'Yappy Hour' strives to save dogs and cats

Utah pet owners and many of their dogs attended No More Homeless Pets organization's "Yappy Hour" Friday night, designed to end the euthanasia of homeless dogs and cats in Utah and promote humane alternatives dealing with feral cats.

The organization was started by Gregory Castle in 2007. Castle, a passionate animal lover and owner of rescued cats and dogs, said the organization has helped reduce the number of animals euthanized in shelters across the state by half since its inception.

But there are many animals that didn't have a chance to find a loving home — Castle estimated approximately 20,000 animals have been euthanized in Utah this year alone.

This year's "Yappy Hour" to raise money for the organization featured a silent auction, pet psychic, pet photo booth, doggie massage and a vet information table for owners and their canine companions — all to raise awareness of Utah's homeless pet problem.

For more information about the No More Homeless Pets organization in Utah visit www.utahpets.org.