Categories: PETS

Some dogs from Ogden hoarder house ready to be adopted

OGDEN — Several of the dogs rescued from an Ogden hoarder’s home are now up for adoption.

The more than 150 dogs were transferred to shelters across northern Utah, including the Humane Society, which took in 45 dogs.

“We were pleasantly surprised to see the dogs adapt when they came to us,” said director of marketing and communications Guinn Shuster. “We were expecting them to be fearful of being handled.”

She said none of the dogs in their care had to be euthanized for medical or behavioral problems. One dog, unfortunately did not make it.

Ogden Police told KSL TV Thursday the hoarding case was still being investigated. The department has not yet announced if charges will be filed.

Shuster said most of these animals are ready for the next step in their recovery: a new home. All of the dogs available for adoption will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have age-appropriate vaccinations.

“One thing that we did realize is these dogs had not been outside, so they were actually more comfortable being inside than outdoors,” Shuster said. “So anyone who is interested in adopting one of these dogs is going to need to take the time and patience to help them adapt to all environments.”

She said the dogs are recovering from skin problems, like fleas, but they’re still more timid around humans.

“The good news is a lot of these dogs are really young, and so they should adapt pretty quickly if just given that time and patience,” Shuster said.

It’s reassuring news for Mark Berger, an Ogden business owner.

“It could have been a lot worse,” he said.

When he saw over 150 dogs rescued from that Ogden house, he knew he wanted to take action.

“When the news broke and I saw how hard they were working and everything they were up against, we thought we had to lean really hard into this, maybe rebrand it a little and try to get the community out to donate, adopt, say thank you to the staff,” Berger said.

On Sunday, he’s hosting “Canines, Coffee & Cars” at the Ogden Scooter’s Coffee location he owns and operates.

Event information:

Scooter’s Coffee – Ogden (1085 W 12th St) Sunday, April 27
Adoption Event: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cars & Coffee: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Scooter’s Coffee will be accepting donations for the shelter until 2 p.m.
For updates, follow the Canines, Cars, & Coffee Facebook Event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/18yKHPcwj1/

Other businesses and community members are coming together to thank volunteers, donate supplies and money to the shelter, and adopt available pets.

Berger’s Scooter’s Coffee location regularly hosts adoption events for the Weber County Animal Services.

“I get emotional thinking about it and talking about it, just how lucky I am to be in a situation where we had already had the event planned,” Berger said. “To have the opportunity to bring a community together, to say thank you and do something meaningful. It is.”

Berger said people will be able to sign a thank you card for shelter volunteers. Those who donate will be entered into a raffle to win various prizes donated by local businesses. Anyone who adopts a dog or cat will receive a gift bag with dog toys and treats. One adopter will be chosen to win free Scooter’s at the Ogden store for one year.

Berger said he’s touched to witness the community rally together after the dogs’ rescue.

“It was hard to see, but I’m thankful that it’s created an opportunity for the community to come together,” he said.