Maddie Cushing, Author at Humane Society of Utah

Temporary Family, Permanent Difference: Foster a Pet Today!

Posted on June 6, 2025June 6, 2025 by Maddie Cushing

Foster a pet like Samwise and make a huge difference! Foster families save lives and help homeless pets through a variety of situations.

June is National Foster a Pet Month! What does it mean to foster a pet for an animal shelter, and why is it so important? Today, we’d like to answer these questions and tell you about some special types of fosters we are in need of at the Humane Society of Utah.

Why Foster a Pet?

Fostering is opening up your home to temporarily care for a shelter pet. There are many reasons that a pet may need a foster home. A few example reasons include…

The pet is recovering from an injury or illness
They’re a baby animal who is too young to be put up for adoption
The pet is a mother dog or cat who has recently weaned a litter and needs additional time to let their milk dry up
They may have behavioral needs to work on
Some pets simply need a break from the shelter environment

Foster families play an essential role in animal welfare, providing care and support for the most vulnerable pets in our shelter. Additionally, fostering opens up more kennel space in our facility, meaning we can save even more lives!

When you foster a pet for the Humane Society of Utah, we provide all the supplies, food, and medical care your foster pet needs. All that you need to do is provide a safe and loving space for your foster animal and communicate with our team about how they’re doing.

Big Dogs, Big Hearts, Big Need!

Do you love big dogs? Do you have some extra space in your heart and home? Have you ever considered fostering? We need your help!

The number one type of pet that we need foster families for are large breed dogs. Oftentimes, these gentle giants are overlooked due to their size and spend a longer time waiting for a foster than other pets in our care. We’re here to tell you that a bigger furry friend just means more to love!

Ruger, a yellow lab and big dog in need of a foster home, poses in front of a backdrop of purple tinsel.

Slumber Paw-rty at Your Place?

Recently, we’ve discovered a need for a very special type of foster volunteer at the Humane Society of Utah. We need overnight emergency fosters for baby animals!

Lately, we’ve frequently found ourselves with baby kittens and puppies coming into our care late in the day. These cuties are too young to stay in the shelter overnight by themselves, so they need a home to land in for the night while we search for a more permanent foster for them.

Overnight emergency fostering is an excellent opportunity for short-term fostering. It’s just a night or two of commitment rather than the days to weeks that a pet may typically spend in a foster home. If you choose to become an overnight emergency foster, you’ll receive a call from HSU when baby animals come in, then you can come pick up your emergency overnight fosters for the world’s most adorable sleepover!

If you are interested specifically in overnight emergency fostering for HSU, be sure to include that in the comments section of your foster application.

Fizz, a black and white kitten too young to be adopted, is an example of an emergency overnight foster pet.

Become a Fostering Pro!

If you choose to foster a pet and want to go the extra mile, we have a few ways you can help!

Tell us all about your foster! Foster families are in a unique position to get to know a pet’s personality. Since foster pets are in a home environment, it’s often easier to get a picture of how they may behave in their adoptive homes. Not only can you help a homeless pet during their time staying with you, but through learning and sharing about your foster pet’s personality and their needs, you can help them find an adopter, too!
Create photo and video content! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so imagine just how much a video is worth! Taking cute photos and videos of your foster pet during their stay with you and sharing that content with the shelter can really help them find a home. The content doesn’t need to be professional quality or over the top— even a cellphone pic of your foster pet snoozing on the sofa can go a long way!
Teach an old dog a new trick! By that we mean teach any pet, of any age, any new thing! Setting aside 5-10 minutes a day to work with your foster pet on a new cue or skill can really help them out once they hit the adoption floor. Do they know how to sit? How nice are their leash manners? If you’d like to help your foster pet learn a new thing, we’d be happy to help give some guidance about fear-free training techniques!

Foster a Pet: Be A Hero!

We aren’t exaggerating when we say fostering saves lives! Become a hero for homeless animals today when you sign up at utahhumane.org/foster.

June is National Microchip Month! Microchip for Peace of Mind.

Posted on May 31, 2025June 4, 2025 by Maddie Cushing

A dog sits on the grass outside with their head tilted. A microchip can help reunite guardians with a lost pet who has wandered off outdoors.

With June comes warmer weather, school break, and the beginning of summer activities. You and your pets may be spending more time adventuring in the great outdoors. But what if your beloved pet wanders off a little too far and becomes lost? A microchip could be the key to a quick reunion!

What is a Microchip?

Microchips are small implants, roughly the size of a grain of rice, that are injected into the back of a pet’s neck. The chip contains an identification number which is unique to your pet and is linked to your contact information so you can be reached if a lost pet is found.

It’s important to consider that microchips are not GPS trackers. When a chip is scanned at a veterinary office, shelter, or by an animal services officer, it brings up the pet guardian’s information. With this information, whoever has scanned the lost pet’s chip can contact the pet guardian.

For this reason, it’s very important that pet guardians ensure their pet’s microchip information is up to date. If you’ve moved or had a change in phone number or email, be sure to update your pet’s chip information to reflect that.

Why are Chips Important?

According to a study from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), lost pets with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their guardians than lost pets without microchips. The rate of lost dogs with microchips who were returned to their families is more than double the rate of dogs without chips. The difference for cats was even more dramatic, with the rate of return with a microchip being more than triple the rate without a chip.

Microchips are a permanent form of identification for your pet. Once a chip has been implanted, it can be scanned at any time in your pet’s life. Chips work across boarders, and are even often a requirement for international travel and moves.

Studies also suggest that having your pet microchipped can help to deter pet theft. If you pet is stolen, microchips can offer proof of ownership. This makes chips a key tool in reuniting you with your furry friend, and in catching wrongdoers.

A gray, fluffy cat peers out of a window. Even indoor-only pets should have a microchip, just in case they are able to get outside and wander off.

If Your Pet has a Microchip…

That’s great news! Your pet only needs to be microchipped one time in their life. However, it is very important for pet guardians to make sure their pet’s chip information stays up to date. Updated information helps to ensure that you will be able to be contacted should your pet ever get lost.

You are able to update the contact information associated with your pet’s chip through the manufacturer’s database online. If you are unsure which manufacturer your pet’s chip is associated with, you can have the chip scanned at your veterinary office to find out.

If Your Pet doesn’t have a Microchip…

The Humane Society of Utah can help with that! Our Murray clinic offers microchipping services on a walk-in basis. For an affordable, one-time cost of $40, your pet will be protected for life!

After your microchip has been implanted, our clinic will give you an informational handout about registering your microchip online. This is a very important step in the process because this is how you attach your contact information to your pet’s chip.

The Humane Society of Utah's Murray clinic location offers microchipping services for pets on a walk-in basis.

Don’t wait to protect your pet! Have them microchipped today at our Murray clinic for a lifetime of peace of mind. Find hours of operation, pricing, and more at utahhumane.org/clinic-locations/murray-clinic.

Heartworm Prevention: What You Need to Know

Posted on April 11, 2025April 11, 2025 by Maddie Cushing

Most of us have heard of heartworm preventatives for dogs, but what exactly do these medications prevent? The Humane Society of Utah shares important information about heartworm disease and prevention for pet guardians.

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworms are parasites that live in pets’ hearts, lungs, and blood vessels. These parasites cause a very serious disease that often leads to heart failure and damage to the lungs and other organs. Heartworms mainly affect dogs, but cats and ferrets can also contract them.

Heartworms are primarily spread through the bites of infected mosquitos. Adult female worms produce microscopic offspring which mosquitos ingest when they drink the blood of an affected animal. If the mosquito then bites another pet, it transfers the microfilariae to that pet’s bloodstream. The worms then mature in their new host causing heartworm disease.

Once the worms mature (a process that takes roughly 6 months), they can then reproduce, leading to more and more parasites infecting the dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Additionally, being bit by multiple infected mosquitos can cause even more worms to enter the dog’s system.

Unfortunately, heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states, meaning pets anywhere in the US can contract this disease.

An infographic showcases the heartworm cycle in a dog.

Testing and Prevention

The best way to protect your dog from heartworm disease is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. We recommend annual testing and monthly preventatives to safeguard your pet from contracting these parasites. It is important to make sure preventatives are given at the same time each month as a late or missed dose can open your pet up to infection.

Our Murray clinic offers testing and sells preventative tablets on a walk-in basis. The test takes 10-15 minutes to run, so pet guardians should be prepared to wait in the lobby for a few minutes for results. Preventatives can also be purchased through our online pharmacy.

Throughout April, our Murray clinic is running a heartworm prevention special. Clients can receive $10 off the price of their test and a manufacturer’s rebate on their purchase of heartworm preventatives. Simply mention this post to take advantage of the deal.

A dog is examined by a veterinarian. Vets can perform yearly heartworm testing and prescribe monthly preventatives.

A Remarkable Journey: Squash’s Story

Posted on March 20, 2025April 9, 2025 by Maddie Cushing

Squash’s story begins in October 2024. 5-month-old Squash and his two siblings were found running down a desolate, remote highway in rural Southern Utah nicknamed “The Loneliest Road.” They were scared of their wits, and much too thin.

Though none of the dogs had visible injuries, Squash was not able to bear weight on his left hind leg. The small rural shelter where Squash and his siblings arrived did not have the resources to investigate Squash’s injury, so he was transferred to the Humane Society of Utah.

Squash, a tricolored dog, looks up at the camera following FHO surgery to repair his fractured femur head.

A Diagnosis is Made

Shortly after arriving at HSU, one of our licensed veterinarians diagnosed Squash with a fractured femur head. Squash would need costly orthopedic surgery and physical therapy, and HSU was determined to get him the care he needed.

Squash received a consult with an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon determined that he would need to undergo an FHO surgery. This surgery involved removing the top of Squash’s femur, which then created an artificial joint at the hip to alleviate the pain from his injury. Following a successful surgery, the next step was for Squash to go to physical therapy at Utah Pet Rehab to regain proper use of his leg.

While Squash was making his way through his treatment plan, he spent time in a foster home. Squash’s foster was absolutely enamored with him. She described him as a happy guy who loved nothing more than to lay his head in her lap while receiving pets.

However, Squash wasn’t out of the woods just yet.

An X-Ray of a dog shows a fractured femur head.

A Long Road Ahead

Squash’s physical therapy sessions revealed that, although his hip was doing well, other joints in his leg were showing signs of instability.

For Squash, this would have meant TPLO surgery. This would be an especially difficult recovery as he had already done an FHO. Squash was also likely to have further issues with his leg down the line. For these reasons, licensed veterinarians at the Humane Society of Utah decided the most humane and best option for Squash would be amputation.

With support from his loving foster family, Squash’s story continued as he underwent an amputation of his injured leg in mid-February. His foster said she and Squash would be doing some “heavy relaxing” following his procedure. This turned out to be just what Squash needed!

Squash’s recovery went beautifully. He would be able to get his staples out near the end of February. Afterwards, Squash could finally go on to find a family!

Squash, a tricolored dog, looks soulfully into the camera after undergoing an amputation of his hind left leg due to an injury.

From “Squash’s Story” to “Squish’s Story”

Squash was officially cleared for adoption on February 26th, but he didn’t have to wait long to find a home! Squash’s foster had to go out of town for a couple of weeks during his recovery, and during that time her parents took over fostering Squash for HSU. They fell in love with him, and decided to make him a permanent member of the family!

These days, Squash goes by “Squish” and spends his time playing with his new brother, Steve, cuddling with his hoomans, and enjoying long walks. Squish doesn’t know it yet, but his family has plans this summer to visit their house on Lake Michigan. He’s going to have such a great time swimming and adventuring with Steve!

We’re so happy to see Squish now living his best life! We are so thankful to everyone who made this happy ending possible. We want to give special thanks to Squish’s foster, the team at Utah Pet Rehab, and to Squish’s orthopedic surgeon.

But most importantly, we want to thank YOU! Squish’s story would not have been possible without your generous contributions. Thanks to you, Squish is able to get around, pain-free!

Squash, a tricolored dog, sits on the couch next to Steve, a yellow lab. Squash was adopted following the amputation of his injured leg, and was excited to meet his new brother!

Your donations were integral to Squish’s story having a happy ending. Help more pets like Squish today by donating to the Humane Society of Utah.

Pet Poison Prevention: What You Need to Know

Posted on March 6, 2025April 9, 2025 by Maddie Cushing

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.

Lending a Paw: HSU Helps Community Cats from Payson, UT

Posted on February 28, 2025April 9, 2025 by Maddie Cushing

In early 2025, the Humane Society of Utah was informed of a dire situation concerning community cats in Payson, UT. Community cats are unowned, sometimes feral, cats who live outdoors. Residents of Payson reported a shocking number of unfixed cats living in the area, with more arriving continuously. Though the neighborhood was inundated with cats, there were no TNR (trap, neuter, return) resources available locally. Aided by donor support, the Humane Society of Utah jumped into action.

Two community cats in Payson, UT are curled up together on a striped piece of outdoor furniture

A Community in Distress

As the population of community cats in Payson continued to increase, residents expressed concern that genetic defects were manifesting in the younger population of cats. Many of the new kittens suffered from Manx syndrome, a condition affecting the spinal cord. Cats with Manx syndrome can experience incontenence, mobility issues, and in some cases, full paralysis of the back legs. Additionally, many of the cats were suffering from parasites, eye infections, and upper respiratory issues.

Although local individuals and shelters were caring for many of the sick cats and kittens, they were fighting an uphill battle. Payson had no way to address the root issue— the continued overpopulation of cats.

The cats in Payson were in need of a TNR (trap, neuter, return) program. TNR programs spay or neuter and vaccinate community cats. These programs both protect cats from disease and stop cats from being able to reproduce. TNR services are vital for controlling community cat populations and preventing new litters from being born into areas that are already overrun, where cats will have to compete for fewer resources.

This is where HSU, and our wonderful donors, were able to step in and help out!

A community cat and kitten in Payson, UT are curled up next to each other inside the home of one of the local fosters who is nursing the cats back to health.

Community Cats Receive a Helping Paw

In early February, over 30 community cats from Payson received TNR services at the Humane Society of Utah’s Murray clinic. The cats arrived in three groups over three days, and our clinic staff and veterinarians worked tirelessly to help them. Afterward, the cats were able to return to their preferred habitat, safer and healthier than before!

However, the real heroes in this story are our donors, without whom none of this would have been possible! Thanks to you, existing cats in this area are now better protected from maladies and disease. We also expect to see a sharp decline in kittens born with dangerous and painful conditions. Through your support, you are creating a healthier environment for these community cats, as well as the people living in Payson. We are so grateful to our caring donors for extending a helping hand when their neighbors needed support!

If you would like to learn more about our work with Payson, UT, and the TNR process, you can find a video here. You can also learn about HSU’s TNR program, CATNIP, here.

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

Posted on February 20, 2025April 9, 2025 by Maddie Cushing

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!”

Calming Pets During Holiday Gatherings

Posted on December 6, 2024December 6, 2024 by Maddie Cushing

The holidays offer a joyous time for us to get together and celebrate the year with our family and friends. However, these holiday gatherings may not feel quite so festive for our animal companions. Here are some tips and tricks for calming pets during holiday festivities!

Lula, a dilute calico cat, poses in front of some holiday baubles and tinsel.

Look for Signs of Stress

You know your pet best, so it’s key to keep an eye out for signs that they may be stressed out. Common signs of distress that you may notice in cats or dogs include, but are not limited to…

Panting
Vocalizing or Whining
Tense Posture
Dilated Pupils
Tucked Tail or Flattened Ears
Hiding
Destructive Behavior

Create a Safe Space

Set up a quiet and calm room where pets can retreat away from the chaos of holiday events. Be sure to provide comfort items, such as favorite toys or blankets, and plenty of fresh water. It may also be a good idea to turn on some calming music to distract from any party noise. Remember to check in regularly with your pets during events.

Calm Pets by Providing Enrichment Opportunities

Licking and sniffing can be calming activities for both cats and dogs. Providing enrichment such as licky mats or puzzle toys may help keep pets calm. Additionally, supplying a favorite treat or long-lasting chews may also help to calm pets.

Boo, a blue heeler with her tongue out, poses in front of a red backdrop.

Utilize Calming Tools

Products such as pheromone diffusers or sprays, calming vests, and anti-anxiety treats can be helpful for some pets. It is a good idea to test these products out before the day of your event to discover what works and what doesn’t for your pet.

Consult your Veterinarian about Calming Pets

Your veterinarian may be able to recommend solutions for pets with more severe anxiety. In some cases, medication can be prescribed to help with nerves. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s directions if your pet is prescribed a medication. Do not share the medication with other pets or exceed the prescribed dosage.

Prepare Early in the Day

Make time the morning before your holiday event to ready your pet for the day ahead. Set aside at least 30 minutes for exercise and an additional 10-15 minutes for enrichment. If you are utilizing a medication, be sure to give it to your pet at least two hours prior to the event unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. Get your pet set up in their safe space before guests arrive.

For additional holiday information, check out our press release regarding holiday safety tips! We wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

Home for the Holidays… and Beyond: Iroh’s Story

Posted on November 15, 2024November 15, 2024 by Maddie Cushing

It was a frosty November afternoon in 2023 and fosters participating in the Humane Society of Utah’s Home for the Holidays program were beginning to arrive. Home for the Holidays is a short-term fostering program during which families take a shelter dog home the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and bring them back the Friday after. This gives the pups a break from the shelter and a cozy home to curl up in over Turkey Day.

Iroh, a spotted dog with soulful eyes, waited anxiously for someone to choose him for a holiday break. He hadn’t been enjoying the shelter, with all of its novel sounds and smells, and was timid of new friends. Little did Iroh know, all of his holiday wishes were about to come true.

Iroh, a brown and white dog, sits on a dog bed following his participating in the Home for the Holidays foster program.

Iroh Goes Home for the Holidays

Maya had been a volunteer with HSU for a couple of years and was excited to try out fostering. Home for the Holidays seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so as the pets would only be going home for a few days.

As fosters arrive, they chat with staff to pick out a pup who will be a good fit for them. Maya had originally had her eye on another dog, but they weren’t the best match. When she asked who else was available, HSU’s foster team suggested Iroh.

“When we first met Iroh, he was absolutely terrified,” Maya shared. “We saw him slowly start relaxing over a couple of days and realized what a fun, cute personality he has.”

As Iroh’s personality began to shine through, Maya and her family realized that Iroh might be right where he belonged. Home for the Holidays began to turn into simply “home.”

Iroh, a brown and white dog, gives his new sibling, a black and white dog named Millie, a kiss.

Iroh Becomes a Part of the Family

When dogs return to HSU from Home for the Holidays, fosters have the option to choose to adopt. So, on the morning of Friday the 24th, Maya proudly signed Iroh’s adoption contract, officially making him a part of the family.

“He showed us so much love in such a short period of time. We knew he belonged with us,” Maya said. “Iroh struggles with epilepsy and anxiety, so he needed someone who could meet his needs. We had the resources to do that.”

Once Iroh was officially welcomed into his new home, it came time to meet his furry siblings! In addition to Iroh, Maya has a dog named Millie and a cat named Luna. She slowly and carefully introduced Iroh to the pair, and he fit right in.

“Iroh and Millie fell in love with each other, although Millie had to get used to sharing the attention,” Maya said. “They spend all their time together, whether they’re playing, cuddling, or exploring. Iroh feels safe with Millie, which eases his anxiety whenever we bring them on adventures!”

As for Luna, Iroh is respectful of her boundaries. Though Maya reports that Iroh is very curious about Luna, he is extremely gentle with her. Luna rarely permits the dogs to get too close to her, but Iroh loves planting a kiss on his kitty sibling’s face whenever she’ll allow it.

Iroh, a former Home for the Holidays dog, plays with a broom in the grassy green yard of his new home.

Checking in on Iroh Today

Iroh has been happily living with Maya and her family for nearly a year now. Maya describes him as a lover boy in constant need of attention. He spends his days snuggled up by his humans’ feet wagging his tail, playing with rope toys with Millie, and— a new interest of his— going on hikes!

“On his first hike, he started out very cautious and fearful, but he ended up having the time of his life!” Maya said. “Once he realized he was safe, he loved splashing in the water, howling his heart out, and sniffing all of the things. We have since taken him on a couple more hikes, and it’s just adorable how much fun he has.”

Maya also added that she would highly recommend Home for the Holidays to anyone considering participating.

“It’s not too much of a commitment since it is only for a couple of days, and these animals need a break from the shelter environment sometimes,” she said. “It’s super fun to have a canine friend around for the holidays, and who knows? You might just find your new best friend!”

Iroh, a former Home for the Holidays dog, enjoys an autumn hike.

If you’re interested in participating in Home for the Holidays this year, we’d love to have you! We will be offering this program over both Thanksgiving and Christmas. For the Thanksgiving session, fosters pick up their dog from HSU on Wednesday, the 27th, and return them on Friday, the 29th. Christmas dates are currently yet to be determined.

Sign up today on our fostering page by submitting an application and mentioning in the comments section that you are specifically interested in Home for the Holidays.

Adopt a Senior Pet: They May Be Your Perfect Fit!

Posted on November 1, 2024November 1, 2024 by Maddie Cushing

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!

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