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Resilience Through Love: Goober’s Heartwarming Journey

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
A German Shepherd puppy named Goober looks into the camera, showcasing his resilience.

Goober’s story is one of resilience and fortitude, but it’s also a story about how love and an open heart can truly change the tides.

Goober arrived at HSU in January of 2025 as a transfer from an overcrowded shelter. The then 5-month-old pup was goofy, lovable, and sweet, but it was immediately clear to the Humane Society of Utah’s licensed veterinarians that despite Goober’s happy-go-lucky demeanor, all was not well.

Goober Battles a Nasty Infection

Goober had sustained a broken jaw at some point in his early life. Although the jaw appeared to be healing well, the break had caused major infection in his face. Our team jumped into action, removing a piece of dead bone from Goober’s jaw along with three affected teeth.

The dental procedure went smoothly, and Goober was sent to a foster home to recover. After a couple of weeks of rest, rejuvenation, and some carefully prescribed meds, HSU staff thought Goober was ready to find a new home! Unfortunately, fate came forth to test Goober’s resilience once more.

A German Shepherd puppy named goober lounges on the floor with a bully stick.

Leaving the Eye of the Storm

Things took an unexpected turn when Goober experienced a rare complication, causing his jaw to become fused shut. Even essential activities such as eating and drinking had become a struggle, let alone regular puppy activities like playing with a tennis ball. This was clearly more than a cosmetic issue; Goober needed medical intervention ASAP.

What had started as a straightforward dental procedure quickly turned into a costly and complicated undertaking. Goober was going to need diagnostic scans, specialized exams, and ultimately, surgery.

A German Shepherd puppy named Goober shows his resilience at his vet appointment with Mountain West Veterinary Specialists.

Goober’s Resilience Shines Through

Luckily for Goober, the Humane Society of Utah has a partnership with Mountain West Veterinary Specialists, and their team was more than willing to get to the bottom of Goober’s issue. Due to their generous donation of services, Goober was able to receive the life-saving surgery he needed on April 10th, 2025.

Following a diagnostic CT, Goober underwent a maxillectomy, a surgery in which a portion of the upper jawbone is removed. Immediately after his procedure, Goober was able to open his jaw normally, indicating a massive success!

Goober once again went to a foster home to recover, awaiting a recheck with MWVS, 10-14 days after his surgery. Little did Goober know, his foster home would simply become “home.”

A German Shepherd puppy named Goober undergoes a CT scan at Mountain West Veterinary Specialists.

Resilience Through Love Pays Off

Goober was officially adopted by his foster family on May 23, 2025 after being cleared of his medical strife. Through multiple vet visits and follow up appointments, a surgery, and more, Goober’s friendly and playful personality never wavered.

Goober demonstrated that resilience comes not from age, wisdom, or the mere presence of hardship, but from something far more important: love and an open heart. Today, Goober is still his goofy adorable self, finally able to have quintessential puppy experiences while he grows up in the care of his human family.

His happy ending wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of Mountain West Veterinary Specialists, Goober’s loving foster-turned-family, and of course, YOU!

A German Shepherd puppy named Goober's resilience led to him finding a home!

Are you interested in helping more pets like Goober? There are a plethora of ways you can lend a paw. You can donate, foster, volunteer, or simply share this post. And of course, you can always choose to make the biggest difference in a pet’s life possible by adopting! View all of our available pets today at UtahHumane.org/Adopt.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Harmful Algae Blooms in Utah Waters

Posted on by Guinn

Protect your pet during outdoor adventures by learning to identify toxic algae

Utah has incredible outdoor spaces to explore with your dog​, including reservoirs, rivers, and mountain streams. But as the weather warms up, it’s essential to be aware of a growing seasonal danger: harmful algal blooms. These naturally occurring algae can pose serious, sometimes fatal, health risks to pets. In partnership with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Water Quality (DWQ), we share what every dog guardian should know to prevent exposure and protect their pets this summer.

What Is Harmful Algae and Why Is It Dangerous for Dogs?

There are two types of harmful algae that dog owners should watch out for:

  • Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs): Also known as blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, these blooms float on the water’s surface and can look like pea soup, spilled paint, or scummy foam.
  • Harmful Algae Mats (Benthic Mats): These grow along the bottom of water bodies and can break loose, washing ashore where curious dogs may sniff or eat them.

Both types can release toxins that affect the liver, nervous system, or skin, posing a serious risk to dogs that drink the water, lick their fur, or ingest the algae directly.

Common Ways Dogs Are Exposed to Harmful Algae

Dogs are at higher risk of algae-related illness than humans because they are more likely to:

  • Drink from contaminated water sources
  • Ingest algae mats found near shorelines
  • Lick algae residue off their fur or paws

Even small amounts of exposure can be dangerous. If you think your dog has come into contact with harmful algae, rinse them with clean water immediately and monitor for signs of illness.

Symptoms of Harmful Algae Poisoning in Dogs

Symptoms can vary depending on how much and how long your dog was exposed to harmful algae. In some cases, symptoms can appear within minutes.

Ingestion-related symptoms:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stumbling or weakness
  • Difficulty breathing

Skin contact symptoms:

  • Rashes or hives
  • Itching or redness
  • Allergic reactions

If your dog shows any of these signs, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (855) 764-7661 (note: consultation fees may apply).

How to Tell if Water is Safe for Your Dog

During Utah’s recreational monitoring season, you can check current harmful algae advisories on the DEQ’s water quality page.

Even if no official warning is posted, water conditions can change quickly. Learn to visually identify suspicious water:

  • Harmful blooms often appear bright green, turquoise, or brown and can resemble spilled paint or floating scum.
  • Harmful mats are thick, dark-colored growths on rocks or the bottom of shallow areas.

Some harmless aquatic vegetation, like duckweed or stringy green algae, can look similar but doesn’t produce dangerous toxins. When in doubt, keep your dog out of the water.

Large blue dog stands by river edge near Harmful algae blooms and dogs in Utah.

Are At-Home Algae Test Kits Reliable?

No, rapid water test kits for algae are not approved by the U.S. EPA and may not reliably detect toxins. The best defense is visual awareness and avoiding questionable water bodies altogether.

Final Tips for a Safe Summer

  • Bring clean drinking water for your dog when you go hiking, camping, or swimming.
  • Avoid letting them drink from puddles, ponds, or slow-moving water.
  • Rinse your dog off with clean water after outdoor water play.
  • Know the signs of algae poisoning and act quickly if symptoms occur.

Spending time in Utah’s beautiful outdoors is one of the best parts of pet ownership. A little knowledge and prevention go a long way in keeping your dog safe, healthy, and by your side for many future adventures.
Learn more and visit  DEQ’s socials and newsletter at: Instagram, Facebook, and newsletter sign up.

Temporary Family, Permanent Difference: Foster a Pet Today!

Posted on 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.

Heartworm Prevention: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
A dog stands on a log outside. Heartworm is most often contracted from infected mosquitos in the great outdoors.

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.

Pet Poison Prevention: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
A dog sniffs some flowers outdoors. Pets' curious nature can often lead them to come across hazards, which is why pet poison prevention is so important.

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 by Maddie Cushing
A community cat from Payson, UT peers out of a humane trap at the Humane Society of Utah.

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 by Maddie Cushing
Four kittens sit on a rainbow blanket against a white backdrop promoting the Last Litter program.

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!”

Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet Before Six Months of Age

Posted on by Guinn

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most responsible and impactful decisions you can make as a pet owner. While these procedures are beneficial at any age, performing them before your pet reaches six months of age provides unique advantages for both your pet and the community.

At the Humane Society of Utah, we’re passionate about educating pet owners on the importance of early spay/neuter. We are excited to offer a special promotion at our St. George clinic to help make it easier than ever.

Why Spay or Neuter Before Six Months of Age?

1. Prevent Unwanted Litters

Did you know cats and dogs can mature sexually at four to six months old? By spaying or neutering your pet before this age, you eliminate the risk of accidental litters and help reduce the number of homeless animals entering shelters each year.

2. Health Benefits

Early spay or neuter can help protect your pet from certain cancers and infections. For female pets, spaying before their first heat cycle significantly lowers the risk of uterine infections and breast cancer. Neutering males can prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate issues.

3. Behavioral Improvements

Spaying and neutering can also prevent hormone-driven behaviors such as roaming/escaping, spraying/marking, or aggression. Pets who undergo these procedures early are often calmer, more focused on their people, and better companions.

4. Easier Recovery

Younger pets recover more quickly from spay or neuter surgery than older animals. At six months or younger, pets experience shorter healing times and fewer post-operative complications, making it an ideal time for the procedure.

Special Offer: $25/$15 Off Spay/Neuter for Dogs/Cats Under Six Months!

To encourage early spay and neuter, the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George clinic offers $25 off spay and neuter procedures for dogs under six months of age!

Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility: This offer applies to dogs and cats six months of age or younger at the time of the procedure (not the time of scheduling).

• Offer Period: The promotion will run until May 1, 2025.

• How to Schedule: Contact our St. George clinic to book your pet’s spay or neuter appointment online; enter code EARLY to receive $25 off a puppy spay/neuter or $15 off a kitten spay/neuter.

Why Take Action Now?

Spaying or neutering your pet early is a simple yet profound way to improve their quality of life, protect their health, and contribute to the fight against pet overpopulation. By scheduling your pet’s surgery before six months of age, you’ll give them the best possible start while ensuring your community benefits as well.

Calming Pets During Holiday Gatherings

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Crisco, a large dog with fluffy red reindeer antlers on his head, smiles in the blog header for calming pets during holiday gatherings.

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 by Maddie Cushing
Iroh, a brown and white dog, lays on the floor of the living room in his new home, which he found through the Home for the Holidays foster program.

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.