Unleashed – PAWsitive Stories from Salt Lake County Animal Services
March Volunteer Spotlight: KC Hutton & Eric Schenfeld
March 02, 2020
Thanks to wonderful volunteers like KC & Eric, Salt Lake County Animal Services is able to give pets at the shelter extra love and attention. Find out more about their experience and more about what it takes to become a volunteer!
What brought you to SLCoAS?
We were looking for a place that had a wide range of hours available for volunteering, as our schedules don't often line up. When they do, we wanted to be able to take advantage of it and get in some volunteering. And, of course, we love animals.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
Volunteering has been a great way to get some puppy love. We are looking at moving out of our condo to a house and feel that volunteering will help us learn what kind of dog might be a good fit for us when we are ready to adopt.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
We love being outdoors and being with friends. We ski, back country tour, hike, camp, run, mountain bike and SCUBA dive. We love to travel, though returning home often reminds us of all that Utah has to offer.
Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:
We got married last July on Vancouver Island and have one furry member of the family, an adopted cat named Panda. Panda's favorite activities are meowing pitifully about a not-quite-empty food bowl and laying on our chests and purring disruptively loudly in the middle of the night. Prior to Panda, KC had always had dogs, so she's still figuring out this whole cat owner thing. Eric grew up with cats and concedes that Panda is a weird one, but we both love her anyway.
What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?
Enjoy yourself and remember to take lots of pics! We love volunteering together, because one of us always has a hand free to snap photos of the pups.
Do you have a favorite adoption story?
We met Skyy on our first volunteer day. As Eric puts it, "she warmed our hearts." We loved playing with her the next time we volunteered as well. We were nervous that she was going to be at SLCoAS for a long time, as she was an older pup, but was so smart and sweet. We were so happy to see that she was adopted shortly after being a Hound Around Town!
Tell us something unique about you:
Up until a year ago, we both still had a baby tooth each. Eric had to have his removed, but KC's is still going strong.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
We go to Kauai about once a year for Eric to work at a medical clinic there and we love it. It's a beautiful island, with a laid-back pace that feels instantly home-y. And, the animal shelter there allows visitors to check out dogs in a program very similar to Hounds Around Town!
February Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Korth
February 04, 2020
Meet our February volunteer of the month, Nicole Korth! Find out more about his volunteer experience at Salt Lake County Animal Services. If you're interested in volunteering find out more.
Here's more about Nicole:
What brought you to SLCoAS?
I saw a post one of my Facebook friends had shared where SLCoAS was looking for fosters during kitten season.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
Getting to love on all the different kiddos. Being able to help them be a little happier. Scrubbing the pups during the dog washes.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Go to the gym and watch horror movies.
Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:
Currently have two lady cats, Elise & Avery, and a bearded dragon named Quinn. A couple years ago Elise survived not only a house fire but being trapped in the house for two weeks after the fire. She's my miracle kitty.
What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?
Just get into it. Find a way to volunteer that makes you feel good and is compatible with your life and schedule.
Do you have a favorite adoption story?
One handsome man, Hendricks, had had a tough time. He'd been hit by a car and had surgery on his back legs. He enjoyed being around my littles and gnawing the corners off of decorative pillows while his body healed. He was able to find a good home where he enjoys laying in the sun and monitoring activity through the windows.
Tell us something unique about you:
I have a soft spot for really awful horror films. Think Thankskilling, Human Centipede, Zoombies, Teeth, Zombeavers, Pan Man, Lavalantulas, etc.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Anywhere warm and by the water so I can sun myself like a happy little lizard.
Dating Apps for Dogs?
January 30, 2020
There are plenty of places for us to go if we feel lonely and want to meet new people but what if your dog is lonely? Maybe you’re looking for some new dog buddies for your furry friend and don’t know where to start. Here’s some suggestions from staff at Salt Lake County Animal Services.
Well, the world of online dating for dogs is here. Woofr is an app that lets you find dogs and their owners in your area by swiping left/right. It’s Tinder but for dogs (and their people) and all you need to do to check out their profile is click on the little information icon.
To get started, enter in your dog’s information (and of course a little of yours) and a profile picture and you can begin to peruse who is in the market for a new friend in your area. Once you have made a match you can begin a private conversation and possibly make a date for you dog at the local dog park or another dog friendly location.
Let’s be honest this site may be a great place for you to meet local dog walkers in your area or a new friend for your four-legged furry friend, but it is also a great icebreaker for humans who love dogs and the best part is the site offers both options.
So, look at Woofr and find other dogs and their owners around you and even if they do not match with you, who doesn’t like scrolling through seeing dog after grinning dog.
Where Are They Now: Gemma
January 24, 2020
Thousands of pets are adopted from Salt Lake County Animal Services every year. We love getting updates from their families on how they've settled into their new life. Meet Gemma, all though she may be little, she be fierce! Here's what her mom has to say:
We adopted Gemma a little over 5 years ago. We named her after her big “sister” Jewel, since Gemma means Jewel in Italian (her humans are proud of their Italian heritage).
Originally she was the only small dog with 3 German Shepherd brothers and sisters. Now she has a new sister about her same size.
Gemma is a big, tough dog in a fluffy little body. Everyone knows that she is the boss around here. She’s also a lot of fun and has helped many fearful foster dogs learn to relax and be a dog.
We moved to Texas last year and live by a lake. She was initially afraid of the water but she has overcome those fears and is now a champion swimmer. She is enjoying life in the warmer climate, although she’s always loved the snow. Mostly she is excited to go on any adventure and smell the tracks of all the wild animals in her new neighborhood. She protects the family by making sure everyone in the house knows if any person or animal comes within 100 feet of her house.
She’s very loved and we are grateful that she came into our family, she fits in perfectly.
Share your adoption story with us! Email adoptions@slco.org.
January: National Train Your Dog Month
January 06, 2020
Since January is a time for New Year’s resolutions it is a perfect time for dog owners or those who may be considering getting a new dog to learn about the importance of training your pet. At Salt Lake County Animal Services we offer free training throughout the month to all pet owners.
Hundreds of dogs are given away each year because of behavioral issues that could have been eliminated with proper training.
Training can eliminate behavior issues, enhance safety, and build a mutual trust and respect between you and your dog, it is also a great way to spend some time with your furry friend. Every dog from puppies to seniors has what it takes to learn new tricks and good behavior.
Everyone who has a pet should understand that training is a way to enhance the quality of life for our pets and a key component in caring for our animals. Dogs needs socialization and schooling to become well-behaved companions and since January is National Train your dog month, it is a perfect time for owners to start some basic training or even begin teaching your current dog some new commands.
Dogs thrive on mental stimulation and structure so while training your dog is beneficial it is also a chance for them to learn and practice something new which they love, and it creates a bond between you and your pet. Learning is bonding and helps to build a strong relationship between you and your dog.
Dog training is the single most important factor for a pet to stay in their homes. Teaching basic manners allows your pet to be welcome in more situations and makes your life and your dogs life easier. It will strengthen your relationship and help your dog to communicate with you.
Remember that the most important aspect of any training is to make it fun for you and your dog. If you do not enjoy it, you won’t stick with it and if your dog does not enjoy it he/she is likely not going to learn from it.
Salt Lake County Animal Services has monthly workshops that are free to attend take a look.
January Volunteer Spotlight: Cliff Blow
January 06, 2020
Meet our January volunteer of the month, Cliff Blow! Find out more about his volunteer experience at Salt Lake County Animal Services. If you're interested in volunteering find out more.
Here's more about Cliff:
What brought you to SLCoAS?
Some years ago after a crummy day at work on a really hot summer day, I decided to go visit a friend’s pasture and her horses; while I was there I decided to brush them. They wandered over and stood under a tree and I spent the next ½ hour or so brushing them. It seems during that time I had groomed the problems of the day gone, I felt much better and the horses I think enjoyed the time also. Wow, an easy fix for the days gloom. Today when I feel that way I spend time with my cats! One of other reasons is the Salt Lake County Shelter is one of the cleaner and nicer smelling facilities also.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
It is the same as I mentioned above, I always feel better after spending time with the cats. I am single and lead a pretty simple life so I have extra time that I can give back to the community, I have also volunteered at a horse facility and had a ball working with the horses, I worked my butt off there! I have never left either facility not feeling better about myself and what I am doing.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I really enjoy hiking and camping and a little bit fishing, I enjoy being outdoors regardless of the temperature! I also have several Ford Mustangs, travel and spend a lot of time in National Parks and Forests.
Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:
I have two senior cats, a 17 year old female gray tabby and a 14 year old male Siamese Red point. They are my kids, I spend time with them every day either playing or brushing them, from that I get there love back many times over. My girlfriend has three cats, one male and two females in which I play with also.
What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?
Just have fun with it, I leave running the facility to people to know what they are doing and it is their job to do so.
Do you have a favorite adoption story?
How about a fostering story? I fostered Patches, an 8 year old male cat for several months. I noticed the cat had been at the shelter for quite a long time, as I had fostered other cats from time to time I decided to take him on. It turns out he could be quite a handful. But over time he learned the house rules and I really enjoyed having him around. Unfortunately Patches is an aggressive cat and was really causing problems with my other two cats, I cried the day I had to bring him back! After that when I was at the shelter I always spent extra time with him, I could see that he was lonely in a cage but there was little that I could do about it. Finally Megan emailed me to let me know that he had been adopted by an older Gentleman with no other cats, a perfect home for him!
Tell us something unique about you:
Oh boy, I am just a run of the mill guy, other than never married or had children.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The Redwood Forests of northern California, or Arches National Park in Utah.
Where Are They Now: Bagheera
January 06, 2020
Meet Bagheera! this sweet girl was adopted from Salt Lake County Animal Services in 2012. We love hearing about the lives pets adopted from the shelter go on to live! Share your story with adoptions@slco.org.
Bagheera was in a foster home of a friend when her mom first met her, and it was love at first sight! Bagheera enjoys going on adventures in Moab with her parents and her dog-sister Molly. Here are a few photos of Bagheera and what her mom has to say about her:
Bagheera is a total sweetheart! She is goofy and loving, and she is happiest when her people are happy. She loves wearing her sweaters and accessories, especially when it makes us smile!