We went to the shelter to "look" at dogs, but knowing me, of course I was going to get one. We went in and looked at all the big dogs, all of them very very cute, but right when we got to June (her name was Rosie at the time) we knew she was the one. We took her out on a walk and I sat on the grass and she just plopped down next to me and I immediately started crying. I was so happy when we got her. At first, her fur was kind of gray and frizzy and dead, she was very scared, she wouldn't eat, and she was very quiet.

We adopted out senior, Hooch, almost a year ago. He's the best dog and so sweet. He loves his brother and sister kitties too. I'm so glad he is part of our family.

-- Nicole

This is Max. When we adopted him he was a skinny 60lbs and his fur was in mats and had to be shaved. But with lots of love and plenty of naps on his new warm bed he has gained healthy weight and loves every second of his forever home!

-- Gillian

I was terrified of dogs since forever. However, at 6 my parents adopted Jack for me. After a quick name change, Face and I became fast friends. I got over my fear of dogs, and Face became my best friend.

-- Jessica

My husband and I never imagined getting a cat since we both grew up having pet dogs. But as faith will have it, our two-year-old son is a "cat lover". Thanks to the Ikea stuff toy cat that he adores and his purring session with the FurReal friends Bootsie the cat. We tried to introduce him to dogs and puppies but his heart didn't sway. So when it came down to brainstorming for this year's Christmas present, we knew what to get him. 

We adopted Chunk 8 months ago and it was the best thing we could have done! Chunk is a pit-bull terrier who was transferred from another shelter, he had no history and I think he may have been a mischievous mutt too! But needless to say, we fell in love with this slobbery 50-pound lap dog and brought him home. It wasn't always easy at first, we had to start from the beginning with potty, house and obedience training. But it turned out that all Chunk needed was lots of love and a new home to become the best dog ever! He has more personality in 1 paw than most people!

We adopted Echo about a year ago and have loved having her in our lives. We noticed that she seemed to have anxiety problems related to our leaving her home alone when we went to work, so, we decided to look into getting another cat to keep her company. 

We took Yoshi in on a two-week trial to make sure he got along with Echo; of course, we fell in love with him right away so we were released when the two seemed to tolerate each other ok. They still aren't BFFs but Echo is happier now she isn't alone, and Yoshi is pretty laid back. 

Hi my name is Mallory & almost a year ago I adopted "peewee" who is now Rosco. Rosco is a German shepherd mix & is the absolute best dog I have ever had. He had some serious anxiety issues when we first got him, most likely from a past that was unpleasant. When I went to pick him up the described to me how he was missing some teeth in the front as well. Over the course of this year, it has been amazing me & Rosco both healing one another. He is so well behaved & I can take him anywhere he's allowed.

I fostered a beautiful Flame Point Siamese named Pancake. He was ten years old and turned in because of another pet. He was adopted and brought back because someone was allergic to him and I felt bad and decided to adopt him myself. It was kitten season and at that time it is harder for older cats to get adopted. He was stressed out and I had trouble with him urinating on my carpet and he had been checked out by the vet and there was no bladder problems just behavioral issues. For a long time I kept him in the bathroom when I was away or in bed at night.

In November 1996, I adopted an orange and white tabby cat from the Humane society of Utah. I named him Rugby and he was never apart from me after that. I grew up, got married, moved from apartments to new homes. I started a family and all along he was there beside me. He lived a long, healthy life and passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to bring him into a loving home, and for all the services you continue to provide at the Humane Society of Utah.