When you walk through the doors of the Weber County Animal Shelter, you're greeted by wagging tails, curious eyes, and the hope for new beginnings. One of the dogs currently waiting for her forever home is Ruby, an 8-year-old Chow mix with a heart full of love and a tail that never stops wagging.
Ruby's story began on a reservation where she lived with a single owner for most of her life. Now at the shelter, Ruby is showing her affectionate, spunky personality to everyone she meets. She's especially fond of treats, hugs, and toys. Ruby would thrive as the only pet in a home, but she does wonderfully with adults and older kids who can appreciate her gentle and playful demeanor.
Bailey May, the Community Care and Outreach Coordinator at the Weber County Animal Shelter, says Ruby is just one example of the wide variety of pets they care for. "We have a good mix here," Bailey explains. "You'll find everything from poodle mixes and labs to cattle dogs, bully breeds, and of course, sweet seniors like Ruby."
Located on Fairgrounds Drive near the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden, the Weber County Animal Shelter provides care for hundreds of cats, dogs, and even the occasional rabbit. Spring and summer often bring an influx of kittens and mom cats, making this time of year especially busy.
For anyone considering adding a furry friend to the family, Bailey offers some valuable advice: "Take your time. Research different breeds and consider which one best fits your lifestyle. We love when people walk in, fall in love, and adopt the same day- but not everyone knows what they're looking for."
For those who want to make sure their choice is the right one, the shelter offers a foster-to-adopt program. This gives families the chance to take a pet home for a few weeks and see how things go before finalizing the adoption. There's no time limit on the foster period," Bailey states. "It's a great way to get to know the animal."
Bailey also shares the shelter's favorite guideline for new pet owners: the 3-3-3 Rule. It's a simple but effective way to understand what to expect when bringing a new pet home.
"It usually takes three days for a pet to decompress and settle in after leaving the shelter," Bailey explains, "After about three weeks, they start to adjust to their new routines, and by three months, they're beginning to feel like part of the family."
If the transition doesn't feel smooth right away, Bailey encourages patience. "It takes time. Don't be hard on yourself, and don't give up too quickly."
For people not quite ready to adopt, volunteering is another fantastic way to help the animals. Opportunities include walking dogs, socializing cats, helping with cleaning, or even assisting at adoption events. There's even a unique "Read to the Cats" program, where children come in and read books to the cats, helping to improve their socialization while providing kids with a fun, literacy-boosting activity.
"It's great for the kids during the summer break, and the cats love the quiet attention," Bailey says with a smile. "The cats don't interrupt, and it helps them feel more comfortable around people."
In addition to adoptions and volunteer work, the Weber County Animal Shelter works tirelessly to reunite lost pets with their families, promote responsible pet ownership, and educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering.
For Ruby and many other animals at the shelter, each day brings new hope. Whether it's through a volunteer offering a walk, a child reading softly to a kitten, or a family taking a chance on adoption, the shelter thrives on community involvement.
If you've been thinking about adding a pet to your family, or even if you want to help out for an afternoon, the Weber County Animal Shelter welcomes you. Stop by, take a dog like Ruby for a walk, snuggle with some kittens, or explore the possibilities.
"You'll find everything from poodle mixes and labs to cattle dogs, bully breeds, and sweet senior dogs like Ruby."