LOCAL NEWS

Delivering Thanksgiving dinner to Utah’s homeless pets 

Nov 24, 2021, 5:14 PM | Updated: 6:24 pm

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.” 

Dogs and cats at the Salt Lake County animal shelter gobbled their annual Thanksgiving dinner. (Sean Moody, KSL TV) Dogs and cats at the Salt Lake County animal shelter gobbled their annual Thanksgiving dinner. (Sean Moody, KSL TV) Dogs and cats at the Salt Lake County animal shelter gobbled their annual Thanksgiving dinner. (Sean Moody, KSL TV)

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.

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. 

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Loren Richardson shoots video of him snowboarding when a Brighton man confronted him on Feb. 26. Th...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Brighton resident charged with threatening, pointing shotgun at snowboarder

A Brighton man was charged Thursday with aggravated assault and accused of pointing a shotgun at a backcountry skier who went on his property on Feb. 26.

57 minutes ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Breeze Airways announces new flights out of Provo to Dallas Fort Worth

Getting to the Lone Star State just got easier. Breeze Airways announced a new flights to Dallas Fort Worth from Provo.

2 hours ago

(KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

Gas prices rose considerably over the past month in the Salt Lake area, according to data from industry watchers.

3 hours ago

A UDOT snowplow clears the road in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Feb. 9. Up to 2 feet of snow or more is...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Rain, snow to impact many parts of Utah throughout Easter weekend

It might be spring, but winter weather remains in Utah's forecast for Easter weekend as the end of the traditional snowpack collection period nears.

4 hours ago

Man being taken on stretcher to an ambulance figures blurred...

Lauren Steinbrecher

West Jordan man trying ‘to be funny’ allegedly shot and killed best friend

Investigators believe a joke between friends turned into the shooting death of a West Jordan man. The fatal mistake is also turning into a message police hope every gun owner can hear.

14 hours ago

Matt Gephardt meeting with Denis Hawkins after a rental car company after they ignored his calls fo...

Matt Gephardt

Get Gephardt helps Spanish Fork man clear up insurance claim for rental car damage

Get Gephardt clears up an international rental car insurance standstill.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Delivering Thanksgiving dinner to Utah’s homeless pets