wonderful support for me and Hamilton who was undergoing chemotherapy. She would go to vet with him and stay in the kennel before and after treatments. Everyone at the vet said she was a wonderful “Chemo Buddy” for Hamilton and lifted his spirits after the treatments. And after Hamilton lost the battle with cancer I hugged her and cried many times. Bassetts are wonderful for hugging, cause their little legs make you smile (they have cankles you know). But the story is not over. Lucy Loo had been so in love with Hamilton that after he was gone she was lonely and walks in park were just not the same. So again we began to think about another addition to the family. And it took us about a year, but then we found Dalton at the super adoption this last May. Once again, I was the voice of reason, I said he was too big and would be hard to handle. And luckily ,once again, my husband won and Dalton came home forever. And he is big…very big. He was about 100lbs when we adopted him from you, and now he is tipping the scales at 140lbs. And he makes me laugh all the time (his nickname is Doofton). He snores at night and has a strange obsession with the “dot” (laser pointer). He keeps me company when my husband travels for work and now I just can’t imagine life without his antics. And walks in park are fabulous again. So I just want to say that my entire family is composed of Humane Society rescues and I couldn’t be happier. Lucy Loo and Dalton are my 4-legged kids, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Holly Berry (my fat ferret who also came from the Humane Society). Thanks for all you do – you have certainly changed my life for the better.      -Hurst Family

During the month of July 2007, right out of the blue, I had this urgent need from deep inside me to add a member to our family in the way of a puppy.  We had never had success with dogs in the past so it didn't make a lot of sense but I felt that a Chihuahua or Pug would be perfect for us.  Much to my husband's dismay, I had been looking at puppies from breeders on-line...too expensive for his liking.  So it made sense when a friend suggested that I should first check the humane society.  On August 3, 2007 I took my son with me to the humane society and found the most perfect puppy ever!    She is Maisy, a min pin/Chihuahua mix, or as I like to call her a Minpinchua.  I had originally set my sights on the dog in the kennel next to hers, who was an adorable little Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix but possibly a little too enthusiastic for my reluctant husband.  Then in one last check of the room I noticed my little, sweet Maisy, sitting quietly at the back of her kennel.  She was so precious and humble. When we took her to the get-acquainted-room, my son and I instantly fell deeply in love with her as she cuddled close to him and ducked her head into the crook of his arm.  I could tell that she would be a dog who would become a true respectful family member, and she definitely is.  I could also tell that once she became a confident member of our family she would be loads of fun to play with.   Maisy is willing to go along with whatever we ask of her.  If we want to play, cuddle, walk, run, train her, ask her to down or even have a little personal space, she will do it... all we have to do is ask.  She has been extremely trainable and has not only learned a lot of cute tricks but she has learned how to roll with our family routine.  When I tell her she needs her jacket, she sits very still and ducks her head so I can put it on her, even though she's excited that we're going somewhere.  When I'm done, only then does she allow herself to leap around in excitement.    Odie, one of our three cats just loves Maisy.  Maisy runs up to "her cat" and pulls at the skin on his neck and back, over and over as Odie lays there purring and enjoying his massage.  It's the cutest thing.  Sometimes Odie boxes Maisy back with claws tucked in.  You can see that they really love each other by the way they light up when the other is around.  Maisy keeps our family smiling and laughing every day.  Our hearts are full with affection for this beautiful, precious creature.    Maisy had been in the shelter for three whole weeks as a VIP, which I found stunning because she is so beautiful and sweet.  I would have expected her to be snapped right up immediately.  I like to think that she was meant to be with us and so she sat quietly at the back of her kennel waiting for us to arrive and discover her.  Maisy is the perfect match for our family!  A true success story!   Thanks Humane Society of Utah for taking care of her for us until we found her!      -Cecile Kiesel

We adopted Major (Trouble) about a month ago. My two friends and I had come in to see what large breed puppies the Humane Society had. The first time I saw Major looking up at me, with those big brown eyes I knew that he was the dog for us. We took him out to see how he would get along with us, he was the most calm, well tempered 7 month old that I have ever seen. We came back at 10 A.M., the next morning to take him home. Major is absolutley wonderful. He is great with other dogs and childern. He can be ruff and tumble with our pit/lab mix, Oliva, and sweet and cuddly with the 4 month old baby. We have found that he does have his querks... Have you ever seen a 50lb Rotti hide under a bed?... My roommate and I were playing around and he cracked a belt, Major being the big tough Rotti that he is ran and hid under the bed, only leaving his back end out for the world to see. Eventually I coaxed him out, when I stopped laughing. There are also the times when he chases his non-existent tail. Major is the sweetest, most wonderful dog we could have ever asked for.      -Major's mommy, Shylah

We adopted Cedric, a fluffy lop eared bunny, from the Society in September 2002.  I hadn't intended on a rabbit but fell in love with his sweet disposition and loving personality.  I knew nothing about rabbits at the time but was determined to have a house bunny.  Cedric absolutely loved everyone and everything.  He was litter box trained and enjoyed papaya more than anything.  He would lay next to me and cuddle into my neck.  We adored him.  Sadly, Cedric turned out to be quite old and we only got to enjoy him for 3.5 years before he passed.  Shortly after adopting Cedric, we found out that rabbits are happier in pairs and we adopted Fabian from the county animal shelter.  He and Cedric loved each other and Fabian still misses him.  Then came Olly (abandoned at my work) and Arthur (rescued and given to me).  We adopted Declan from the Society April 2006.  I wouldn't trade in my bunny herd for anything in the world.  They aren't for everyone and they take a lot of patience and love but they are beautiful, gentle creatures.  I absolutely adore them and Cedric was the bun that started it all - He lived a joyful life with us and I'm so grateful we were able to give him that.

If you have adopted and animal from The Humane Society of Utah and would like to submit your Success Story please email a photo and your story to: oliver@utahhumane.org