r By Arianne Brown
Heathre Hone of Spanish Fork has long been an animal advocate and has spent many years volunteering at local animal shelters. It was while volunteering back in 2014, however, when Hone decided she wanted to do more.
“I was driving home one day, and told my husband that I wanted to open up my own nonprofit animal rescue,” Hone said. “And here we are, four years later with a facility of our own.”
That facility that is called Utah Valley Animal Rescue houses hundreds of animals from pigs to cats, dogs and even birds who they get from local shelters like Best Friends Animal Society and South Valley Animal Shelter. And since day one, Hone says her goals have always been to provide a safe place for many of the animals who have been neglected or abused before they are sent to live in their new homes, as well as to help Utah County become a “No Kill” County. Each animal that comes to the facility is fixed, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and once healthy enough, becomes available for adoption.
The animal rescue facility that is being started on January 28, almost wasn’t a reality. Recently, the organization received a generous donation from retired Attorney Ron Goodman and his wife Sonja Hanson to build a building. The rescue will be located at 5152 West 6300 South, Spanish Fork.
“We were out performing a ‘trap, neuter and release’ on some feral cats when some people came to help us,” Hone said. “These individuals knew Ron and Sonja, got us connected, and now we have a building.”
Hone and those who volunteer at Utah Valley Animal Rescue are so grateful for the ability to obtain a building to further their animal saving efforts. One thing Hone wasn’t aware of, however, was many of the costs that come with owning such a large facility. She was soon faced with many unexpected things in order to become fully operational in the new building. Things like a water heater, propane tank, metal shelving, a refrigerator, heating and air conditioning system, electrical, lights and wall plugs. They are also in need of monetary donations and everyday items for the animals like, cat food, cat Litter, cat carriers, dog food, dog collars and leashes among other items.
And because the facility is a nonprofit organization, Hone relies on donations from those within the community.
“If anyone can help us out, we would truly appreciate it!” Hone said.
The rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible under the EN number 47-1264869.
If you are able to donate to this cause, go to the Utah Valley Animal Rescue website at www.uvar.us.
