Tag: Dog

A Remarkable Journey: Squash’s Story

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Squash, a tricolored dog undergoing treatment for a fractured femur head, relaxes on a couch following FHO surgery.

Squash’s story begins in October 2024. 5-month-old Squash and his two siblings were found running down a desolate, remote highway in rural Southern Utah nicknamed “The Loneliest Road.” They were scared of their wits, and much too thin.

Though none of the dogs had visible injuries, Squash was not able to bear weight on his left hind leg. The small rural shelter where Squash and his siblings arrived did not have the resources to investigate Squash’s injury, so he was transferred to the Humane Society of Utah. 

Squash, a tricolored dog, looks up at the camera following FHO surgery to repair his fractured femur head.

A Diagnosis is Made

Shortly after arriving at HSU, one of our licensed veterinarians diagnosed Squash with a fractured femur head. Squash would need costly orthopedic surgery and physical therapy, and HSU was determined to get him the care he needed.

Squash received a consult with an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon determined that he would need to undergo an FHO surgery. This surgery involved removing the top of Squash’s femur, which then created an artificial joint at the hip to alleviate the pain from his injury. Following a successful surgery, the next step was for Squash to go to physical therapy at Utah Pet Rehab to regain proper use of his leg.

While Squash was making his way through his treatment plan, he spent time in a foster home. Squash’s foster was absolutely enamored with him. She described him as a happy guy who loved nothing more than to lay his head in her lap while receiving pets.

However, Squash wasn’t out of the woods just yet.

An X-Ray of a dog shows a fractured femur head.

A Long Road Ahead

Squash’s physical therapy sessions revealed that, although his hip was doing well, other joints in his leg were showing signs of instability.

For Squash, this would have meant TPLO surgery. This would be an especially difficult recovery as he had already done an FHO. Squash was also likely to have further issues with his leg down the line. For these reasons, licensed veterinarians at the Humane Society of Utah decided the most humane and best option for Squash would be amputation.

With support from his loving foster family, Squash’s story continued as he underwent an amputation of his injured leg in mid-February. His foster said she and Squash would be doing some “heavy relaxing” following his procedure. This turned out to be just what Squash needed!

Squash’s recovery went beautifully. He would be able to get his staples out near the end of February. Afterwards, Squash could finally go on to find a family!

Squash, a tricolored dog, looks soulfully into the camera after undergoing an amputation of his hind left leg due to an injury.

From “Squash’s Story” to “Squish’s Story”

Squash was officially cleared for adoption on February 26th, but he didn’t have to wait long to find a home! Squash’s foster had to go out of town for a couple of weeks during his recovery, and during that time her parents took over fostering Squash for HSU. They fell in love with him, and decided to make him a permanent member of the family!

These days, Squash goes by “Squish” and spends his time playing with his new brother, Steve, cuddling with his hoomans, and enjoying long walks. Squish doesn’t know it yet, but his family has plans this summer to visit their house on Lake Michigan. He’s going to have such a great time swimming and adventuring with Steve!

We’re so happy to see Squish now living his best life! We are so thankful to everyone who made this happy ending possible. We want to give special thanks to Squish’s foster, the team at Utah Pet Rehab, and to Squish’s orthopedic surgeon. 

But most importantly, we want to thank YOU! Squish’s story would not have been possible without your generous contributions. Thanks to you, Squish is able to get around, pain-free!

Squash, a tricolored dog, sits on the couch next to Steve, a yellow lab. Squash was adopted following the amputation of his injured leg, and was excited to meet his new brother!

Your donations were integral to Squish’s story having a happy ending. Help more pets like Squish today by donating to the Humane Society of Utah.

Pet Poison Prevention: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
A dog sniffs some flowers outdoors. Pets' curious nature can often lead them to come across hazards, which is why pet poison prevention is so important.

In honor of March being National Pet Poison Prevention Month, we wanted to spotlight some of the most common poisoning hazards our pets encounter and how to keep your furry friends safe from harmful substances. Items which are harmless to humans can be hazardous to pets. It’s important to be proactive and make sure these materials are out of paw’s reach.

Keep an Eye Out for Household Hazards

There are several hazards pets may come across within the home environment. According to the ASPCA, the top toxins that caused the most issues for pets in 2023 included over-the-counter medications and human food and drinks. We’ve compiled a list of items you may have in your home that can cause problems for pets.

A graphic from the ASPCA lists off the top pet poison prevention hazards of 2023.

Kitchen

There are many items in the kitchen that, while benign for humans, are pet poison. Common foodstuffs which are toxic to animals include…

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and Raisins
  • Nuts such as Macadamias, Pecans, and Walnuts
  • Garlic and Onions
  • Alcohol
  • Salt and excessively Salty Foods

Another common culprit in pet poisonings is Xylitol, also known as “birch sugar.” Xylitol is a sugar alternative which is often found in sugar-free foods. Even small amounts of Xylitol can be dangerous for pets, causing symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, seizures, and sometimes death. Gum, candy, toothpaste, and condiments may contain Xylitol.

Garages and Sheds

In addition, many pet poisons can often be found in storage areas such as garages and sheds. Items to be aware of comprise of…

  • Insecticides or Pesticides
  • Rodent Poisons or Baits
  • Antifreeze
  • Ice Melt
  • Fertilizer

If you keep the above items or similar products in these storage areas, you’ll want to make sure they are in a place your pets are unable to get to.

Garden

Gardens and yards are such pleasant places for pets to visit, especially as the weather gets nicer. However, not all plants you may find in your garden are safe for pets. Flora pet guardians should be aware of include…

  • Lilies
  • Tulips
  • Daffodils
  • Oleander
  • Sago Palms
  • Azaleas
  • Hyacinths
  • Poppies

The ASPCA has compiled a comprehensive list of plants that have been reported to pose an issue for pets. The list also includes plants that are relatively safe for pets, so pet guardians know what they can safely plant in their garden!

Restroom

Another critical area of the home for pet poison prevention are restrooms. According to the ASPCA, the number one culprit in pet poisonings in 2023 was over-the-counter medication, with prescription medication not too far behind. Make sure these items are stowed away safely in a cupboard or medicine cabinet where pets are unable to reach them.

Additional hazards for pets in restrooms include…

  • Any and all cleaning products
  • Toothpaste and mouthwash
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Essential oils, perfumes, and colognes
  • Laundry detergents and bleach
  • Other cosmetic products, such as lotion
A tabby cat sniffs the inside of a full grocery bag. The kitchen is often a hub for hazards which need pet poison prevention measures to be taken.

Steps You Can Take Towards Pet Poison Prevention

The number one thing pet guardians can do to protect their furry friends from poisoning is to pet-proof the home. Though it may seem like a daunting task, putting in a little effort to ensure each area of the home is safe for your pets leads to a huge return on investment!

Additionally, supervising pets or setting up a safe room or area (such as a crate) that they can occupy while you are unable to watch them is key to pet poison prevention.

In case of emergency, we recommend having the phone numbers of both your emergency veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on hand. If you believe your pet has accessed something toxic, please contact one of these resources immediately.

Protect Your Dog: The Importance of the Leptospirosis Vaccine

Posted on by Guinn
A dog poses outside near a stream, which is one of the places pets can commonly contract Leptospirosis.

The Humane Society of Utah’s Murray Clinic now offers the Leptospirosis vaccine in accordance with the updated guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association. This vaccine helps protect dogs from Leptospirosis, a serious, potentially life-threatening, and preventable disease.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans. It is transmitted through contact with the urine of infected wildlife, typically from contaminated water sources such as puddles, lakes, or rivers. Dogs that spend time outdoors or near wildlife are at risk. 

The infection can cause severe health problems, including kidney and liver failure, and may be life-threatening. Dogs that recover from Leptospirosis can continue to shed the bacteria in their urine, putting other pets and people at risk. If you suspect your dog is ill, please take them to a full-service veterinarian.

Why is Vaccination Important?

Vaccinating your dog against Leptospirosis is the most effective way to prevent the disease. It also helps reduce the risk of transmission in the community. Vaccination protects your dog and those around them from exposure to this potentially harmful disease.

Vaccination Options at the Murray Clinic

The Murray Clinic offers two convenient vaccination options:

  1. DAPP/Leptospirosis Combination Vaccine: This vaccine covers multiple core illnesses, including Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis. The cost is $50, and no appointment is needed. The leptospirosis vaccine requires a booster 3-4 weeks after the first time it is given and then once yearly after that.
  2. Individual Leptospirosis Vaccine: For dogs not due for the DAPP vaccine, the standalone Leptospirosis vaccine is available at a reduced price of $30 per dose (previously $45). No appointment is needed.

Protect Your Pet Today

Leptospirosis is a serious disease, but it’s preventable with proper care. The Murray Clinic offers affordable and accessible vaccination options to help protect your dog.

Visit the clinic today to take advantage of these services. We’re open Monday–Friday:9:00 am–11:45 am / 1:00 pm-5:45 pm Saturday: 9:00 am–11:45 am / 1:00 pm-3:45, and no appointment is necessary. To learn more, visit www.utahhumane.org/clinic-locations/murray-clinic

An Important Service: Bristol’s Story

Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
Veterinarians in surgery

There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching your pet suffer, especially when you are not sure how to get the help they need. Bristol was a sweet senior dog who needed urgent dental care. She had a bad infection in her teeth which would become fatal if left untreated. Affordable dental care for pets is extremely hard to find, and pet guardians often have limited options. Luckily, the Humane Society of Utah St. George Clinic can provide a low-cost option in some emergency cases, thanks to the generous support of our community. We believe in keeping pets and families together whenever we can. Sometimes, an affordable veterinary service can make all the difference.

Finding Veterinary Service

The first thing our staff noticed about Bristol when she arrived at the St. George clinic was her sweet nature. She was friendly and excited to meet everyone at the clinic. However, under her sweet and goofy personality, Bristol was suffering. Many senior dogs experience dental issues. But Bristol’s case was so severe, she was no longer eating. Her guardian, N. Joy Witte, was extremely concerned and determined to help her beloved pet. 

Joy tried desperately to find the help she needed for her dog, but dental procedures are very expensive. That is when she turned to the St. George clinic. When we saw the severity of Bristol’s condition, we knew we had to do something. We offered to complete the procedure at a price Joy could afford. Then we got to work! Staff remember that Bristol was very sweet and good natured, even as she went through her exam and treatment.

Bristol the small tan dog

Bristol’s Beginning

Bristol’s story began long before she ever came to the St. George clinic. She was found as a stray pup ten years ago in Kentucky, emaciated and covered in fleas. A couple of kind strangers took her in, cared for her, and gave her a good home. However, after moving to Utah, they found they could not keep her any longer. That is when she found a new home with Joy. In her new home Bristol quickly became a part of the family. She fit right in with her human family members, as well as her two rescue dog siblings. Joy remembers when her husband was in hospice and Bristol formed a special connection with him. She would sit on his bed, giving love and cuddles until the day he passed. In the days since his passing, Bristol has been a source of love and companionship for the rest of the family. As Joy describes, “Bristol and I are best friends.”

Stories like this are a reminder of why affordable veterinary care is important for our community. Pets are so much more than animals who share a space with us. They are our family members and a source of comfort in our toughest times. There is no better feeling than sending an animal home to their family, happy and healthy! Joy explains, “they not only took care of Bristol, but also me. We will be forever grateful!”

Bristol the dog and her two dog siblings at home

Support for Affordable Veterinary Services

Bristol’s story might have had a very different ending without the support of our community. Thanks to our caring donors we can offer low-cost emergency care for pets like Bristol. Our affordable community services are made possible thanks to individual donor support, as well as generous funding partners. HSU is incredibly grateful to the Grey Muzzle Organization for providing grant funds to make dentals for senior dogs affordable to clients who need them most. If you want to help more pets in our community get the help they need, you can make a donation to the Humane Society of Utah. Today, we are thrilled to report that Bristol is back to her happy and healthy self, enjoying life with her beloved family. We think this is a perfect ending for a sweet and deserving pup like Bristol!

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!

      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.”

      Spreading Compassion: Kira’s Story

      Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
      Husky looking up and smiling

      At the Humane Society of Utah, we are fortunate to witness many stories of healing, resilience, and transformation. All of these stories are special in their own way, but Kira’s is particularly memorable. This beautiful husky teaches us that compassion has a ripple effect, and often extends beyond the walls of our facility. When Kira needed urgent help, the HSU community rallied around her. Today, not only is Kira healthy and thriving, but she is spreading compassion in her own way, bringing joy to people in her community who need it most.

      A Dog In Need

      When Kira arrived at HSU in early 2024 she needed urgent medical attention. She had significant damage in both eyes causing terrible discomfort. The scarring in one eye was so severe that it bulged from her face and her vision was limited, if not completely gone. Kira was clearly suffering and we could not let her continue in her condition. Removing both eyes would give Kira the best chance at a life free from pain and discomfort so we scheduled her for surgery. 

      Husky after eye surgery

      Eye removal surgery is an intense experience and the road to recovery takes time. Kira’s body needed to heal from the extensive procedure. Plus, any vision she might have had was now completely gone. With the help of a dedicated foster volunteer, she adjusted to life without her eyes. Through the whole ordeal Kira never lost her spirit. As she recovered and regained a sense of normalcy, her foster reported that she was sweet, intelligent, and curious. She loved going for walks, she navigated the world around her through smells and sounds, and she even learned to play fetch with the help of some noisy toys! 

      As we all watched Kira heal and blossom we became excited for the next chapter of her life. We knew things were looking up for Kira, but at the time we had no idea how her kind and curious spirit would touch the lives of those around her.

      Kira’s New Beginning

      Lara Edwards was looking for a new addition to the family, and Kira caught her attention immediately. She knew that adopting a blind animal would come with some challenges, but that didn’t deter her. As Lara describes, “I knew she was the one right away.” 

      These days, Kira is living a great life in her new home. Lara and her family found that with the right tools it did not take long for Kira to adjust to her surroundings. She quickly became friends with the family cat and formed a special bond with Lara’s daughter. The family is careful to keep her environment consistent so she knows her way around, just like any other dog. Lara tells us, “she has free range of the entire house and loves to nap and relax anywhere she wants”. And of course, the house is filled with her favorite squeaky toys!

      Spreading Compassion in the Community

      The story of a dog who was suffering and found the help she needed is incredible. If this story ended here, we would already be in awe of Kira’s transformation and the people who supported her along the way. But what makes this story extra special is the love and joy Kira brings to her community since finding her new home. Every week Lara, her daughter, and Kira volunteer their time at a local assisted living facility. The residents light up whenever Kira comes around. She is great at giving kisses, politely asking for pets, posing for photos, or just being a warm presence when someone needs a friend. We know how important it is for people and animals alike to have a sense of community. When someone is struggling or lonely, it means so much to feel connected to another living being. It is amazing to watch Kira and her family spreading compassion and making a difference in the lives of others.

      The staff and residents have come to enjoy Kira so much, you might even call her a celebrity! She even has a special poster displayed around the facility, so residents know when they can look forward to a visit from Kira. 

      Poster of Kira the Husky

      Kira’s story is a perfect example of what happens when animals receive the help and compassion they need to thrive. Choosing a dog with special needs will always come with some unique challenges. But we didn’t just see Kira’s challenges and neither did Lara. We saw a dog with a zest for life and so much love to give. Kira received support and comfort when she needed it most, and now she provides support and comfort to others. If you take a chance on a special needs animal, an older animal, or an animal who has been overlooked, you never know how they might surprise you. As Lara describes, “I am the luckiest person in the world because Kira came into my life.”

      • Kira the husky sitting a facing forward
      • Kira the husky getting pets from a resident
      • Kira the husky getting pets from a resident