SALT LAKE CITY – People across Utah have all kinds of Thanksgiving traditions, but the one constant has usually been a big dinner. 

For one group in Salt Lake City, that meal looks a little different as organizers worked to make sure no one was left out. 

It’s another Thanksgiving tradition, running around town on the Wednesday before the holiday to get all those last-minute ingredients for the feast.  

Inside one building though, the feeding frenzy is over and the recipients are about ready for that long, post-Thanksgiving nap. 

“I look forward to it every year,” said Debbie Pierce who organized the special meal. 

She’s met with this group to prepare meals for nine years now. “It’s one of my most favorite traditions.” 

It’s about giving back and giving something to those who maybe need a little boost in their lives. They had got a lot of the usual Thanksgiving dishes but some of the ingredients are a little more unusual. 

Because it’s not every day, these recipients get to eat people food. 

Volunteers with Salt Lake County Animal Services prepared special Thanksgiving treats for all the dogs and cats at the shelter. 

Pierce said. “It’s amazing to see them get so excited when they see that plate of food come in and it just warms my heart.” 

Just like us, they can’t wait to dig in although they might have table manners that are a little different.

This Thanksgiving dinner in Salt Lake City is already done and the recipients are ready for a loooong post-meal nap. I tagged along with @SLCoAnimals to learn more about this tradition. Here's my story for @KSL5TV 🐕🐈🍴 pic.twitter.com/oSXoWyHb8g

— Sean Moody (@SeanMoodyPhoto) November 24, 2021

The volunteers who showed up at sunrise to do this said it’s the least they can do to give thanks. 

“Because they give us joy,” Pierce said. “They’re amazing creatures and they make our lives complete.” 

November 30 is Giving Tuesday, where a lot of organizations hope to raise money to serve their communities.  

Organizers at Salt Lake County Animal Services hope to raise at least $15,000 to go toward their Injured Animal Fund.  

Get more information on how to donate here.