Tag: pet health

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.

Humane Society of Utah to Distribute 100 Cat Spay/Neuter Vouchers on World Spay Day

Posted on by Shae

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Feb. 24, 2025
Media Alert 
Humane Society of Utah to Distribute 100 Cat Spay/Neuter Vouchers on World Spay Day

WHO:

The Humane Society of Utah (HSU)

WHAT:

In celebration of World Spay Day, HSU is distributing 100 spay/neuter vouchers for cat owners. Each voucher provides a $100 discount on a spay/neuter procedure and includes a free FVRCP vaccination and booster, made possible by Petco Love Foundation.

WHEN:

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, starting at 8 a.m. (while supplies last)

WHERE:

Humane Society of Utah Murray Clinic

4242 South 300 West, Murray, UT

Murray, Utah, Feb. 25, 2025—The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) welcomes the media to attend and report on its World Spay Day event. HSU will distribute one hundred $50 cat spay vouchers. These vouchers will provide community members with a $100 discount off regularly priced producers. Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8 a.m. at the Murray clinic. 

Voucher recipients must present their voucher at check-in to receive the $100 discount on a cat spay/neuter procedure. An appointment is required, and all cats must be at least 16 weeks old and up to date on their FVRCP vaccination to qualify for surgery. Cat owners may also use the vouchers for neuter procedures. Thanks to the generosity of Petco Love Foundation, voucher recipients will also receive a free FVRCP vaccination and booster at the time of surgery.


“Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce pet overpopulation and ease the burden on animal shelters,” said Guinnevere Shuster, director of marketing and communications at the Humane Society of Utah. “By preventing unwanted litters, we can ensure that more resources are available for pets already in shelters, giving them a better chance at finding loving homes.”

Vouchers are limited to one per household and expire on Dec. 31, 2025. World Spay Day, an annual campaign by the Humane Society of the United States, highlights the importance of spaying and neutering pets to reduce pet overpopulation.

Suggested Tweet: 🐱💙 In honor of #WorldSpayDay, @UtahHumane is giving away 100 cat spay/neuter vouchers ($100 discount) starting at 8 a.m. on Feb. 25! First come, first served at 4242 South 300 W in Murray.  Plus, get a free FVRCP vaccine and booster, thanks to @PetcoLove.

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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 Humane Society of Utah 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 animal resource center in the state, the Humane Society of Utah 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 

Last Litter: An Important (and Adorable!) Community Resource

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Four kittens sit on a rainbow blanket against a white backdrop promoting the Last Litter program.

Have you heard of the Humane Society of Utah’s Last Litter program? This program was designed for pet guardians who need help getting their mother pet spayed and rehoming her final litter of puppies or kittens.

A Last Litter kitten peers out from inside a blanket fort. Only their eyes and nose are visible.

The Origins of Last Litter

HSU created the Last Litter program in 2021 after seeing an influx of kittens in the community. The program was later opened to puppies in 2023.

“We started our Last Litter program out of a deep respect for mama cats and dogs and the people who love them, but who were unable to access spay services to prevent unintentional breeding,” said Juli Ulvestad, HSU’s Pet Resource Center Director.

“The benefit we hadn’t planned on is that the program has drawn litters of puppies and kittens to HSU who otherwise may have been given away without vaccination or spay/neuter themselves, so their guardian can take advantage of the free spay for mama.  This means those puppies and kittens won’t ever have an accidental litter themselves and increases the impact of this program exponentially.”

Two kittens pose against a white backdrop promoting Last Litter. One cat is tortoiseshell, and the other is a brown tabby.

How It Works

The first step for pet guardians signing up for Last Litter is to fill out an application on our website. A $30 deposit towards the $100 intake fee is required to hold an appointment. Program requirements to be aware of include…

  • Kittens in a qualifying litter must be between 2 and 5 months old and weigh at least 2 lbs.
  • Puppies in a qualifying litter must be between 2 and 4 months old and weigh at least 2 lbs.
  • The mother pet must be sufficiently healthy for surgery and safely handleable for staff
  • Qualifying pets must be owned pets rather than stray or community pets

On the morning of the Last Litter appointment, pet guardians drop their mother pet off at our clinic for her spay procedure. In the afternoon, pet guardians should bring her last litter to our Admissions Department for intake into HSU’s care. Then, mama can go home with her human family, and her puppies or kittens will be prepped for adoption!

Although Last Litter is for owned pets, The Humane Society of Utah also has options for community cat caregivers. CATNIP is HSU’s TNR (trap, neuter, return) program, created to serve free-roaming cats in the area. You can learn more about CATNIP and schedule an appointment on our website.

“We wanted to figure out a way to address overpopulation concerns while providing services for the mother pet and current litter,” said Amber Henry, HSU’s Senior Manager of Admissions and Pet Resources. “Last Litter has continued to grow year to year, and we are excited with how popular it has been!”

Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet Before Six Months of Age

Posted on by Guinn

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most responsible and impactful decisions you can make as a pet owner. While these procedures are beneficial at any age, performing them before your pet reaches six months of age provides unique advantages for both your pet and the community.

At the Humane Society of Utah, we’re passionate about educating pet owners on the importance of early spay/neuter. We are excited to offer a special promotion at our St. George clinic to help make it easier than ever.

Why Spay or Neuter Before Six Months of Age?

1. Prevent Unwanted Litters

Did you know cats and dogs can mature sexually at four to six months old? By spaying or neutering your pet before this age, you eliminate the risk of accidental litters and help reduce the number of homeless animals entering shelters each year.

2. Health Benefits

Early spay or neuter can help protect your pet from certain cancers and infections. For female pets, spaying before their first heat cycle significantly lowers the risk of uterine infections and breast cancer. Neutering males can prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate issues.

3. Behavioral Improvements

Spaying and neutering can also prevent hormone-driven behaviors such as roaming/escaping, spraying/marking, or aggression. Pets who undergo these procedures early are often calmer, more focused on their people, and better companions.

4. Easier Recovery

Younger pets recover more quickly from spay or neuter surgery than older animals. At six months or younger, pets experience shorter healing times and fewer post-operative complications, making it an ideal time for the procedure.

Special Offer: $25/$15 Off Spay/Neuter for Dogs/Cats Under Six Months!

To encourage early spay and neuter, the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George clinic offers $25 off spay and neuter procedures for dogs under six months of age!

Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility: This offer applies to dogs and cats six months of age or younger at the time of the procedure (not the time of scheduling).

• Offer Period: The promotion will run until May 1, 2025.

• How to Schedule: Contact our St. George clinic to book your pet’s spay or neuter appointment online; enter code EARLY to receive $25 off a puppy spay/neuter or $15 off a kitten spay/neuter.

Why Take Action Now?

Spaying or neutering your pet early is a simple yet profound way to improve their quality of life, protect their health, and contribute to the fight against pet overpopulation. By scheduling your pet’s surgery before six months of age, you’ll give them the best possible start while ensuring your community benefits as well.

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. 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!

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!

      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.