Margaret Langworthy, Author at Humane Society of Utah

Support for Animals: Your Impact

Posted on August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

We know that Utah is full of caring individuals who want to help animals in need because we have seen it firsthand! At the Humane Society of Utah, we are fortunate to have a generous community of donors who step up and regularly provide support for vulnerable animals. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely solely on funding from individuals, foundations, and businesses to accomplish our lifesaving work. But what does it mean to support HSU? What is the real-life impact of sending that check in the mail or hitting that donate button? Let’s look at some of the amazing ways your support is helping animals in our state!

Low-Cost Veterinary Care

When you support the Humane Society of Utah, you support low-cost veterinary care for pets in our community. We offer spay/neuter services for dogs, cats, and rabbits, as well as comprehensive vaccination packages. And with clinic locations in Murray and St. George, your donations benefit pet guardians in northern and southern Utah!

Donations from our caring supporters help keep these services affordable. With the cost of veterinary care skyrocketing, this dramatically impacts pet guardianship in our community. We know that people love their animals, and the cost of basic preventative care should not be a barrier to pet health. By donating to the Humane Society of Utah, you are removing that barrier to accessible care. In the first six months of 2024, our Murray and St. George clinics administered 60,898 vaccines and performed 6,231 spay/neuter surgeries. Think of all the animals who have received vital care so far in 2024, thanks to support from generous donors!

Adoptions & Sheltering

When people think of the Humane Society of Utah, the first thing that comes to mind is often adoption. Sometimes, through changing circumstances, unexpected life events, or unforeseen challenges, companion animals need a new home. HSU offers safe shelter and care for animals as they wait for adoption. Our staff works diligently to set animals up for success and find the best fit. So far in 2024, nearly 4,000 cats, dogs, and small animals found new homes.

But animal adoptions do not exist in a vacuum, which is why donations are important! Animals waiting for adoption must have access to food, water, space, enrichment, and medical care. Animals who have specific medical or behavioral needs require even more resources. But that does not make them less deserving of a good home and a happy life! Regular donations provide for the animals in our care, giving them the time and tools they need to find the right fit. You can help adoptable animals by donating funds, essential supplies, or both! Visit our donation wish list to learn more about donating supplies.

Support for Pet Guardians

At the Humane Society of Utah, we believe you cannot help animals without helping humans. An animal’s first and most important support system is their loving guardian. We believe keeping a beloved pet with their guardian is the best outcome for both. Thanks to generous donors, that outcome has become a reality for many pets and people in our community! With donor support, we offer low-cost emergency care for pet guardians who find themselves in difficult situations, provide food and supplies to local pet pantries, and enroll pets in our incredibly effective last litter program. In the first half of 2024 alone, support from our donors helped 282 animals stay in their loving homes through emergency assistance. When you donate to the Humane Society of Utah, you help keep families together by providing the care their pets need when they need it most.

We are incredibly grateful to those who support our animals and our programs. This is just a snapshot of the work made possible thanks to your generosity!

August: Make-A-Will Month

Posted on August 15, 2024August 16, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

Did you know that August is national Make-A-Will month? It can be strange to think about as we go through our daily lives, but creating or updating your will is the best way to secure your wishes for the future. With a will or trust, you can make a lasting legacy for the people you love and the causes you care about. And it’s easier than you might think!

Helpful Information

The Humane Society of Utah planned giving page has a wealth of information about bequests and other estate planning options. You can learn about types of bequests, review sample language, and download helpful brochures with more information. If the Humane Society of Utah is already in your estate plans, you can let us know directly through our planned giving page.

That’s right – you can give to your favorite charities through your will, including the Humane Society of Utah. By doing so, you are extending the impact of your generosity and creating a legacy of support for animals that will carry on into the future. Just as we desire the best for our family’s future generations, we also want the best for future generations of animals!

Providing for your favorite cause does not mean you need to forget about your loved ones. You can tailor a will to your needs and your situation. Reference these bequest types to see some examples. You can divide your estate between different individuals or organizations, using the amounts or percentages that work best for you.

Getting Started

Are you ready for next steps, or just want to learn more? Request our free Estate Planning Guide. This will help you take stock of your assets, gather important information, and define your priorities. It can serve as a helpful guide as you draw up your will or speak with your estate planning attorney.

As pet guardians, we know that planning for our future also means planning for the future of our pets. Enroll in our Pet Legacy program to make a care plan for your pets with the Humane Society of Utah.

Creating A Legacy

When you make a will, you are securing a legacy for the people and causes you care about. We hope you will let us know if you wish to include the Humane Society of Utah as a beneficiary of any kind. This compassionate decision will help create a bright future for animals in Utah, and we want to honor your incredible commitment.

Whether we are included in your plans or not, we encourage you to take a moment this August and think about the legacy you want for your loved ones, your community, or anything else that is important to you!

Belle’s Story: A Healing Journey

Posted on August 2, 2024August 2, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

A dedicated foster with the Humane Society of Utah (kept anonymous for this story) was on her way to pick up a mama dog and her litter of puppies. She had fostered many animals before, including young litters, and she was up to the task. But at the 11th hour, she received a call from the HSU Foster Team. An adult dog named Belle was in bad shape and desperately needed a foster home to recover. We asked our caring foster if she could take Belle instead. She did not hesitate to step in and help this poor dog on her healing journey. At the time, she did not realize how Belle would profoundly impact her life.

A Dog in Need

Belle came to HSU after an accident left her with a terrible leg injury. In her previous home, she lived as an outdoor dog and got her leg caught in a backyard fence. By the time she was discovered, too much damage was done, and the leg would never heal properly. Amputating the leg was Belle’s only hope for living a pain-free and active life. We took Belle in and immediately prepped her for amputation surgery.

Belle’s road to recovery would be long and difficult, as her foster guardian soon found out. Her amputation site needed time to heal, but that was not her only problem. Upon further examination, HSU medical staff found foxtails embedded in her skin, causing painful sores. While Belle recovered, her foster guardian had to keep a careful eye on her various injuries. “We gave her daily medications and antibiotics, cleaned her wounds, gave her a comfortable place to rest, and lots of love.”

A Journey to Healing

With time, patience, and proper care, Belle’s physical wounds began to heal. But she still struggled to adjust to her new life and surroundings. Her foster guardian discovered that she suffered from phantom pains associated with her missing limb and adjusting to life on three legs would not happen overnight. But her foster was ready to put in the work. Daily massage and sensory therapy helped to manage the phantom pains. Other minor adjustments also made a world of difference – “We made simple changes around the house to help Belle get around easier and more comfortable. We put slip-proof rugs and yoga mats on all the wood floors and got her a special harness.” Before long, the sweet and loveable tripawd navigated her new world like a pro!

A New Beginning

Through Belle’s healing journey, her foster family started to see how well she fit into their lives. As she became more confident and comfortable, they saw her personality come through. She was sweet, intelligent, and loveable. She even bonded with their dog, Clementine. Before long, Belle’s foster guardian knew the goofy, loveable dog was not going anywhere; she was home. She decided to adopt Belle permanently. She recalls losing one of her dogs four years ago, “we didn’t think we would ever be able to recover from the loss we felt…until we met Belle. We knew that she was meant to be with us and there was no way we could ever let her go”.

These days, Belle is living a great life on three legs with her new family. Her foster-turned-adopter explains that she loves everyone and always wants to be around people. “We call her our little ‘BellHop’, because she is eager to please and ‘hoppy’ to escort you from room to room. The only form of payment she will accept is kind words and a pat on the back.” She loves her doggy sister, Clementine, and she loves to be a couch potato. She is unsure what to do with toys yet, but she is figuring it out! And mostly, she just wants love and cuddles. As her new forever family member describes, “We have 2 dogs again and our family feels complete now that Belle is part of it.”

Fireworks Safety: Protect Your Pet This Summer!

Posted on July 11, 2024July 11, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

The Fourth of July may be over, but with Pioneer Day just around the corner and plenty of warm summer days ahead, we know that the fireworks season is still in full swing! We want everyone to have a fun and safe summer, including your beloved pets. Fireworks season can be a stressful time for many pet guardians. By following some simple fireworks safety tips you can help your furry friends stay safe and comfortable while you enjoy your favorite summer celebrations!

Fireworks Safety Tips

Do you love a good fireworks display? We don’t blame you! Fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate. But your pet may not be so keen. Consider leaving your pets at home when you go to marvel at your favorite fireworks show. And if you hear fireworks nearby, it may be time to bring Fido or Mittens inside. Pets can be startled by the crowds and loud noises and may be tempted to flee or accidentally injure themselves. Indoors is the safest place for your pet when the fireworks start.

Give your pet a comfortable space where they can feel secure. This can be a crate filled with their favorite toys and blankets or an inner room away from doors and windows. Make sure they have access to fresh water, and don’t try to coax them out before they are ready!
White noise like a fan, air purifier, or soft music may help your pet relax and drown out noise from outside.
If your pet has access to a yard during fireworks season, make sure all fencing is secure and double-check that gates are closed at all times.
In case of escape, make sure your pet has up-to-date ID tags and microchip information. If your pet does escape, contact your local municipal animal shelter as soon as possible. You can also post on online or social media lost and found pages.
Keep your pets away from any leftover fireworks debris as the contents may be harmful.

Make Your Celebrations Fun and Safe!

Summer is a time for fireworks, but also a time for social gatherings. We all love a good picnic in the park with friends or a neighborhood block party. These events are supposed to be fun, and with the right precautions you can make sure they are comfortable and low-stress for your pets.

Know your pet’s temperament. Fluffy may love socializing with your friends and neighbors at the annual backyard party! But if she doesn’t, there’s no need to force it. Give your pet a comfortable place to hide from the action if they don’t want to interact with your guests.
Keep a careful eye on your pet around the food table, and discard scraps promptly. Many foods that we enjoy can be harmful to our pets. Onions, garlic, grapes, certain peanut butter brands, and chocolate can all be very dangerous. For more information, you can read our blog post on Toxic Items.
If you bring your pet with you to any social gatherings, talk to the host ahead of time and make sure they will be comfortable and welcome in the space. Ask about any rules, limitations, or other pets who may be attending. When in doubt, it is okay to leave your pet at home and plan something else fun and special just for them!

We want this summer to be fun and safe for everyone. With a little bit of planning and the right tools, you can make sure your summer celebrations are enjoyable for the whole family – four-legged family members included!

Spreading Compassion: Kira’s Story

Posted on June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

At the Humane Society of Utah, we are fortunate to witness many stories of healing, resilience, and transformation. All of these stories are special in their own way, but Kira’s is particularly memorable. This beautiful husky teaches us that compassion has a ripple effect, and often extends beyond the walls of our facility. When Kira needed urgent help, the HSU community rallied around her. Today, not only is Kira healthy and thriving, but she is spreading compassion in her own way, bringing joy to people in her community who need it most.

A Dog In Need

When Kira arrived at HSU in early 2024 she needed urgent medical attention. She had significant damage in both eyes causing terrible discomfort. The scarring in one eye was so severe that it bulged from her face and her vision was limited, if not completely gone. Kira was clearly suffering and we could not let her continue in her condition. Removing both eyes would give Kira the best chance at a life free from pain and discomfort so we scheduled her for surgery.

Eye removal surgery is an intense experience and the road to recovery takes time. Kira’s body needed to heal from the extensive procedure. Plus, any vision she might have had was now completely gone. With the help of a dedicated foster volunteer, she adjusted to life without her eyes. Through the whole ordeal Kira never lost her spirit. As she recovered and regained a sense of normalcy, her foster reported that she was sweet, intelligent, and curious. She loved going for walks, she navigated the world around her through smells and sounds, and she even learned to play fetch with the help of some noisy toys!

As we all watched Kira heal and blossom we became excited for the next chapter of her life. We knew things were looking up for Kira, but at the time we had no idea how her kind and curious spirit would touch the lives of those around her.

Kira’s New Beginning

Lara Edwards was looking for a new addition to the family, and Kira caught her attention immediately. She knew that adopting a blind animal would come with some challenges, but that didn’t deter her. As Lara describes, “I knew she was the one right away.”

These days, Kira is living a great life in her new home. Lara and her family found that with the right tools it did not take long for Kira to adjust to her surroundings. She quickly became friends with the family cat and formed a special bond with Lara’s daughter. The family is careful to keep her environment consistent so she knows her way around, just like any other dog. Lara tells us, “she has free range of the entire house and loves to nap and relax anywhere she wants”. And of course, the house is filled with her favorite squeaky toys!

Spreading Compassion in the Community

The story of a dog who was suffering and found the help she needed is incredible. If this story ended here, we would already be in awe of Kira’s transformation and the people who supported her along the way. But what makes this story extra special is the love and joy Kira brings to her community since finding her new home. Every week Lara, her daughter, and Kira volunteer their time at a local assisted living facility. The residents light up whenever Kira comes around. She is great at giving kisses, politely asking for pets, posing for photos, or just being a warm presence when someone needs a friend. We know how important it is for people and animals alike to have a sense of community. When someone is struggling or lonely, it means so much to feel connected to another living being. It is amazing to watch Kira and her family spreading compassion and making a difference in the lives of others.

The staff and residents have come to enjoy Kira so much, you might even call her a celebrity! She even has a special poster displayed around the facility, so residents know when they can look forward to a visit from Kira.

Kira’s story is a perfect example of what happens when animals receive the help and compassion they need to thrive. Choosing a dog with special needs will always come with some unique challenges. But we didn’t just see Kira’s challenges and neither did Lara. We saw a dog with a zest for life and so much love to give. Kira received support and comfort when she needed it most, and now she provides support and comfort to others. If you take a chance on a special needs animal, an older animal, or an animal who has been overlooked, you never know how they might surprise you. As Lara describes, “I am the luckiest person in the world because Kira came into my life.”

Plato’s Story: A Cat’s Transformation

Posted on May 16, 2024May 21, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

There is nothing more heartwarming than an animal’s story of transformation. And Plato’s story is one of our favorites. Plato was one of 14 cats surrendered to the Humane Society of Utah. His guardian cared about him, but it was unsustainable to provide for so many pets at once, and Plato ended up in the care of HSU. As often happens when a large number of animals are living in close quarters, Plato and his companions arrived at our facility very shut down, under-socialized, and wary of unfamiliar people or animals. We knew it would take a lot of work and patience before Plato became comfortable enough to even meet a potential adopter. But we didn’t see a lost cause; we saw a cat who needed extra support and deserved a second chance.

An Early Struggle

Plato spent his first few weeks at HSU completely petrified. He did not come down from his cat tower or allow staff and volunteers to approach him. It is perfectly normal for some cats to be shy, but this was extreme. We tried coaxing him with treats, food, cat toys, you name it. Nothing was working. It became apparent that Plato needed a change of scenery, or his condition would continue to deteriorate.

We reached out to our amazing foster network to find a temporary home where Plato could decompress. Laura Miller has been a foster with HSU for years, and she is experienced in fostering cats with a number of special needs. She graciously stepped in to see if she could work her magic on Plato.

A Transformation Journey

With Plato settled in her home, Laura began the long and patient process of bringing him out of his shell. Everything happened in baby steps. As Laura explains, “he was not aggressive, just very shy.” He spent the whole first week on a shelf away from people or in his crate. “After about a week, I was able to reach into the crate and pet his head.” As the days passed, Plato continued to hit new milestones until he finally started approaching Laura on his own and asking for pets. But he still struggled to interact with anyone besides Laura. We worried that he might not warm up to potential adopters. But we didn’t stop trying. We all crossed our fingers and hoped the right fit would come along.

In March 2024, Laura received the number of a woman named Emily Shelton, who had expressed interest in Plato. Emily was a self-proclaimed dog lover, but something about this sweet-looking orange cat with the name of a Greek philosopher caught her eye. With cautious optimism, Laura gave Emily a call and set up a meeting. Although Plato was nervous and kept his distance during their first meeting, Emily felt an immediate connection. She knew that she was meeting her cat. She left Laura’s house that day and came to HSU to finalize his adoption.

Plato’s New Groove

Cut to today, and Plato is a whole new animal. From the cat who would not come down off the shelf, Plato has transformed into a talkative, affectionate, and goofy companion. He loves to cuddle with Emily and happily asks for head scratches and belly rubs. Emily tells us, “I’ve absolutely fallen in love with him. He never fails to make me laugh and smile.” But this transformation story did not happen overnight. Emily approached Plato with patience and empathy when she first brought him home. As she describes, “I wanted to be able to hold him and play with him right away, but I had to try and imagine how afraid and confused he was.”

Emily’s patience paid off, and now she has a best friend in Plato. She still shares pictures of Plato with Laura, the amazing foster who brought them together. Laura tells us, “so very happy they found each other; definitely one of the top 2 foster stories in my 15 years of fostering close to 500 cats and kittens. Fills my heart.”

This story is a testament to the difference we can make in the lives of animals when we are willing to put in the work. Plato was lucky enough to have in his corner a caring group of staff and volunteers, a dedicated foster, and an adopter who was the right person at the right time. But Plato’s story does not have to be unique! When you adopt, volunteer, donate, or even share animal stories on social media, you are contributing to saving more lives like Plato’s!

Bark At The Moon: Pet Party for a Cause

Posted on May 2, 2024May 2, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

Do you want to party with your pup, while supporting homeless animals in Utah? Look no further than Bark at the Moon, the best dog party in town! Presented by Fetch Pet Insurance, this pup-friendly festival returns to the Gateway on May 18th. Attendees can expect an evening of great food, local vendors, and entertainment for dogs and humans! But what makes this event truly special? All proceeds (including your ticket purchase!) directly support the Humane Society of Utah’s animals and lifesaving programs. Have a fun evening with your dog, and know that you are supporting animals in your community!

Old Favorites and New Activities

Bark at the Moon regulars will recognize some of their familiar favorites including: our local vendor alley full of pup-friendly treats and trinkets, delicious food truck fare, live music by Cry Wolf, and of course, our evening glow-walk! But this year, we are excited to add some fun new elements as well. Visitors and their dogs can participate in enrichment activities, interactive art stations, and a doggy sensory walk! Our behavior staff will be onsite to answer your questions about training and enrichment as you try these fun activities with your pup. But the fun doesn’t stop there – be sure to participate in our opportunity drawing for the chance to win exciting prizes!

Representatives from the Humane Society of Utah will be at Bark at the Moon to discuss our various programs and services. As you enjoy your evening, you can learn about our community clinic services, pet adoptions, and stellar education programs. The Humane Society of Utah has so much to offer, not only for homeless pets, but also for pet guardians in the community. Who knows? Maybe our programs have something great to offer for you, your pet, or someone important in your life!

Brown and white dog at Bark at the Moon glow-walk

Tickets Will Go Quickly: Get Yours Today!

If this sounds like a howling good time, get your tickets now! Bark at the Moon sold out in 2023, and we are expecting another great turnout this year. Don’t miss out on the fun and festivity! Every ticket purchased directly benefits the Humane Society of Utah’s lifesaving programs, giving homeless pets in our community a second chance. By joining Bark at the Moon, you’re not just treating your dog to a fun night out; you are making a real difference!

Fostering Animals: An Act of Compassion

Posted on April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

Bon Bon the black and white puppy on a car ride

It truly takes a village to support the most vulnerable animals in our community. Between donors, volunteers, staff members, and community partners, so many people contribute to our mission in different ways. At the Humane Society of Utah, we are grateful that our village includes an amazing network of foster volunteers who repeatedly provide lifesaving care. Fostering is a crucial step on the road to recovery and adoption for many of our animals. Although it is hard work, our foster volunteers find that the process is also rewarding and full of joy.

The Importance of Fostering Animals

When animals need extensive care a home environment is often the best option. But where does that leave animals still waiting for a permanent home? That is where our amazing foster volunteers come in! Fosters open up their hearts and homes so animals have a space to recover or recuperate. No two animals are the same, so our dynamic foster volunteers provide a wide range of care and support. This might include aftercare for surgery patients, bottle feeding for newborn puppies or kittens, or creating a calm space for an animal to decompress. We are constantly impressed by the level of care and commitment that we see from our fosters.

Dedicated foster Liz Fonua recalls her experience with Ethel, a sweet young puppy with a severe heart murmur. Ethel needed round-the-clock attention as she recovered from surgery. Liz even counted her breaths per minute to make sure everything functioned properly. As Liz remembers, “she would just sleep on your chest and it was like she just listened to your breaths and heart beat.” Thanks to Liz’s attentive care, Ethel fully recovered and found a loving home!

Tom Anderson fostered cats in San Francisco before moving to Utah, so he knew about the hard work and joys of fostering animals. He generously stepped in as a foster for cats with Calicivirus. As Tom explains, “I think my experience fostering the Calici cats is a perfect example of why foster programs are so important. This highly contagious virus is unwelcome in shelters so getting those cats out of the population is important during their recovery.” We couldn’t agree more with Tom’s assessment. Foster volunteers allow us to care for animals in ways that would be difficult or impossible without a foster option. Fostering also opens up space within our facility so even more animals can find a home. Foster volunteers are vital to our mission and we are grateful for them every day!

A Meaningful Experience

Anyone who fosters an animal knows the process can be difficult and emotional. However, it is often a fulfilling and joyous experience as well. Janet Clark explains that her favorite part of fostering is “seeing the dogs relax and discovering their personalities – smart, silly, stubborn, goofy, whatever.” She recalls a poodle who was very quiet and shut down when she first arrived. However, she came out of her shell one morning upon discovering snow! As Janet describes, “she started bouncing around and playing in it like a maniac! It was so great to see a different side of her like that”. We hear many stories like this from our foster volunteers, who see these animals truly blossom as they recover and find comfort in their temporary homes. Nothing is more rewarding than watching an animal come out of their shell and show their true personality.

It is always bittersweet to say goodbye to a beloved foster animal. Our foster volunteers form a real bond with these pets. As Liz describes, “each dog is a forever part of our family.” Many foster volunteers even keep albums or photo displays of the animals they have cared for. But when it is time to say goodbye, they know they are setting these animals on the path to a loving and permanent home.

If you want to support animals in your community, fostering is a great place to start! If you have the time, space, and capacity to open your home to an animal, we encourage you to look at our foster page. You may be surprised by the lessons you can learn from these animals, the bonds you can form, and the memories you will always cherish.

Wissy’s Story: A Dog’s Health Journey

Posted on March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

There is nothing scarier than watching a beloved pet endure a medical emergency. All you want to do is help your pet, but it is difficult to know where you can turn in a crisis. That is where the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George Clinic came in when Wissy the small dog needed urgent health care. We never want to see an animal suffer, and we never want to see a family lose their pet because medical care is not available. We are honored to provide a service in the St. George community so animals like Wissy can get the care they need.

A Small Dog’s Big Health Scare

Sweet senior Chihuahua Wissy was in bad shape when she arrived at HSU’s St. George Clinic in December 2023. She suffered from a protrusion in her groin that was painful and inflamed. Desperate for assistance, her guardian contacted Susan Barrett with Angel Network. Susan runs a rescue group and helps connect Southern Utah pet guardians with animal resources. When she visited Wissy, Susan saw a sweet, incredibly loved, and cherished senior dog. She also noticed that Wissy needed immediate medical attention for her injury. Wissy’s guardian was tearful as she pleaded with Susan for assistance to save her beloved dog.

Susan brought Wissy to our clinic in St. George. Although we are not a full-service clinic, we do our best to provide care when a pet guardian needs extra assistance. Our goal is to keep animals with their families who love and care for them whenever we can. We know that most people love their pets and just want the best for them. But with inflation and medical costs increasing, more and more pet guardians struggle to afford emergency procedures like this one. When we can help relieve that financial burden and keep a pet in their loving home, nothing is more rewarding! In Wissy’s case, we performed the mass removal, blood work, dental work & spay surgery for a minimal cost, which Angel Network covered.

Wissy’s Road to Recovery

Our St. George Clinic staff wasted no time getting Wissy into surgery to save her life. With older animals like Wissy, there is always a greater risk of complications. However, our experienced veterinary staff performed a successful surgery and guided the sweet old girl through her recovery. Susan and the clinic staff were thrilled to watch Wissy bounce back splendidly! She arrived at the clinic sick and in pain. By the time she left, she was practically prancing back to her loving guardian.

Susan is pleased to report that she has since followed up with Wissy’s family, and the small dog is in great health! Her recovery went smoothly, and she is back to her happy self. Stories like this remind us of the important service we provide for pet guardians throughout the state of Utah. Without the intervention of Angel Network and our St. George Clinic, Wissy’s story might have ended very differently. When we can save an animal’s life and send them back to a family who loves them, we know we are making a difference for both the animals and the humans in our community.

Stories like this are possible thanks to our skilled clinic staff and our rescue partners in the community, like Angel Network. And of course, all of our lifesaving programs are possible because of community support and individual donors. We can’t thank our supporters enough for choosing to save lives every day!

Day of Giving 2024 – Let’s Get Creative!

Posted on March 14, 2024March 14, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

Day of Giving is just around the corner at the Humane Society of Utah. On Wednesday, March 20th, we are counting on our community to come together and support lifesaving medical care, food, shelter, and resources for Utah’s most vulnerable animals. This is a challenging time for shelters across the nation, with the cost of care skyrocketing and limited resources for pet guardians and homeless animals. That is why we want to make this the best Day of Giving yet! Thanks to an anonymous longtime donor, all Day of Giving contributions will be matched up to $25,000. Your donation will go twice as far and help twice as many animals on March 20th!

Since we are getting into the spirit of giving, let’s talk about some of the ways you can support animals at the Humane Society of Utah. You are always welcome to visit our donation page and make a quick contribution. No amount is too small, and everything helps! But what are some other creative ways to give?

Give Year-Round With a Monthly Donation

Set up a monthly donation through our website to make your contributions impactful and effortless. Your designated amount will come to HSU automatically each month, so you don’t even have to think about it! With monthly giving, even small amounts add up over time to make a big impact. It is a win-win for you and the animals who depend on your support!

Host Your Own Fundraiser

Whoever said supporting your favorite cause can’t be fun?! Get together with friends, coworkers, or club members and put together your own fundraiser for HSU. There are many creative ideas for giving to charity. You can host a donation drive, sell homemade pet toys or treats, or come up with an exciting competition at your work to raise funds. And if you need materials or support from HSU, fill out the fundraising event application on our website.

In-person fundraisers may not be your thing. That’s okay! Starting a Facebook fundraiser is easy and effective. Visit our Facebook page and click ‘Raise Money’ to get started.

Humane Society of Utah fundraising table

Shop Creative Designs For a Good Cause

Are you looking for some unique wardrobe items or decorative styles? Why not treat yourself to creative designs, while supporting animals in your community?! Proceeds from our online store go directly back to HSU’s lifesaving programs and the animals in our care. You can find styles for just about anyone! Whether you are shopping for yourself or getting a gift for your favorite animal lover.

Ways to Give For the Future

Do you want to provide long-lasting support for the Humane Society of Utah? Visit our planned giving page to learn how charitable giving can fit into your financial plans. Maybe a gift of stock makes sense for you. Perhaps you want to make a donation from your IRA rather than your checking account. Or maybe you even want to include the Humane Society of Utah in your will. With planned giving you can leave a lasting legacy of compassion and support, while receiving tax benefits for yourself and your loved ones.

Other Ways to Support

We are always grateful for monetary donations at the Humane Society of Utah. A donation of $5 can help cover toys, treats, blankets, or other important supplies for our animals. And if everyone who reads this gives $5, think of how much that would add up! But perhaps a gift of money is not possible at this time. Or maybe you are interested in other creative ways of giving. There are other fantastic ways to support the Humane Society of Utah!

Give the gift of your time and compassion by volunteering or fostering our most vulnerable animals.
Give the gift of supplies or pet items. Check out our donation wish list for more information.
Give the gift of your voice! Encourage others to adopt, donate, or volunteer. You can talk to your friends directly about our programs or just share our posts on social media. Just one click, and you can help get the word out!

Remember to mark your calendars for March 20th, and join the movement for Day of Giving 2024! However you choose to give, know that your support will help an animal find a home, receive medical attention, or get the resources needed to remain with their loving guardian. With your help, we can make this the best Day of Giving ever!

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