Year: 2021

Humane Society of Utah Offers Holiday Safety Tips For Pets 

Posted on by Shae

News Release

Humane Society of Utah Offers Holiday Safety Tips For Pets 

Murray – UT, Dec. 20, 2021 – “The holiday season is a joyous time when everyone decorates, cooks, and comes together to celebrate with loved ones, including their furry family members.” Says Guinnevere Shuster, associate director of marketing and communications at Humane Society of Utah. “ With the holiday hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget about the potential dangers of holiday festivities for pets.” The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) offers these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe this holiday season.

Holiday safety tips for pets:

  1. The following foods can cause anything from vomiting and diarrhea to liver failure. Ask guests not to share food with your pets during holiday parties. Your family and friends may mean well, but this is an excellent opportunity to share healthy pet tips like these.
  • Cooked bird bones, skin, turkey fat, ham, and gravy.
  • Stuffing and other dishes with onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins.
  • Desserts. Especially those containing chocolate or xylitol.
  1. Avoid these winter plants, which are poisonous to cats and dogs: Poinsettias, Holly and Mistletoe, Lilies and Daffodils, and Amaryllis.
  2. Christmas trees may pose a danger to pets if they knock them over or ingest tinsel or ornaments, which may resemble their regular toys in shapes and colors. We suggest placing baby gates in doorways to keep pets away from the tree if they are overly interested in your tree.
  3. Keep all food and trash out of reach. This can be one of the hardest things to remember on a busy holiday. Those table scraps may be too tempting to your pet. If you do not have a locking lid on your trash can, try placing it in the pantry or taking your trash out before enjoying dinner.
  4. If you add a new kitten or puppy to your family, keep them safe by getting them vaccinated.
  5. Keep fresh water available to drink. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed, so they may require more water on a busy holiday.
  6. Provide access to a quiet place to retreat from the crowds. This gives your pets the option to venture out to visit if they feel like it and will help them be more at ease if they need space.
  7. Provide them with some pet-friendly fun!
  • Give them a treat dispenser, such as a treat stuffed Kong for dogs or a long-lasting chew.
  • Surprise them with a new toy! 
  • Consider playing some tunes or leaving TV or cat-friendly Youtube videos in a separate room for them.

Photos for media use can be downloaded here.

Suggested Tweet: Tips from @utahhumane to keep your pets safe this #Holiday season. (insert your link) 

###

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 open-admission private animal resource center in the state, the Utah Humane 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 

‘Tis the Season to Keep Your Pets

Posted on by Shae
cute white puppy with black spots on a red blanket with a red sequin bowtie

The holiday season is a joyous time when everyone decorates, cooks, and comes together to celebrate with loved ones, including their furry family members. With the holiday hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget about the potential dangers of holiday festivities for pets. The Humane Society of Utah offers these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe this holiday season.

Grey and white kitten in red tin can that has Happy Holiday text on front

Holiday safety tips for pets:

  1. The following foods can cause anything from vomiting and diarrhea to liver failure. Ask guests not to share food with your pets during holiday parties. Your family and friends may mean well, but this is an excellent opportunity to share healthy pet tips like these.
    • Cooked bird bones, skin, turkey fat, ham, and gravy.
    • Stuffing and other dishes with onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins.
    • Desserts. Especially those containing chocolate or xylitol.
  1. Avoid these winter plants, which are poisonous to cats and dogs: Poinsettias, Holly and Mistletoe, Lilies and Daffodils, and Amaryllis.
  2. Christmas trees may pose a danger to pets if they knock them over or ingest tinsel or ornaments, which may resemble their regular toys in shapes and colors. We suggest placing baby gates in doorways to keep pets away from the tree if they are overly interested in your tree.
  3. Keep all food and trash out of reach. This can be one of the hardest things to remember on a busy holiday. Those table scraps may be too tempting to your pet. If you do not have a locking lid on your trash can, try placing it in the pantry or taking your trash out before enjoying dinner.
  4. If you add a new kitten or puppy to your family, keep them safe by getting them vaccinated.
  5. Keep fresh water available to drink. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed, so they may require more water on a busy holiday.
  6. Provide access to a quiet place to retreat from the crowds. This gives your pets the option to venture out to visit if they feel like it and will help them be more at ease if they need space.
  7. Provide them with some pet-friendly fun!
    • Give them a treat dispenser, such as a treat stuffed Kong for dogs or a long-lasting chew.
    • Surprise them with a new toy! 
    • Consider playing some tunes or leaving TV or cat-friendly Youtube videos in a separate room for them.

Wags to Wishes 2021 Gala Recap

Posted on by Shae
wags to wishes 2021 Gala recap

On Saturday, December 4th, 2021, the Humane Society of Utah celebrated 61 years of helping animals during its annual Wags to Wishes Gala, sponsored by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. The hour-long event was held virtually this year. It included live videos from HSU’s leadership team, special guests, an interactive bingo game, silent and live items, and an opportunity for participants to send in selfies featured in real-time. 

During the event, Utah Humane’s Executive Director, Vaughn Maurice, shared some of the organization’s recent accomplishments. He stated, “2021 has been a banner year in many ways. One of our most impressive achievements is the 32% increase in spay and neuter surgeries at our Murray clinic. ” Vaughn also pointed out that HSU transported many homeless pets from the Rocky Mountains, Texas, and California to our Pet Resource Center in Murray for adoption.  

In the fall of 2020, HSU opened a low-cost spay and neuter and vaccination clinic in St. George, which conducted 2,900 surgeries in 2021. The success of this clinic has proved that a permanent Pet Resource Center is needed and would be sustainable in this area. A further analysis was conducted to determine the best location for the facility. In August of this year, HSU purchased a 2.2-parcel of land in the heart of the commercial district of Washington County, near Costco, which has the largest retail traffic in the area. This new facility will provide shelter for all domestic animals, a low-cost spay and neuter and vaccination clinic, and a humane education center. 

At the program’s end, Craig Cook, HSU’s Board President, showed a photo of HSU’s original cinder block shelter from 1960 and our current state-of-the-art, 40,000 square foot modern facility. He said, “This growth is all because of people like you and the contributions you have given us throughout the years.” 

Karin Duncker, HSU’s Development Director, is delighted with the response to this year’s gala. “The generosity of our sponsors, donors, and participants was so heartwarming. We raised over $125,000, making this year’s virtual event even more successful than last! More importantly, we had the opportunity to have some fun with our supporters, sponsors, and staff and even glimpse their “house parties” through selfie-sharing. We look forward to being together in person in 2022!”

HSU’s 2021 Wags to Wishes fundraising goal was to raise $150,000 for animals in need. If you were unable to attend virtually, you can still help us reach our goal by making a tax-deductible donation towards our Gala Fund-a-Need project, directly benefiting homeless puppies infected with life-threatening parvovirus. Donate at: utahhumane.org/donate

The Guide to Understanding Your New Puppy

Posted on by Guinn
Tan puppy with black muzzle and ears laying on white backdrop with head on tan and yellow pillow.

You brought home a new puppy, now what?

Were you one of many people who recently added a new puppy to your household? Owning a puppy goes beyond basic training, and understanding what to expect in the first year can make living with your best friend much more enjoyable. We created a puppy timeline to help you understand how a puppy develops and reminds you of important milestones. We also offer virtual puppy classes. You can sign up for classes here. There is also a free printable PDF of the Puppy Timeline on that page too. 

puppy development timeline guide infographic
Puppy Development Timeline guide

What Breed of Dog is That?

Posted on by Guinn
two pictures of the same brindle mixed breed one year apart.

“What breed of dog is that?” This is one of the most common questions we hear at the Humane Society of Utah. What breed would you guess for this Utah Humane Society alum, Rosco? Rosco came to our shelter two years ago with his littermates. His family recently sent her DNA results to us, which we have shared below. 

Even the most experienced dog lovers don’t know a dog’s mixed-lineage or exact breed without a DNA test. One study found that 90 percent of a dog’s breed that was guessed by shelter staff didn’t match the predominant breed identified through DNA analysis. Another study revealed that experts seldom agree on their breed guesses, so one person’s Mastiff mix is another’s Boxer mix or Lab-hound mix.

As a result, you’ll now find most “mixed-breed” dogs on our website are labeled as small, medium, or large mixed-breed. Since most dogs who come to our shelter don’t have pedigree papers, most people may try to label them by the breeds they most closely resemble, leading adopters to make assumptions about their personalities and future behavior based on these breed guesses.

The truth is, there is a wide range of behavior, even in purebred dogs. For example, a purebred field Golden Retriever will behave differently than a purebred show or pet Golden Retriever. Now, mix three or four breeds into one dog and it’s anybody’s guess as to which personality and behavior traits will shine through. Each dog has a genetic predisposition and unique learning history that shapes its personality. This is why we encourage people to meet each dog they are interested in adopting in person instead of making assumptions based on a breed label. Treat the dog in front of you as an individual, and get to know each dog’s unique personality to see if he or she is the right fit for you!

2021 Gift Guide for Every Animal Lover

Posted on by Shae
gift guide

Our 2021 Gift Guide aims to help you find the perfect unique gift for the animal lover in your life. Shop for a good cause or support local!

A book for any coffee table

This fundraising book project, Salty Dogs, by award-winning pet photographer Dawn McBride of Fuzzy Love Photography is a must-have this holiday season. This limited-edition coffee table book will be a collection of whimsical images highlighting the diverse career paths of the dogs of Salt Lake City and beyond. Salty Dogs is raising awareness for the Humane Society of Utah in “Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty,” with 50% of the book sales being donated to help Utah’s homeless pets in our care. Purchase the book here. 

Be in the know for all dog-friendly events

Be in the know with the Dog Friendly SLC calendar: featuring tons of photos of great local pups, tips for monthly adventures, important dog holidays, and the dates of every dog event they could get their hands on! This glossy 8.5″ x 11″ coil-bound calendar is the perfect place to keep track of all your pup’s social engagements. Stock is limited so hurry and pre-order!

Find the perfect trail for your adventure friends

Check out Girl on a Hike‘s new paperback book, Hiking Utah’s County High Points.  HIking will get you away from crowds, allow you to explore somewhere new, provide a free full-body workout without a gym membership,   and you can spend time alone or bond with friends. This book also includes 20 “Bonus Peaks” that every peak bagger should mark off their Utah list!  Pick up your copy here. 

Stay fashionably warm this winter with HSU swag 

Our retail store is full of great gift ideas… from hats to hoodies, cat bowls, and more! Visit anytime during our Adoption Center hours, 10 am to 7 pm, seven days a week. Or visit our online store. 

Local, eco-friendly product that is as good for the planet as it is for you!​​​

Wild Waters Soapery will keep your friends feeling pampered with their handmade products.  With individual soaps, holiday gift sets, or gift cards, you can’t go wrong with purchasing from this local business. 

Yummy treats – Vegan candy and baked goods

Who doesn’t love a bakery named after a cat? Sweet Hazel & Co is located just down the street from our pet resource center has some of the tastiest treats around. Their Snix 4-pack is a favorite amongst our staff. 

Unique gifts by local artists

Clever Octopus Reuse Market has something you won’t find anywhere else for that one-of-a-kind gift. Or pick up your affordable craft supplies and make something yourself. Located at 2250 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City. 


We hope this gift guide helps you find the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life!

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Posted on by Shae

A Tax Efficient Way for Donors to Give & Receive

charitable trusts

By Lisa R. Schneider AAMS, AIF

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can be a great way for donors to plan for both charitable giving and tax efficient benefits to themselves, their spouses, or others. Tax savings are generated because donors receive income, gift, and estate tax deductions for the value of their charitable donations and can defer or avoid capital gains tax when appreciated assets are donated.

What is a CRT?

A CRT is an irrevocable trust that enables donors to give money or property to charities while continuing to receive income from the property for life or for a period of time. The donor (called grantor) and/or other beneficiaries receive distributions from the trust annually and the charity receives the remaining assets when the trust ends. The grantor gets an immediate income tax deduction for the remainder interest (subject to some limitations), defers or avoids capital gains tax on the donated assets, and gets gift or estate tax deductions for the remainder interest. CRT transfers are irrevocable, and terms of the trust are unchangeable, though assets and charitable beneficiaries may change.

How does a CRT work?

CRT’s can be created in two ways, either as Inter Vivos, created and funded during the grantor’s life – which provides income to the grantor and/or the grantor’s spouse or other family member – or as a Testamentary CRT, funded at the grantor’s death through a will or living trust and used to provide benefits to heirs and reduce the grantor’s taxable estate.

Generally, there are two forms of CRT’s: Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts (CRAT) and Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUT).

With a CRAT, the annual distributions to the income beneficiaries are a percentage (not less than 5% or more than 50%) of the initial net fair market of the assets used to fund the trust. The payout is fixed. If trust earnings are insufficient to meet the required amount, principal must be used. Changes in asset value over time accrue to the benefit or detriment of the remainder charitable beneficiary. This annual payout certainty makes the CRAT more attractive for older grantors. Additional contributions to a CRAT are not permitted.

A CRUT has a variable annual payout, a percentage (not less than 5% or more than 50%) of the current fair market of the assets in the trust. Assets are revalued each year. If principal increases, the payout increases. A CRUT is the preferred form for younger grantors who can risk reductions in payouts in return for the potential to hedge against inflation. Contributions to a CRUT can continue.

While there are variations on standard CRUTs and many variations in individual and family estate and tax planning needs, Charitable Remainder Trusts are an exceptional tool for donors who wish to give generously after their lifetimes, receive income during their lifetimes, realize immediate income tax deductions, reduce or eliminate capital gains, gift, and estate taxes, and enjoy freedom from investment management decisions and duties.

Lisa R. Schneider is a Financial Advisor at Raymond James & Associates and can be reached at:

[email protected]

https://www.raymondjames.com/financialclarityandconfidence

Raymond James does not provide tax or legal advice. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

Rise in Canine Distemper Cases

Posted on by Shae

Contact: Guinn Shuster
Cell: 801-638-4685
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Callista Pearson
Cell: 801-910-9079
Email: [email protected]


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/1/2021
Press Release
The Humane Society of Utah and Salt Lake County Animal Services see a rise in canine distemper cases

Murray – Utah, 12/1/2021 – The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) and Salt Lake County Animal Services is notifying the public of a critical animal health situation along the Wasatch Front after seeing an increased number of dogs test positive with the canine distemper virus.
“Common signs of distemper in dogs include discharge from the eyes or nose, fever, coughing, lethargy, disorientation, tremors, and seizures.” Says Dr. Timna Fischbein, medical director at the HSU. “There is no treatment for distemper, so preventing the disease by getting your dogs vaccinated is crucial.”
Distemper is a highly contagious virus that can infect dogs and wildlife. However, puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk for infection with distemper. Dogs can become infected from direct contact with a sick animal or being near an infected animal when coughing or sneezing. The virus can also be transmitted through shared food and water bowls or other objects that an infected animal contaminated.
“Many people add new puppies to their families during the holidays.” Says Guinnevere Shuster, associate director of marketing and communications at HSU. “We want to remind people to be cautious and keep their new furry family members safe by getting them vaccinated.”

HSU and Salt Lake County Animal Services shares the following advice for pet owners:

  • Vaccinate dogs: Puppies should receive a series of 3 or more distemper vaccines between 2 and 4 months. The vaccine should be boostered a year later, then every three years for life.
  • Protect your puppy: Keep puppies at home and away from unfamiliar dogs until they have completed the vaccination series. Use caution when socializing dogs or in high-traffic dog areas such as dog parks, dog daycare, and boarding facilities.
  • Keep dogs away from wildlife: Never allow companion dogs to have contact with wildlife.
Person wearing PPE holding a puppy

###

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 open-admission private animal resource center in the state, the Utah Humane 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 

Renovations To Kitty City & Tiny Town

Posted on by Shae
Tiny Town and Kitty City Renovations and plaque for donors

Renovations to Tiny Town and Kitty City were made possible by these Humane Society of Utah supporters; B is for Brooklyn Parks, Cathy Nelson, India Nielsen, Jodie Rust, Randall Emmett, Reija Toscano, and Toshiko Burton.

kitty city

The generous gifts provided for renovations to existing structures. These renovations included dividing up our three large cat rooms into six smaller rooms to better serve the long-term resident cats in our care. Improvements in lighting and the remodeling of interior spaces also helped provide better care for these cats’ unique needs.

kitty city room

Tiny Town improvements included new flooring, kennel walls, and protective glass to help keep the puppies and young dogs in our care safe from cross-contamination. 

Pet Rehoming Resources

Posted on by Shae

As a responsible pet owner, you can rehome your pet and save them the stress of entering an animal shelter. You know your pet better than anyone, and with these Pet Rehoming Resources, you can find a new loving home for your pet.

 We encourage you to look into alternative solutions to keep your pet, if possible, before making the decision to rehome.

Pet Rehoming Websites

Rehome by Adopt a pet.com and The Petco Foundation
Create a pet profile, receive applications, and screen potential adopters from your home. Adopt-a-Pet.com gives you a personalized adoption agreement that you and your adopter can sign online.

https://rehome.adoptapet.com/
This website, founded by Adopt-a-Pet.com and the Petco Foundation, allows you to rehome your pet with peace of mind. You can create a profile for your pet, review applications of potential adopters, screen and meet adopters, and finalize the adoption with Adopt-a-Pet’s personalized adoption agreement. Your pet can go straight to a new home without experiencing the stressful shelter environment.


Home To Home 
Home To Home™ is an interactive website created to help shelters and rescues. It provides a positive and proactive method to rehome pets as well as provide support to pet owners in their time of need, when keeping a pet is no longer an option.https://home-home.org/

If these pet rehoming resources aren’t suitable for your pet or your situation, and you don’t think your pet would thrive in an animal shelter environment, there are local rescue groups that may accept owner surrenders.

Pet Rescue Groups

***WE ARE UNAWARE OF ANY ORGANIZATION THAT ACCEPTS OWNER SURRENDERS WITHOUT PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS***

PLEASE NOTE: These are volunteer-run, foster-based organizations. These volunteers often work full-time, foster rescue pets in their homes, and have families or pets of their own to care for. They volunteer in animal rescue in their spare time.

A New Beginning Animal Rescue
Phone: (801) 916-3924
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.anbrescue.org
This organization has limited admissions. To make an appointment and to receive a copy of the Surrender Contract and Incoming Pet Profile, email [email protected].


Rescue Rovers
Phone: (435) 565-4031
Website: https://www.rescuerovers.org
Dog rescue that will take owner surrenders. You must fill out an owner surrender application online. You should receive a response from the Rescue Rover team within a week. Keep in mind it can take up to a couple weeks for a foster home to be made available for your dog.


Because Animals Matter (Hurricane, UT)
Phone: (435) 773-5209
Website: www.becauseanimalsmatter.com
This organization has limited admissions. BAM may ask you to continue housing your pet until an adoptive home is found. This can reduce the stress of the rehoming experience.


Bulldog Club of Utah Rescue
Phone: 801-750-0587
Website: https://bulldogrescueofutah.org
This organization will only take English or British Bulldogs.


Herding Haven
Website: www.herdinghaven.org/
This organization accepts herding breeds from the public on a case-by-case basis when they have open foster homes.