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Murray • A Vernal couple has donated $1.1 million to the Humane Society of Utah and agency officials said Friday they plan to use the money to create an environment that is less stressful for the animals housed at its Murray facility.
Robert and Teresa Kay said they wanted to make an "immediate difference" for animals that need homes.
"We love animals and it's great to find somebody who could put this money to good use," Robert Kay said Friday. "We are both thrilled to see the plans the Humane Society of Utah has put in place to improve the lives of homeless animals in our community and help them get adopted."
Robert Kay is the CEO of Uintah Engineering and Land Surveying, which provides surveying and civil engineering services for oil and gas companies in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota.
He also is a hunter. In 2009, he purchased a deer tag from the state Division of Wildlife Resources Conservation Permit Program for $205,000. The program seeks to conserve wildlife habitat.
"I do hunt. It's a tradition I love," Kay said. "Every penny went to the deer habitat. It helps the animals."
Friday's donation to the HSU will pay for new kennels, improved ventilation and lighting systems, and a sound system to pipe in soothing music, said HSU director Gene Baierschmidt. Those improvements also will create a more enjoyable experience for people looking to adopt a pet.
"It's wonderful to know that Robert and Teresa will be able to see for themselves all the great things made possible by their generous gift," he said, noting that most gifts come from the estates of deceased donors.
The timing could not have been better, Baierschmidt said, because HSU had already embarked upon a major expansion and renovation project to improve its cat facilities.
"We were wondering how we could also help our dogs, and out of the blue, we were contacted by a representative of Wells Fargo who works with the Kays," he said. "We were excited to learn of the Kays' desire to help make a difference by making this large donation."
HSU incorporated in 1964. Last year, the agency found homes for 4,000 dogs and 3,000 cats. With the expansion, it hopes to find homes for 10,000 dogs and cats each year, Baierschmidt said.
Midvale Mayor JoAnn Seghini, who is HSU's secretary, also praised the Vernal couple.
"The dogs and cats here are being loved and cared for," she said. "On behalf of all the animals, I want to thank you."
The Kays had earlier proposed a donation to the Uintah Animal Control and Special Services District in Vernal. But at that time, the district could not accept a gift for shelter expansion because it did not have the funds to staff a larger facility, said director Tina Williams.
"It's not that we didn't want the money," she said. "It was a generous offer and we will ask Robert [Kay] if he would like to donate in the future."
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O For information on adopting from the Humane Society of Utah visit http://www.utahhumane.org.