Success Stories: Our Favorite Adoptions of 2025

If you follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts, you are likely very familiar with HSU Success Stories. Each week, we post an update on an adopted pet from the Humane Society of Utah that has been submitted by the pet’s adopters. While we love all of our HSU Success Stories, a few submissions from 2025 were particularly special. Without further ado, here are some of our favorite adoptions from the previous year!

Major is the Cutest Coworker Ever!

“In January, I adopted a sweet boy by the name of Major from the Humane Society of Utah. He has come a long way!

In the time I’ve had him, I’ve learned that he loves to play with anyone with 4 legs. When visiting his Nana (my mom), he met her cats, and not only did he not try to chase or show any kind of reactionary behavior, but he approached them slowly, sniffed, and even touched noses with both felines. He has also made several canine friends with whom he loves to play.

He has also shown that he loves children. My niece, who is eight, gets anxious around bigger dogs and was nervous meeting him for the first time. He seemed to sense her anxiety and was incredibly gentle with her. On a day when she was visiting me, I invited her to walk with Major and I. Major not only stayed on his best behavior, he also kept looking back to check and see if my niece was keeping up. When he saw she was falling a little behind, with no prompting from me, he slowed down and stayed next to her the rest of the walk.

His intelligence has really started to shine. On Fridays, I’ve been taking him to my office for socialization as well as to mix up his routine and give him some variety. After only a few visits, I can walk toward my office suite, release his leash, and tell him “Go Office” and he will walk down the hall and wait in front of my door for me.

Major has definitely and remarkably adjusted and has been as good a companion and best friend as I could ask for in a million years.”

Milo Picked his Family… and his Success Story

“We adopted Milo (shelter name Helios) in February of 2025, and he has been just so perfect. When we went to look at cats, he was meowing at us through the glass door and immediately sat down in my lap when came in. We knew we couldn’t leave without him!

Since then, Milo has been so sweet and playful. He loves to purr, make biscuits, and play with his string toys. He’s been such a good fit for us that we joke about calling the Humane Society and saying thank you so much for the perfect cat!”

Honey’s Wait was Well Worth It

“We had just said goodbye to our beloved German Shepherd, Major, after a long and beautiful life. The loss had left us heartbroken, and while friends and family gently told us it was too soon to think about another dog, I kept feeling a strong pull in my heart to visit the shelter. When I finally decided to go, I thought I would bring home a small companion, maybe a chihuahua. But the moment. I walked in, everything changed.

That’s when I met Honey (known as Jill at the shelter). She was brought to HSU the day before. Our eyes met, and it was love at first sight. I later learned that Honey had spent nine long months in three different shelters, waiting patiently for someone to see her the way I did that day.

From the moment she joined our family, she has been nothing short of a blessing. Her love has not only helped heal my heart, but it has also brought joy and light to our entire family. Honey now goes everywhere with me; her tail wagging, her eyes bright with happiness. She’s playful, loyal, gets along with other dogs, and is just the perfect fit for our home. Every single day, she fills my cup with love, joy, and gratitude.”

Mila’s Purr-fect Success Story

“I adopted 7-month-old Mila on September 13th. After jumping on my shoulder to say hi to me, I just had to bring her home. Now, she rules the house with her zoomies at three in the morning, escapades on top of the counters, and occasional cuddles with her person.

Mila is very food-motivated and loves to rummage through the pantry, but she is very cute while doing it. She is the best troublemaker in the world, and I’m so grateful to have her as an addition to my family.”

Callie Rose is Quite the Cuddle Bug

“We adopted Bonita and renamed her Callie Rose!

When I adopted Callie, I was actually preparing to get a puppy. I had an urge to go to the shelter that day and I’m glad I did because I found my Callie baby! I instantly fell in love with her and knew I was going to take her home.

Callie instantly blended in with our family. She loves both of my kids and they frequently take naps together. She has such personality, and I’m constantly finding out new things about her! For instance, she absolutely loves rolling in the grass on our walks… there’s a minimum requirement of three roll-abouts for each walk. Whenever the blender comes out, she will bark and dance until I give her some whipped cream straight from the can… my kids might have taught her that.

I’m so happy with my decision to go to the Humane Society that day. I found my furever friend and get to give her the best life!”

Consider adopting this year, and perhaps you could be one of our favorite success stories in 2026! All of our adoptable pets can be viewed on our adoption page.