Rachelle Coburn had worked in the mortgage industry for 15 years and was ready for a change. She asked herself, “In a perfect world, what would I love to do?” The answer was to run an animal rescue sanctuary, but she wasn’t in a position to do that. So, she did the next best thing.

“I love dogs and I love coffee, so I thought ‘let’s see if we can help raise money for local rescues,’” she said. “Then I can work with them and learn the ins-and-outs and build those relationships. So I just took a shot and here we are.”

Pup Cups Coffee opened in April at the Coffee and Treasures Thrift Store in West Jordan at 7136 S. Redwood Road. Partnering with animal rescue groups like Best Friends, CAWS, Adventure Buddies and Rescue Rovers, the coffee shop allows customers to round up their change to donate to animal rescue, or they can make a donation.

Teaming with a different rescue organization each month, Pup Cups Coffee will host adoption events where people can meet dogs looking for their forever homes. Since puppies are usually adopted quickly, Coburn spotlights older dogs in her shop, hoping people will provide a loving home for them.

On July 8 and July 29, dog and coffee lovers are invited to stop by Pup Cups Coffee for adoption events. Coburn said it’s a great opportunity to take the dogs for a walk, have them meet other pets and kids and spend some time getting to know them. 

“We have an area with a permanent shade structure…and it's out back so it's quiet,” she said. “It's a neighborhood back there so it's quiet and calm, there’s no added stress because the dogs are already traumatized. If people already have a dog, they can bring them to meet the dog to make sure it's a good fit.”

Coburn’s husband, Bryant, owns the Coffee and Treasures and his suggestion to reconfigure the back of the store into a coffee shop was the perfect idea. It has allowed Coburn to connect with animal lovers to match dogs with the right home. 

In the coffee shop, customers can learn about rescues who have spent more than 100 days in foster care, waiting for adoption. She also accepts donations of unopened bags of dog food, blankets, toys, puppy pads, Clorox wipes, poop bags and plastic gloves so rescue organizations don’t have to spend money on those items.

“They do a lot of fundraisers, they have to apply for grants and things like that to get funding to provide care for the animals,” she said. “[That money can go toward] veterinary care, getting their vaccines, spay and neuters, and microchips. Some [dogs] have illnesses that they need to be treated, or injuries. So a lot of that money can go to the vet bills versus food and toys.”

Not only does the shop specialize in helping dogs, it also has an extensive drink menu. Coburn loves experimenting with flavors to bring new coffee and tea experiences to her customers. Her favorites include the Doxie Latte with butter pecan and white chocolate, and the English Sheepdog with Earl Gray tea, lavender and honey. A complete menu can be found at toasttab.com/pup-cups-coffee.

“I'm just a lover of all animals,” Coburn said. “This is just a starting point for me. I just can't resist, you know. If I could save them all and keep them all I would, but realistically I can't. I was trying to find a way to give back and help them find homes that aren't mine.”  λ