It was a 3-month-old Siamese-mix kitten named Salem. Glenn found the animal online at Petfinder.com, which directed her to Camelot Pet Resort, Spa and Health Center at 483 W. 325 South in Bountiful. The center serves as a luxury resort, day-care center, veterinary clinic and homeless shelter for pets.

"I just put in [the information online about] what I wanted and found this Siamese kitten . . . It was awesome," said Glenn, who lives in Holladay.

Glenn's experience is not novel. Last year, Camelot adopted out nearly 200 of its temporary pet residents to suitable owners. Daniel Sims and his Camelot staff, which include his two daughters, provide veterinarian services, boarding facilities and a refuge for unwanted animals - mostly cats and dogs - that would otherwise be euthanized.

"We try to save as many lives of unwanted and homeless animals as possible - to prevent euthanasia," said Camelot manager Heather Thompson.

Recently, the center had 80 animals awaiting permanent homes. Included in the mix of animals were rabbits, cats and kittens, and dogs and puppies.

Dr. Sims and his staff recently nursed six Siamese-mix kittens back to health, treating them for eye infections, worms and upper-respiratory infections.

"It's costly to care for all the homeless animals . . . ," Sims said. "We actually lose money, so [we] are always open to donations."

If homeless cats pose too much of a problem for the center, the animals are shipped to a sprawling ranch in Evanston, Wyo., to become mouse hunters.

"They all find homes and have a chance to live out their lives," Sims said.

Sims has seen a lot of changes during his 40 years doing business in the Bountiful area. He says fewer animals are struck by cars or go homeless today than was the case in the past.

"I have a soft heart for animals," Sims said.

That is evident given the number of critters roaming the rooms at the center. Also known as Camelot's mascots, these unadopted animals have worked their way into the hearts of staff.

For instance, there's Alvin, an 8-month old kitten that was adopted out and later returned with an infected paw. After surgery, Alvin lost part of his paw - and then his adopted family. Now Camelot's relaxation specialist, the cat stays busy testing the comfort level of chairs and boarding beds at the center.

There's also Tabitha, a 2-year-old calico cat that fancies herself a part of the staff's welcoming committee. She also oversees payments by perching on the counter next to the credit-card machine. She's right at home with the other center mascots.

Sims and his staff have their hands full with their matchmaking role of finding suitable families for their furry friends. Still, they relish the rewards of the task.

"When I see someone picking up one [kitten]. . . , it's very rewarding," Sims said.