Tag: Events

An Enchanting Masquerade: Highlights From The 2024 Gala

Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
Masquerade mask on a table

Our community came together on Saturday, November 2nd, for a night of enchantment at the annual Wags to Wishes Gala. The theme was masquerade and our attendees did not disappoint! Looking across the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Salt Lake City, a spectator would find a sea of elegant costumes and unique decorative masks. Why did all of these people converge on the Hyatt ballroom in their masquerade finest? To show their support for the Humane Society of Utah and raise much-needed funds for local pets and their families! 

Thanks to our caring supporters, the 2024 Wags to Wishes Gala was the most successful to date. Over $320,000 was raised to support animal care, community clinic services, pet retention, humane education programs, and so much more.

Stilt walkers in decorative masks

An Evening of Masquerade Fun

This year’s Gala was full of unique and exciting experiences for attendees. The reception hall featured acrobatic performances by artists clad in intricate masquerade attire, and VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive meet-&-greet with Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, Bronwyn Newport. Guests created lasting memories with their friends and families at a special photo-op provided by PixieGramUtah Photobooth. And, of course, attendees enjoyed their regular gala favorites. Guests were bidding on auction items, participating in the opportunity drawing, and eating delicious food!

A Humane Society of Utah gala would not be complete without the real stars of the show – the animals! Attendees visited the puppy lounge to take a break from the hustle and bustle and get some cuddles from adoptable HSU puppies. The gala program featured heartwarming stories of cats and dogs who overcame adversity and found a better life with the help of HSU staff and generous support from our community of donors. With these stories, attendees witnessed the real-life impact of their donations: animals whose lives are better today because of their support. Three HSU alumni dogs, Belle, Hank, and Xena, even made an appearance to walk the doggy runway and get some well-deserved attention from their adoring public!

Large dog in a bow tie

A Good Night For A Good Cause

The Wags to Wishes Gala is always a great time, but it is also an important fundraiser. All proceeds from the gala go back to the animals and our community. This message was clear throughout the event. It was an atmosphere of fun, excitement, support, compassion, and care for animals. The Humane Society of Utah is immensely grateful to all who showed up on November 2nd for animals in our community. By bidding, donating, or simply attending, all who participated made a difference for families and pets in Utah! Funds from this event will support shelter care, medical resources, community clinic services, and life-saving programs, reaching thousands of animals and community members as we head into the new year. If you want to help even more animals in this season of giving, you can contribute today at utahhumane.org/donate! 

We hope to see everyone again next year for another great gala and another night of support for animals! Thanks to all who made Wags to Wishes a success!

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.

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!

Bark At The Moon: Pet Party for a Cause

Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
Golden retriever in the splash pad

Do you want to party with your pup, while supporting homeless animals in Utah? Look no further than Bark at the Moon, the best dog party in town! Presented by Fetch Pet Insurance, this pup-friendly festival returns to the Gateway on May 18th. Attendees can expect an evening of great food, local vendors, and entertainment for dogs and humans! But what makes this event truly special? All proceeds (including your ticket purchase!) directly support the Humane Society of Utah’s animals and lifesaving programs. Have a fun evening with your dog, and know that you are supporting animals in your community!

Old Favorites and New Activities

Bark at the Moon regulars will recognize some of their familiar favorites including: our local vendor alley full of pup-friendly treats and trinkets, delicious food truck fare, live music by Cry Wolf, and of course, our evening glow-walk! But this year, we are excited to add some fun new elements as well. Visitors and their dogs can participate in enrichment activities, interactive art stations, and a doggy sensory walk! Our behavior staff will be onsite to answer your questions about training and enrichment as you try these fun activities with your pup. But the fun doesn’t stop there – be sure to participate in our opportunity drawing for the chance to win exciting prizes! 

Representatives from the Humane Society of Utah will be at Bark at the Moon to discuss our various programs and services. As you enjoy your evening, you can learn about our community clinic services, pet adoptions, and stellar education programs. The Humane Society of Utah has so much to offer, not only for homeless pets, but also for pet guardians in the community. Who knows? Maybe our programs have something great to offer for you, your pet, or someone important in your life!

Brown and white dog at Bark at the Moon glow-walk

Tickets Will Go Quickly: Get Yours Today!

If this sounds like a howling good time, get your tickets now! Bark at the Moon sold out in 2023, and we are expecting another great turnout this year. Don’t miss out on the fun and festivity! Every ticket purchased directly benefits the Humane Society of Utah’s lifesaving programs, giving homeless pets in our community a second chance. By joining Bark at the Moon, you’re not just treating your dog to a fun night out; you are making a real difference!

Celebrating Compassion: Highlights from HSU’s 2023 Wags to Wishes Gala

Posted on by Guinn

The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) was thrilled to host our annual Wags to Wishes Gala on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, at the luxurious Little America Hotel. It was a night of celebration and enchantment, thanks to the incredible support of our presenting sponsor, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. The Gala is the pinnacle of HSU’s fundraising calendar, an evening to celebrate our accomplishments and the incredible compassion of our donors and sponsors.

Embracing Firsts and Celebrating Advocates

From the beginning, the 2023 Gala stood out as a night of ‘firsts.’ Renowned reality star, author, and animal welfare advocate Lala Kent dazzled as the event emcee. She held the audience captive from start to finish with her trademark charm and wit. Moreover, this year’s Gala marked the debut of HSU’s new Executive Director, Alexis Pagoulatos. We are thrilled to begin a new era of leadership under her experienced direction. The Gala was the perfect event to introduce Ms. Pagoulatos to our most esteemed donors, sponsors, and community supporters. 

Amidst this night of glitz and glamour, we took the opportunity to recognize some of our biggest champions for animal welfare. The first annual Charitable Giving Award recognized Mountain America Credit Union for their outstanding support year after year. The first annual Legacy Award honored the late Curtis Lipke, who left a remarkable gift to the Humane Society of Utah after his passing. Both awards are a testament to the compassion and generosity of the community that surrounds us.

Paw-fect Stars on Stage: From Struggle to Stability

What Humane Society of Utah Gala would be complete without the true stars of the show: the animals! A heartwarming doggy runway show featuring HSU alumni, was a highlight of the evening. As these precious pups took to the stage in front of an adoring audience, we shared their touching journeys from adversity to long-lasting companionship. Their tales of transformation are a testament to the impact of our collective efforts. 

Inspired by these stories of hope and resilience, the Gala attendees opened their hearts and their wallets. Generous contributions poured forth during the program, lighting the path for even more stories of success and healing. 

Gratitude for a Record-Breaking Evening

The collective dedication of our staff, volunteers, and attendees culminated in a night to remember. Together, we raised nearly $250,000! This astounding success will empower HSU to help Utah’s homeless pets even more heading into the new year. 

As the curtains closed on this remarkable evening, our hearts swelled with gratitude. To everyone who contributed, attended, and supported our mission: you are the driving force behind our lifesaving work. We eagerly anticipate the years to come and the continuation of our cherished partnerships. We hope you all will join us for another fantastic Gala in 2024 and another opportunity to celebrate our shared devotion to the animals!

Celebrating the Heart and Soul of Our Community: The Humane Society of Utah’s Volunteer Appreciation Party

Posted on by Guinn

The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) recently hosted an event to honor our volunteers and foster families. On September 20th, the organization threw a Volunteer Appreciation Party, bringing together a remarkable group of individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time, energy, and love to the cause of animal welfare. It was a night filled with food, live music, awards, and a raffle. It was all made possible through the generosity of local businesses who lent their financial support to cover the costs of this event.

One of the highlights of the evening was the awards ceremony, where dedicated volunteers were recognized and celebrated for their exceptional contributions. It’s a moment that puts into focus the incredible impact each of them has made in the lives of countless animals. Whether it was hours spent cleaning kennels, assisting with adoptions, or providing love and care to the animals, each volunteer’s contribution was valued and acknowledged.

The evening was made even more special with a raffle featuring a wide array of items, all generously donated by local businesses. This not only added a layer of excitement to the event but also served as a touching reminder of the support that the Humane Society of Utah receives from its community.

The heartwarming statistics of the night added a touch of awe to the already emotional atmosphere. In 2022, HSU volunteers collectively dedicated an astounding 20,579 hours of service, an invaluable contribution valued at an estimated $267,527. Additionally, foster families cared for 1,189 sick or needy animals, providing these vulnerable animals with the love and care they needed. These figures highlight the volunteers’ and foster families’ dedication and unwavering commitment, demonstrating that their efforts are a true labor of love.

Special thanks to these local businesses for helping us honor the dedicated volunteers and foster families of the Humane Society of Utah. Bjorn’s Coffee – Sandy, Squatch Pizza, Zoom Room Dog Training – Sandy, Taqueria 27 – Fashion Place, Porcupine Pub & Grille, Squatters, So Cupcake, Sweet Hazel & Co, Painting with a Twist – Murray, Dodo Restaurant, Bohemian Brewery, RedRock Brewery, Quick Quack Car Wash, Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi, Ma and Paws Bakery, Megaplex Theaters, Slackwater Pizzeria – Sandy, and Haron’s Midvale.

Uniting Hearts and Paws: HSU Joins Clear the Shelter

Posted on by Guinn

With summer in full swing, an event on the horizon brings together the forces of love, care, and companionship—Clear the Shelters. This annual nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign, presented by NBCUniversal Local, is returning for its ninth consecutive year from August 1 to 31.

A Month of Joy and Compassion: Clear the Shelters

Clear the Shelters isn’t just an event—it’s a movement, a heartfelt initiative that resonates with pet lovers, animal advocates, and communities across the United States and Puerto Rico. NBC and Telemundo-owned and affiliated stations partner with local animal shelters and rescue services to ignite a change for animals in need. Together, they amplify the message of pet adoption, creating awareness and raising funds for animal welfare.

August 26: Clear the Shelter in Utah

Mark your calendars for August 26, from 10 am to 7 pm. The Pet Resource Center in Murray will be buzzing with excitement as HSU invites you to join the movement.

You’ll have the chance to meet animals of all shapes and sizes, each with a unique story waiting to be shared.​ Adoption fees will be waived for all cats, kittens, and bunnies. Various dogs will have “name your own price” adoption fees. When you Adopt from the Humane Society​ of Utah, you’ll help create space in the shelter for other animals in need.​ You know you’re getting an animal who has been properly assessed and cared for. Your pet has been microchipped, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated. ​Plus, ​H​SU offers training advice and educational information to support pet families for the life of their newly adopted pets.

Whether you’re an experienced pet owner or taking your first step into pet ownership, you’ll find guidance, support, and a wealth of resources to help you make the right choice at the Humane Society of Utah! 

Unveiling Unforgettable Moments: HSU’s Exclusive Members-Only Reception

Posted on by Guinn
HSU Members

The Humane Society Of Utah hosted our first-ever Members-only reception, welcoming an inaugural group of members to this new annual event. Our members gathered in the auditorium to meet with HSU Directors, enjoy a spread of donated local hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and learn more about the programs supported by their generous donations. Our staff saw instantly that we were surrounded by passionate supporters with various backgrounds and experiences but a shared love for animals. 

The evening included a clinic tour hosted by our Medical Director, Dr. Timna Fischbein. Members looked inside the clinic, where over 140,000 vaccines and over 10,500 spay/neuter surgeries are administered annually, providing a low-cost option for pet guardians in the community. HSU Member Riley Alexander expressed the importance of these services, saying, “Animals are a vital part of many families, some with means and some without. But those without means do not love their animals any less. Having an organization that helps those with fewer means keep their beloved animals is a wonderful pursuit.”

HSU Members were also treated to a tour of the Education Department and even interacted with some of our favorite coworkers: the education animals! Attendees met Snoop Hoggy Hog the hedgehog, Sasha the rabbit, Milton and Nellie the Ferrets, and Matilda and Carolina the rats, to name a few. Our education program offers a look at some of the more unique animals that we see come through HSU. When asked what he learned during the reception, Member David Swift responded: “I learned that chinchillas bathe in volcanic dust. It was the cutest thing to see one roll and flip around in the dust.” Haley Kroepfl, the HSU Education Manager, shared her expertise about our education program and the importance of teaching our animal welfare values to the next generation. HSU Member David Swift puts it perfectly: “Education is the key to getting animals treated better.”

The member reception was an excellent opportunity to make in-person connections with the donors who do so much to support our programs and operations. Donors like you are vital to HSU; our funding comes almost exclusively from community grants, sponsorships, and individual donors. The excellent care and resources we can provide for animals in need would not be possible without the caring individuals who choose to support us.

Dog-Friendly Event at Gateway to Benefit Humane Society of Utah

Posted on by Shae
Silver lab jumps in water fountain at Bark at the Moon event.

Contact: Guinn Shuster

Email: [email protected]

Cell: 801-638-4685

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May  17, 2023

News Release

DOG-FRIENDLY EVENT AT GATEWAY TO BENEFIT HUMANE SOCIETY OF UTAH

Salt Lake City, Utah, May  20, 2023 — Bark at the Moon, presented by Subaru, returns to the Gateway to raise funds for the Humane Society of Utah. Tickets are available for the event online at utahhumane.org/bark or at the Gateway Mall on Sat., May 20, 2023. The Humane Society of Utah invites pet lovers to participate in its dog-friendly event — the funds raised at Bark at the Moon are more important than ever! 

Brian Friedman, Subaru’s Retailer Marketing Manager, said, “Subaru and our Retailers believe in being a positive force in the communities in which we live and work, not just with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow. Animals are near and dear to our hearts at Subaru, as well as our customers. Partnering with HSU allows us to help find loving homes for as many of them as possible through this sponsorship, events like BAM, as well as adoption events held at our stores here in Utah throughout the year. Loving pets is part of our DNA at Subaru and that is why when you visit the majority of our stores, you will find Dog Parks onsite, treats on the counters and in some cases adopted animals who have become part of the Team!”

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and can be purchased online at utahhumane.org/bark. All proceeds will go directly to the Humane Society of Utah to support its mission of providing shelter, care, and adoption services for homeless animals. The event takes place on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Registration includes fun-filled dog activities, live music, food trucks and drinks, an array of vendor booths, and a night glow walk. 

“We are grateful for the support of the community members and Subaru! After record numbers of dogs being surrendered to our shelter this year, we need their support now more than ever,” said Guinnevere Shuster, Director of Marketing and Communications at Humane Society of Utah. “This event will help us continue to provide the best possible care for the animals in our shelter and find them loving homes.”

Suggested Tweet: Join @utahhumane and other pet lovers for Bark at the Moon on May 20 at The Gateway. Bring your furry friends along too! All proceeds raised from this event go towards the animals in their care. 

Photos/b-roll from Bark at the Moon 2022 for media use are available here.

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About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Utah Humane Society has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the largest private nonprofit animal resource center in the state, the Humane Society Society welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Subaru Presents Bark at the Moon

Posted on by Guinn
Black dog plays in fountain at Bark at the Moon event.

Join us on Saturday, May 20th, from 5–9 pm for Bark at the Moon, a dog-friendly event to raise funds to support the lifesaving programs at HSU. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids and include admission to the festival. Dogs must be six months of age or older, up to date on vaccinations, and socialized with other dogs and people.

Tan dogs visits Subaru Booth at Bark at the Moon event.
Silver lab jumps in water fountain at Bark at the Moon event.
Two dogs sit in owners' laps at the Gateway.
Small black dog rides in stroller at friendly event.
Crowd explores food trucks at dog-friendly event.

“This is a fun community event to raise money for our homeless companion animals,” said Kaya Nielsen, HSU event manager. “We’re excited to return to The Gateway this year and grateful to the participating businesses for their support that allows us to bring people and pets together.”

Bark at the Moon will feature over 30 local vendors, food trucks, craft beer, live music, a splash zone for the dogs, a doggy food truck, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and more. At 9 pm, pets and people can participate in a glow walk around The Gateway. 

As a local private nonprofit, the Humane Society of Utah relies solely on donations and small fees for some services; we do not receive state or federal funding and are not a branch of any national organization. However, we are grateful for our sponsors like Subaru and community supporters like you! To purchase your tickets to Bark at the Moon, click here.