PRESS RELEASE

RELEASE DATE: Immediately (September 30, 2005)

MOST DOGS AVAILABLE FOR HALF PRICE AT HUMANE SOCIETY
DURING ADOPT-A-SHELTER-DOG MONTH

     As part of its participation in the nationwide observance of October as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, the Humane Society of Utah will be offering all adult dogs six months of age or older and weighing 50 pounds or more (except those whose kennel cards are marked (VIP) for the special price of $37.50. This is one-half the usual fee, and also includes the animal's spay or neuter surgery, the first immunizations,
a sack of dog food, and a leash, and the goal is to emphasize throughout the entire month the many rewards of dog ownership. Each year, approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter shelters in America and about 60% of the dogs and 70% of the cats must be euthanized because there are no homes for them. "We want to help change those figures," says HSU Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt. "Our
theme this year is 'Every Dog Counts,' and we hope to raise the community's awareness about dogs in need of adoption. At our shelter at 4242 South 300 West, dogs of many breeds and sizes and all ages are
just waiting to join people's families."

     Animal shelters provide a valuable service to their communities, according to Mr. Baierschmidt, who says that anyone thinking of adding a dog to the family would do well to first consider a shelter dog.
"Nothing adds more warmth to a home or provides a more enthusiastic greeting after a hard day's work than a wagging tail and a pair of big brown eyes," he says. "We have lots of great pets in need of loving
homes here, and we can help people through the process of preparing their homes for a new dog."

      He points out that adding a dog to the family is an important decision and families should act with their heads as well as their hearts. The following factors should be considered when deciding on the
right new family member:

• What sort of dog will be the right one for the entire family? Discuss everyone's expectations in advance.
• Before adopting, educate yourself and your children about proper pet care.
• Remember that animals not only give a tremendous amount of love and devotion - they require care and commitment from you as well. Walking a dog every day, cleaning up after him, and regular
  feeding and grooming are all part pf the ongoing family responsibilities of caring for your new pet.

     "There's no way to measure the totally feel-good sensation that bonding with a dog can bring," says Mr. Baierschmidt. "We hope that lots of people will take advantage of the special celebrations of
Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month to visit the Humane Society and find a perfect new friend."

For more information, please call 261-2919.