Our Mission is to Empower and Uplift Our Community

All proceeds are used to provide the highest level of care to animals in our sanctuary and to fund community programs, like emergency fostering. Dismiss

About Mountain Guardians

Our Mission is to Empower and Uplift Our Community.

Our story

Mountain Guardians was born out of a shared passion for animals and a desire to make a difference in our community. Founded by Ogden locals Kevin and Shay, who have long dreamed of creating a sanctuary, Mountain Guardians officially launched in September 2023. After facing some career challenges, they saw it as the perfect time to turn their love for animals into something bigger—a way to give back and support local pets in need.

Inspired by their time volunteering with Best Friends Animal Society, Kevin and Shay wanted to create a safe haven for animals right here in Northern Utah. With the support of friends and the local community, they turned their vision into reality, starting small but with big ambitions.

Our Mission
In partnership with the Weber County Animal Shelter, we focus on finding loving homes for local cats, helping reduce the number of strays, and providing crucial community support. Through our Trap and Release program and emergency foster care for families in crisis, we are committed to making a positive impact for both the animals and the people of our community.

Though our sanctuary is still small, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. To date, we’ve taken in 34 cats and found forever homes for 18 of them—and we’re just getting started!

Looking Ahead
Our dream doesn’t stop at cats. While we started small to ensure we could make an immediate impact, our vision is to expand to a larger facility where we can care for a broader range of animals—from cats and dogs to horses, snakes, and birds. We believe that every animal deserves love and care, and we’re excited for what the future holds as we continue to grow and serve our community.

Meet the team

Shay Buckway

CEO & Czar of All

As the CEO and Czar of All, Shay wears many hats as one of the founders of Mountain Guardians Animal Alliance. Passionate about building a better world for animals and humans alike, she channels her creativity and drive into making lasting change. A video game enthusiast and crochet wizard, she’s the mastermind behind the sanctuary’s handmade stuffed animals that help raise funds for our mission.

When not out in the fresh air with her beloved animals, Shay is likely curled up with an audiobook and her crochet hooks, crafting her next masterpiece. Her favorite moments are spent helping people deepen their bonds with their animal companions, creating relationships that last a lifetime.

Kevin Buckway

COO & Cat Wrangler

Kevin is the go-to guy for all things cat at Mountain Guardians. As our Chief Operating Officer—and self-proclaimed cat wrangler—he’s the one making sure every feline is living their best life. His belief? Adopting the right pet doesn’t just add to your life; it changes it in ways you’ll never expect.

When Kevin’s not keeping the sanctuary purring along, you’ll probably find him gaming or geeking out over the latest nerdy thing. With a heart for animals and a love for leveling up (both in video games and life), Kevin makes sure every cat is cared for, loved, and ready for their forever home.

Jaden Dedman

Vice President & Big Nerd

Jaden manages everything from website updates to helping with the animals and organizing community events. A self-proclaimed nerd, she’s often found adopting another pet when Kevin and Shay are around—currently sharing a home with two dogs (Harley and Bianca), two cats (Fish and Brew), and a snake named Zack.

When not at the sanctuary, Jaden serves as the head chef at a local restaurant and tends to a growing collection of plants. Whether in the kitchen or at the sanctuary, she’s dedicated to making a positive impact.

Emily Buck

Emily, our resident “Emotional Support Human,” brings her warm energy and marketing expertise to Mountain Guardians Animal Alliance. A master marketer by day and passionate animal activist by night, she’s always finding ways to expand the sanctuary’s impact. Whether she’s playing video games, networking at events, or mapping out strategies to grow the organization’s efforts, Emily’s enthusiasm shines through.

Having recently purchased her first home, she’s embracing new adventures—spending time with her family, exploring the concert scene, and picking up crochet as her latest hobby. With her big heart and creative drive, Emily is an essential part of our mission to make the world a better place for animals and their humans.

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Colton Dehart

Event Coordinator & Key Extrovert

Colton is the heart of every event at Mountain Guardians, bringing his infectious energy and natural charisma wherever he goes. When you meet him, it’s easy to see why he’s a friend to all. A lover of travel, Colton has explored many countries and still has plenty more on his bucket list.

When he’s not out adventuring, you’ll find him watching movies, playing video games, or spending time with his girlfriend, Jaden (our VP), and their mini zoo of pets. Fun fact: Colton wasn’t always a cat person, but meeting Fish changed everything—now he’s a proud, converted cat dad.