Category: Humane Tales

Home for the Holidays… and Beyond: Iroh’s Story

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Iroh, a brown and white dog, lays on the floor of the living room in his new home, which he found through the Home for the Holidays foster program.

It was a frosty November afternoon in 2023 and fosters participating in the Humane Society of Utah’s Home for the Holidays program were beginning to arrive. Home for the Holidays is a short-term fostering program during which families take a shelter dog home the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and bring them back the Friday after. This gives the pups a break from the shelter and a cozy home to curl up in over Turkey Day.

Iroh, a spotted dog with soulful eyes, waited anxiously for someone to choose him for a holiday break. He hadn’t been enjoying the shelter, with all of its novel sounds and smells, and was timid of new friends. Little did Iroh know, all of his holiday wishes were about to come true.

Iroh, a brown and white dog, sits on a dog bed following his participating in the Home for the Holidays foster program.

Iroh Goes Home for the Holidays

Maya had been a volunteer with HSU for a couple of years and was excited to try out fostering. Home for the Holidays seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so as the pets would only be going home for a few days.

As fosters arrive, they chat with staff to pick out a pup who will be a good fit for them. Maya had originally had her eye on another dog, but they weren’t the best match. When she asked who else was available, HSU’s foster team suggested Iroh.

“When we first met Iroh, he was absolutely terrified,” Maya shared. “We saw him slowly start relaxing over a couple of days and realized what a fun, cute personality he has.”

As Iroh’s personality began to shine through, Maya and her family realized that Iroh might be right where he belonged. Home for the Holidays began to turn into simply “home.”

Iroh, a brown and white dog, gives his new sibling, a black and white dog named Millie, a kiss.

Iroh Becomes a Part of the Family

When dogs return to HSU from Home for the Holidays, fosters have the option to choose to adopt. So, on the morning of Friday the 24th, Maya proudly signed Iroh’s adoption contract, officially making him a part of the family.

“He showed us so much love in such a short period of time. We knew he belonged with us,” Maya said. “Iroh struggles with epilepsy and anxiety, so he needed someone who could meet his needs. We had the resources to do that.”

Once Iroh was officially welcomed into his new home, it came time to meet his furry siblings! In addition to Iroh, Maya has a dog named Millie and a cat named Luna. She slowly and carefully introduced Iroh to the pair, and he fit right in.

“Iroh and Millie fell in love with each other, although Millie had to get used to sharing the attention,” Maya said. “They spend all their time together, whether they’re playing, cuddling, or exploring. Iroh feels safe with Millie, which eases his anxiety whenever we bring them on adventures!”

As for Luna, Iroh is respectful of her boundaries. Though Maya reports that Iroh is very curious about Luna, he is extremely gentle with her. Luna rarely permits the dogs to get too close to her, but Iroh loves planting a kiss on his kitty sibling’s face whenever she’ll allow it.

Iroh, a former Home for the Holidays dog, plays with a broom in the grassy green yard of his new home.

Checking in on Iroh Today

Iroh has been happily living with Maya and her family for nearly a year now. Maya describes him as a lover boy in constant need of attention. He spends his days snuggled up by his humans’ feet wagging his tail, playing with rope toys with Millie, and— a new interest of his— going on hikes!

“On his first hike, he started out very cautious and fearful, but he ended up having the time of his life!” Maya said. “Once he realized he was safe, he loved splashing in the water, howling his heart out, and sniffing all of the things. We have since taken him on a couple more hikes, and it’s just adorable how much fun he has.”

Maya also added that she would highly recommend Home for the Holidays to anyone considering participating.

“It’s not too much of a commitment since it is only for a couple of days, and these animals need a break from the shelter environment sometimes,” she said. “It’s super fun to have a canine friend around for the holidays, and who knows? You might just find your new best friend!”

Iroh, a former Home for the Holidays dog, enjoys an autumn hike.

If you’re interested in participating in Home for the Holidays this year, we’d love to have you! We will be offering this program over both Thanksgiving and Christmas. For the Thanksgiving session, fosters pick up their dog from HSU on Wednesday, the 27th, and return them on Friday, the 29th. Christmas dates are currently yet to be determined.

Sign up today on our fostering page by submitting an application and mentioning in the comments section that you are specifically interested in Home for the Holidays.

Adopt a Senior Pet: They May Be Your Perfect Fit!

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Ferdinand, an adoptable senior pet at the Humane Society of Utah, tilts his head and looks up into the camera.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and we wholeheartedly believe that our furry friends age like fine wine! So, we’ve come up with just a few reasons why adopting a senior pet may be your perfect fit.

Kito, an adoptable senior pet at the Humane Society of Utah, lies on a bed and looks into the camera.

1. You Can Bet on Senior Pets!

    When you adopt a senior pet, what you see is often what you get! When it comes to older pets, you already have basic information like their adult size, whether they’ll need to be groomed, and even elements of their purr-sonality!

    2. Oodles of Training? Not When You Adopt a Senior Pet!

    Want to avoid the dreaded potty training stage? Adopting a senior pet can, more often than not, help you do that! It’s not just that, either: many senior pets come with a myriad of manners ready to go! Whether you’re looking for a pup who walks nicely on a leash or a kitty who doesn’t scratch up the furniture, a senior pet could very well fit the bill.

    That said, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be an adjustment period while your furry friend gets used to their new home. We go by the rule of threes at the Humane Society of Utah, which you can learn more about here!

    3. Old Dogs CAN Learn New Tricks!

    We’ve all heard the old adage, but it couldn’t be further from the truth! If there’s a new cue that you’d like your pet to learn, don’t count a senior pet out. Seniors tend to have a greater attention span than a puppy or kitten, which means they often pick up cues even faster than their younger counterparts.

    4. Plenty of Loving Years Ahead of You

    Just because an animal has reached senior status doesn’t mean their golden years will be short-lived! Cats, in particular, routinely live into their late teens or early twenties, signifying that you could easily have a decade or more left together when you adopt a senior pet. Just make sure to keep up on vet visits and be sure your furry friend has the proper care for a good, long life.

    5. Save a Life… And Your Wallet!

    Many animal welfare organizations offer discounts, or even entirely waive, adoption fees for senior pets. This means you can rescue a new best friend without breaking the bank! At the Humane Society of Utah, our senior pets are “Name Your Own Price,” meaning adopters can choose what they’d like to contribute towards their furry family member’s adoption fee.

      Bentley, an adoptable senior pet at the Humane Society of Utah, lounges in some grass and looks at the camera.

      They say that the best friends are old friends! Adopt a senior pet today from the Humane Society of Utah and find out firsthand just how true that is!

      Barktoberfest: A Spooktacular Recap

      Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
      Golden retriever in a green tutu

      On Saturday, September 28th, five hundred people and their pups gathered at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center for an event unlike any other – Barktoberfest. The day was filled with spooky fall activities for humans and dogs alike, and the costumes were frightfully fantastic! But the best part? All proceeds from this spooktacular event will support lifesaving programs and vital resources for local pets! If you missed the festivities at Barktoberfest, it’s not too late to join in on the fun of giving back to animals who need a helping hand. Although the event is over, Barktoberfest peer-to-peer fundraising will continue through October 31st!

      A Day Of Festivity

      Barktoberfest is a fall Halloween festival for families and their dogs hosted by the Humane Society of Utah and presented by Subaru. Strolling the festival grounds, one might find spooky decorations, carnival games, dog enrichment activities, local vendor booths, and, of course, people and their pups dressed in their Halloween best! Our goal with Barktoberfest is to have something for everyone – games and candy for the kiddos, enrichment for the dogs, and what Barktoberfest would be complete without local brews for the adults? The event is a celebration of dogs and their families but also a reminder that homeless and vulnerable dogs in our community need our help! By purchasing a ticket, Barktoberfest attendees did their part to support the animals waiting for homes at HSU. And who knows, some of the pups in our shelter now may enjoy Barktoberfest themselves next year!

      Boston terrier in a butterfly costume

      The FUNdraising Continues

      Barktoberfest may be over, but you can still support fundraising efforts for local animals! This year, HSU implemented a peer-to-peer fundraising element to accompany Barktoberfest. Attendees had the option to create their own mini fundraiser, encouraging their friends and family members to contribute to the cause and widening the circle of community support for animals. Although the event is finished, community members can continue fundraising through October 31st! This is true whether or not you have already started your peer-to-peer fundraiser. After all, the spooky season is far from over – why shouldn’t the Barktoberfest fun continue? 

      Supporters who wish to start their fundraiser can register and find the tools they need on our Barktoberfest webpage. But don’t wait too long – the end of October will sneak up like a spooky ghost! Who knows, the funds you raise may be the helping hand an animal needs to find a new home, receive veterinary care, or get the resources necessary to stay with a loving guardian. Plus, you can win some awesome prizes if you raise $50 or more! We think that sounds like a Barktoberfest win for people and pets alike!

      Heroes in Action: HSU Rescues Elderly Dog from Hot Car

      Posted on by Maddie Cushing
      A sign in the parking lot of the Humane Society of Utah reads, "Warning! Do not leave children or pets in car"

      On an 80° day, the temperature of a car in the sun can rise to nearly 105° in 10 minutes. This is just one of the reasons why it’s so dangerous for pets to be left in the car, even for just a few minutes, especially on a hot day.

      However, accidents happen, and when one patron mistakenly locked her keys in a hot car with her elderly dog at the Humane Society of Utah, our staff jumped into action to help.

      The Hot Car Rescue Begins

      Time was of the essence to rescue the pup before he suffered heatstroke. HSU staff quickly radioed both maintenance and medical employees to come to the scene.

      Most cars are equipped with safety glass, which theoretically reduces the risk of injury should the glass break. However, this does not mean there is a 0% chance of the broken glass causing lacerations or other injuries. The elderly pup was tangled in his leash in the footwell of the front passenger seat. Due to the dog’s location, maintenance staff decided it would be safest to break the rear window. In rather dramatic fashion, HSU staff shattered the window and quickly removed the pup from the hot car.

      The Dangers of Heatstroke

      Once the dog was out of the hot car, our medical team wasted no time checking for signs of overheating. Heatstroke in pets happens extremely quickly, sometimes leading to fatality in just a few short minutes. Pets especially vulnerable to heatstroke include those who are brachycephalic (such as bulldogs or Persian cats), overweight, young, or elderly. As the dog in question was a senior, his risk of overheating was heightened.

      HSU medical staff provided supportive care for the pup, bringing him into the air conditioning, covering him with cooled towels, and monitoring his core temperature. They kept an eye out for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, difficulty breathing, and a red tongue and gums. Luckily, it seemed the pup was in good shape.

      While the medical team cared for the elderly dog, maintenance vacuumed the glass out of the car to keep both him and his guardian safe on their journey home. Once our medical team cleared the dog, we gave the go-ahead for him and his guardian to be on their way. She expressed relief and gratitude that we were able to help her pup, and our staff celebrated a successful rescue!

      A graphic from the ASPCA outlines the dangers of leaving pets in a hot car

      Hot Car Safety for Your Pets

      It is very important never to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle, but this is doubly true on warm or hot days. Even in the shade or with the windows cracked, cars still trap heat. It takes just minutes for this heat to become dangerous to both humans and pets alike. If you see a pet left in a car, contact local authorities for help immediately.

      Keep an eye out for signs of overheating in pets, which include:

      • Excessive panting
      • Labored breathing
      • Drooling, especially if the drool is thick
      • Bright red tongue and gums
      • Lethargy, dizziness, or stupor
      • Seizures or muscle tremors

      If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, rush them to the nearest vet immediately. Heatstroke can be deadly, and occurs quicker than you may think.

      For additional information, check out our blog on Hot Car Safety here!

      Care In Every Paw: A Day At The St. George Clinic

      Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
      grey cat getting a vet exam

      At the Humane Society of Utah, we want to see all animals safe, happy, and healthy. This is true for the adoptable animals in our care as well as family pets throughout our state! That is why the services at our St. George and Murray clinics are so vital to our mission. We offer essential care like vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries at an affordable cost for local pet guardians. We know families in Utah love their pets, and we can give them the resources to avoid preventable and costly ailments. It may seem like a basic service, but access to preventative care can make all the difference in keeping an animal with their loving family. With the ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign, we are expanding services at the St. George clinic so even more pets in southern Utah can get the care they need!

      Staff members at the St. George clinic have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact of these services in the community. Their hard work and dedication are apparent as we explore a day in the life of the St. George clinic.

      A Day In The Life

      A typical day at the St. George clinic is full of activity. Between patient check-in, surgery hours, vaccinations, rechecks, and consultation appointments, there is rarely a dull moment. Not to mention all the cleaning and prep work for the following day! It sounds like a lot, but the staff are efficient and hard-working so they can help as many animals as possible. Taylor Flanagan, the Senior Veterinary Assistant Manager explains, “Every day we do up to 25-30 spay/neuter surgeries and countless vaccines and every day people from the community tell us how needed this has been.” Think of all those local pets who are safer and healthier after a visit to the St. George clinic! 

      The numbers are impressive, but we know there is always more work to do. Rising costs are making pet guardianship more expensive than ever. More families in southern Utah are seeing the benefit of a low-cost resource, like the St. George clinic, for their basic veterinary needs. With the help of generous donors, we are rising to meet the needs of our community. The ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign aims to increase hours of operation, surgery appointments, and veterinary staff at the clinic. With these expanded services, we can reach more families and pets who rely on our essential care each year. Community members can support pet health in St. George by donating to the campaign!

      Small dog at a vet appointment

      Meaningful Work

      Chat with the St. George clinic staff, and you can tell how much they care about their work and its impact. Veterinary Assistant, Kayleigh Swensen, sees how her work is helping animals in St. George – not just for today but for their whole lives. She tells us, “I love being able to help the community and their pets with our low-cost prices, giving animals the services they need to live a long and healthy life.”

      The St. George clinic helps local guardians and their pets, as well as homeless and vulnerable animals in the community. Another Veterinary Assistant at the clinic explains, “Our ‘Catnip’ service is also very important in keeping the feral cat population controlled.” This program helps prevent overpopulation with effective and humane Trap Neuter Release (TNR) methods. The clinic also works with local rescue groups to provide low-cost services for the adoptable animals in their care. Between routine visits, special-case emergency care, and low-cost services for local rescues, the HSU clinic is making a real difference for all animals in St. George!

      Care In Every Paw: Growing Impact

      If you feel inspired by these stories of care and service to the community, please consider donating to the ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign! Your contribution helps more animals have access to essential care. With the expanded capacity supported by this campaign, we estimate around 3,000 more St. George families will have access to pet care in 2025. These services keep pets healthy and prevent overpopulation, so fewer animals end up in a shelter. This vital work is about keeping pets and people together because they are part of the family! Lead Receptionist, Riley Pew, explains it perfectly – “I would say my favorite thing each day is when owners come to pick up their animals and to see them get so happy and excited to see their people…it’s very heartwarming to see.”

      Small black dog getting a hug

      More than a Bonded Pair: Bumblebee and Ladybugs’ Story

      Posted on by Maddie Cushing
      Bonded pair of persian cats Ladybug and Bumblebee pose in a room in Kitty City.

      The Humane Society of Utah is no stranger to aiding with hoarding cases. However, taking in these large groups of pets often presents unique challenges. Hoarding pets are oftentimes undersocialized and display fearful behaviors when interacting with new people. Many times, these pets also have medical concerns that need to be addressed.

      When seven Persian cats ended up in HSU’s care due to a recent hoarding case, their physical state was notably worse than is typical. Most of the cats were severely matted, and a few had untreated open wounds. Nearly all the Persians needed moderate to severe dental services. Some had teeth so decayed that most, if not all, of their teeth would need to be extracted.

      Various teams at HSU jumped into action to give each of the cats the care they needed. After medical care had been provided, several of the Persians were placed in foster homes to recover before being put up for adoption. Bumblebee and Ladybug were two of these cats.

      A Bonded Pair Emerges

      Bumblebee and Ladybug were two of the cats in the worst shape out of the seven. Both had undergone severe dental treatments and extractions, with Ladybug needing to have all of her teeth removed. Bumblebee had an open wound on his chin and most of the fur on his back formed a massive mat. The duo was sent to the same foster home for their respective recoveries.

      When the time came for Bumblebee and Ladybug to return to HSU and take up residence on the adoption floor, their foster let HSU staff know just how close the two had become during their stay. They said that Bumblebee and Ladybug comforted and leaned on one another and appeared to have a very special relationship. Ladybug and Bumblebee were determined to be a bonded pair.

      A bonded pair consists of two animals who have developed a relationship so strong that it would be distressing for them to be separated. Small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs most commonly form these types of bonds, but occasionally cats and dogs do as well. HSU honors these relationships by exclusively adopting bonded pairs out to homes where they can go together. This would be the case for Bumblebee and Ladybug.

      Persian cat Bumblebee looks through the railing of the stairs in his new home with the other half of his bonded pair, Ladybug.

      Finding Forever Together

      Bumblebee and Ladybug were in HSU’s care for over a month while they waited to find their new family. A bonded pair to their core, the cats boosted one another’s confidence in Kitty City. They warmed up more to new people each day. HSU’s staff worked hard to spread awareness about the two kitties, and their desire to go home together. Finally, on one fateful August morning, their wait was over.

      Nadia and her boyfriend always wanted Persian cats, but they both advocated for rescue and were determined to adopt rather than buy. The couple had a strong understanding of the work and needs associated with the Persian breed. They also had experience owning cats with medical issues. When they came across Bumblebee and Ladybug on HSU’s social media, it felt like fate.

      “It was rather spontaneous,” Nadia said. “my boyfriend is the one who says, ‘no,’ and I’m the one who always comes home with kitty surprises. But this time, when I showed him [Bumblebee and Ladybug], without hesitation he said, ‘Let’s go to the Humane Society and meet them!'”

      Nadia’s boyfriend did have one condition— he had always wanted to adopt a bonded pair and name them “Guts” and “Gore.” Nadia laughed as she recounted that if her boyfriend was on board with adopting two more cats, she could no longer refuse him the names he loved so much.

      Ladybug (now Guts) sits in her favorite chair in her new home with the other half of her bonded pair, Bumblebee (now Gore).

      More than a Bonded Pair

      It didn’t take long for Guts and Gores’ personalities to shine through in their new home. Nadia describes the joy the pair have brought into her life with a smile. She said she and her boyfriend will look at the Persians, and the Persians will stare back, and they’ll burst into happy laughter. The cats were assigned their respective names as their individuality emerged.

      “Ladybug is now Guts. We decided to name her Guts rather than Gore because she’s all GUTS! She’s so adventurous and wanted to skip the 3-day separation period (from other pets). After the first night, she kept wanting to run out of the bathroom to play with the rest of the gang and explore the house! We love that about our Gutsy girl. She’s brave and seems to just want to soak up the sun and enjoy life, which is amazing given what she’s been through. 

      That left Bumblebee with the name Gore and it actually suits him! We call him ‘Gore Bore’ because he just loves sitting in his heated bed, not doing anything. He allows the rest of the busy world go by, and he totally deserves the slow life if he wants it! We also call him Gorebee to honor his past self.”

      Nadia says she is grateful to have adopted Guts and Gore together and to see their special bond. Guts brings Gore out of his shell, and they’ve both helped Nadia and her boyfriend to “slow down.” She recounts the time period before the bonded pair’s elevated dishes had arrived. She and her boyfriend would sit hold the cat’s bowls while they ate to help them breathe better.

      Take the Plunge

      When asked what she would say to those considering adoption, Nadia did not hesitate to answer.

      “Just do it. You are missing out on so much joy. My boyfriend was always frustrated that I’d bring a new friend home, then they’d always end up liking him more than me, and now he can’t live without them! Definitely make sure your heart is in the right place as you are their everything. They’re all a lot of work, but moments like this morning when they’re all lying in the sun and napping together, and you’re the reason they’re so happy and at peace, is what makes it so worth it. You truly are their everything and it is such an honor to care for these sweet babies.”

      All the adoptable pets at the Humane Society of Utah can be viewed at utahhumane.org/adopt. Your purr-fect someone, or maybe even a bonded pair, is just waiting to meet you!

      Ladybug and Bumblebee) now Guts and Gore) curled up in their new home together with their new family.

      Support for Animals: Your Impact

      Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
      Puppy getting medical exam

      We know that Utah is full of caring individuals who want to help animals in need because we have seen it firsthand! At the Humane Society of Utah, we are fortunate to have a generous community of donors who step up and regularly provide support for vulnerable animals. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely solely on funding from individuals, foundations, and businesses to accomplish our lifesaving work. But what does it mean to support HSU? What is the real-life impact of sending that check in the mail or hitting that donate button? Let’s look at some of the amazing ways your support is helping animals in our state!

      Low-Cost Veterinary Care

      When you support the Humane Society of Utah, you support low-cost veterinary care for pets in our community. We offer spay/neuter services for dogs, cats, and rabbits, as well as comprehensive vaccination packages. And with clinic locations in Murray and St. George, your donations benefit pet guardians in northern and southern Utah! 

      Donations from our caring supporters help keep these services affordable. With the cost of veterinary care skyrocketing, this dramatically impacts pet guardianship in our community. We know that people love their animals, and the cost of basic preventative care should not be a barrier to pet health. By donating to the Humane Society of Utah, you are removing that barrier to accessible care. In the first six months of 2024, our Murray and St. George clinics administered 60,898 vaccines and performed 6,231 spay/neuter surgeries. Think of all the animals who have received vital care so far in 2024, thanks to support from generous donors!

      Adult dog in exam room

      Adoptions & Sheltering

      When people think of the Humane Society of Utah, the first thing that comes to mind is often adoption. Sometimes, through changing circumstances, unexpected life events, or unforeseen challenges, companion animals need a new home. HSU offers safe shelter and care for animals as they wait for adoption. Our staff works diligently to set animals up for success and find the best fit. So far in 2024, nearly 4,000 cats, dogs, and small animals found new homes.

      But animal adoptions do not exist in a vacuum, which is why donations are important! Animals waiting for adoption must have access to food, water, space, enrichment, and medical care. Animals who have specific medical or behavioral needs require even more resources. But that does not make them less deserving of a good home and a happy life! Regular donations provide for the animals in our care, giving them the time and tools they need to find the right fit. You can help adoptable animals by donating funds, essential supplies, or both! Visit our donation wish list to learn more about donating supplies.

      hand petting a black cat

      Support for Pet Guardians

       At the Humane Society of Utah, we believe you cannot help animals without helping humans. An animal’s first and most important support system is their loving guardian. We believe keeping a beloved pet with their guardian is the best outcome for both. Thanks to generous donors, that outcome has become a reality for many pets and people in our community! With donor support, we offer low-cost emergency care for pet guardians who find themselves in difficult situations, provide food and supplies to local pet pantries, and enroll pets in our incredibly effective last litter program. In the first half of 2024 alone, support from our donors helped 282 animals stay in their loving homes through emergency assistance. When you donate to the Humane Society of Utah, you help keep families together by providing the care their pets need when they need it most.

      We are incredibly grateful to those who support our animals and our programs. This is just a snapshot of the work made possible thanks to your generosity!

      August: Make-A-Will Month

      Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
      Typing at a laptop with small kitten

      Did you know that August is national Make-A-Will month? It can be strange to think about as we go through our daily lives, but creating or updating your will is the best way to secure your wishes for the future. With a will or trust, you can make a lasting legacy for the people you love and the causes you care about. And it’s easier than you might think!

      Helpful Information

      The Humane Society of Utah planned giving page has a wealth of information about bequests and other estate planning options. You can learn about types of bequests, review sample language, and download helpful brochures with more information. If the Humane Society of Utah is already in your estate plans, you can let us know directly through our planned giving page.

      That’s right – you can give to your favorite charities through your will, including the Humane Society of Utah. By doing so, you are extending the impact of your generosity and creating a legacy of support for animals that will carry on into the future. Just as we desire the best for our family’s future generations, we also want the best for future generations of animals!

      Providing for your favorite cause does not mean you need to forget about your loved ones. You can tailor a will to your needs and your situation. Reference these bequest types to see some examples. You can divide your estate between different individuals or organizations, using the amounts or percentages that work best for you.

      Getting Started

      Are you ready for next steps, or just want to learn more? Request our free Estate Planning Guide. This will help you take stock of your assets, gather important information, and define your priorities. It can serve as a helpful guide as you draw up your will or speak with your estate planning attorney. 

      As pet guardians, we know that planning for our future also means planning for the future of our pets. Enroll in our Pet Legacy program to make a care plan for your pets with the Humane Society of Utah.

      Person and cat touching hand to paw

      Creating A Legacy

      When you make a will, you are securing a legacy for the people and causes you care about. We hope you will let us know if you wish to include the Humane Society of Utah as a beneficiary of any kind. This compassionate decision will help create a bright future for animals in Utah, and we want to honor your incredible commitment. 

      Whether we are included in your plans or not, we encourage you to take a moment this August and think about the legacy you want for your loved ones, your community, or anything else that is important to you!

      Lending a Community Cat a Helping Paw: Lady’s Story

      Posted on by Maddie Cushing
      Community cat Lady lies on a yellow blanket in a cat carrier.

      Community cat Lady was in trouble. She had found herself tangled in barbed wire underneath a mobile home in the Southern Utah summer heat. Luckily for the 3-month-old kitten, she was rescued from her dangerous hiding spot and taken to One More Chance, a rescue group dedicated to providing TNR and other lifesaving services to stray cats in the St. George area. Unluckily, her back leg and paw were badly injured from the wire.

      A Community Cat’s Uphill Battle

      Team members at One More Chance knew they had to seek urgent help for Lady if there were to be any chance of saving her paw. When the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George Clinic got the call, we were immediately on board to help Lady.

      The sweet community cat arrived onsite at HSU St. George on the morning of 6/13/24. Under anesthesia, HSU’s vets discovered a very infected wound that wrapped entirely around Lady’s leg. Her foot was extremely swollen, and one of Lady’s toes appeared to be necrotic. After removing the decomposing digit and debriding lacerations, the St. George team cleaned and bandaged Lady’s leg.

      Although Lady was on the road to recovery, she wasn’t out of the woods just yet. She would have to undergo daily bandage changes until the swelling of her leg was reduced. If the swelling subsided, there was a chance that Lady would only lose her toe. However, if Lady’s leg continued to swell, her entire limb would need to be amputated.

      Lady was facing an extra challenge in her recovery as a community cat— she was not used to human interaction. This meant that changing Lady’s bandages and keeping her wound clean could be difficult. However, the rescuers at One More Chance are used to working with skittish felines, and they were up to the challenge!

      A green cast is applied to community cat Lady's injured leg

      An Unexpected Twist

      Lady’s caregivers at One More Chance were dedicated to saving as much of Lady’s leg as possible. However, it was Lady herself who contributed the final puzzle piece to her recovery! Lady turned out to be quite a friendly community cat and was open to help from her human friends. She allowed her daily bandage changes, handling from rescuers, and even enjoyed some cuddles.

      By the time Lady returned to HSU’s St. George Clinic on 6/27/24, she was basically a brand new cat! The circumferential wound on her leg had almost entirely healed, and all the swelling had dissipated. In fact, Lady had full function of her hind leg and foot! This meant HSU’s veterinarians were able to save Lady’s leg, sans a single toe. Lady headed back to One More Chance that night, good as new.

      However, the best news was yet to come! Because Lady had become so friendly and accustomed to handling during her recovery, she was able to be put up for adoption! A community cat no longer, Lady would be able to find a family to call her very own.

      Community cat Lady looks up at the camera with her beautiful golden eyes

      We are so grateful to have been a part of Lady’s journey, and her happy ending! To learn more about our St. George clinic and the services we offer, visit utahhumane.org/stg today.

      Belle’s Story: A Healing Journey

      Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
      Belle the dog laying on a couch

      A dedicated foster with the Humane Society of Utah (kept anonymous for this story) was on her way to pick up a mama dog and her litter of puppies. She had fostered many animals before, including young litters, and she was up to the task. But at the 11th hour, she received a call from the HSU Foster Team. An adult dog named Belle was in bad shape and desperately needed a foster home to recover. We asked our caring foster if she could take Belle instead. She did not hesitate to step in and help this poor dog on her healing journey. At the time, she did not realize how Belle would profoundly impact her life. 

      A Dog in Need

      Belle came to HSU after an accident left her with a terrible leg injury. In her previous home, she lived as an outdoor dog and got her leg caught in a backyard fence. By the time she was discovered, too much damage was done, and the leg would never heal properly. Amputating the leg was Belle’s only hope for living a pain-free and active life. We took Belle in and immediately prepped her for amputation surgery. 

      Belle’s road to recovery would be long and difficult, as her foster guardian soon found out. Her amputation site needed time to heal, but that was not her only problem. Upon further examination, HSU medical staff found foxtails embedded in her skin, causing painful sores. While Belle recovered, her foster guardian had to keep a careful eye on her various injuries. “We gave her daily medications and antibiotics, cleaned her wounds, gave her a comfortable place to rest, and lots of love.” 

      Belle the dog in a cone

      A Journey to Healing

      With time, patience, and proper care, Belle’s physical wounds began to heal. But she still struggled to adjust to her new life and surroundings. Her foster guardian discovered that she suffered from phantom pains associated with her missing limb and adjusting to life on three legs would not happen overnight. But her foster was ready to put in the work. Daily massage and sensory therapy helped to manage the phantom pains. Other minor adjustments also made a world of difference – “We made simple changes around the house to help Belle get around easier and more comfortable. We put slip-proof rugs and yoga mats on all the wood floors and got her a special harness.” Before long, the sweet and loveable tripawd navigated her new world like a pro! 

      A New Beginning

      Through Belle’s healing journey, her foster family started to see how well she fit into their lives. As she became more confident and comfortable, they saw her personality come through. She was sweet, intelligent, and loveable. She even bonded with their dog, Clementine. Before long, Belle’s foster guardian knew the goofy, loveable dog was not going anywhere; she was home. She decided to adopt Belle permanently. She recalls losing one of her dogs four years ago, “we didn’t think we would ever be able to recover from the loss we felt…until we met Belle. We knew that she was meant to be with us and there was no way we could ever let her go”. 

      These days, Belle is living a great life on three legs with her new family. Her foster-turned-adopter explains that she loves everyone and always wants to be around people. “We call her our little ‘BellHop’, because she is eager to please and ‘hoppy’ to escort you from room to room. The only form of payment she will accept is kind words and a pat on the back.” She loves her doggy sister, Clementine, and she loves to be a couch potato. She is unsure what to do with toys yet, but she is figuring it out! And mostly, she just wants love and cuddles. As her new forever family member describes, “We have 2 dogs again and our family feels complete now that Belle is part of it.”