Scratches on the door, paw prints in the dirt, slobber on the walls, and fur on the couch—pet owners know these signs well. Whether cleaning up after my Saint Bernard’s slobber or taking my Cocker Spaniel on the boat, I have countless tales that remind me these animals aren’t just pets, they’re family.
The Humane Society of Northwest Montana is a heartwarming organization dedicated to the safety, health, and happiness of dogs, cats, and other pets in the Flathead Valley. Under the leadership of Executive Director Stacie DaBolt, the organization provides critical care, shelter, and pathways to loving homes for these animals.
The Humane Society had several successful ways of raising funds this year. From legacy bequest donations to third party fundraisers such as a fourth graders lemonade stand, the Humane Society finds financial help from all sorts of places in the valley. When speaking with Marketing Director Mia Malone, she emphasized just how vital these funds are.
“These funds keep our doors open,” Mia says. “Our absolute main priority is the care and rehabilitation of these animals.”
The organization typically sees 500-700 adoptions a year, and nearly nine out of ten of those animals need to undergo a spaying or neutering procedure, which is a necessary requirement in order to adopt. The Humane Society is responsible for the costs of vaccines, veterinary care, food and water costs, and of course, shelter needs. Some animals need heavy rehabilitation and medical care, and the Humane Society also shoulders this cost. With all of this in mind, donations play a vital part in how the Humane Society is able to continue providing these animals with the proper care.
Another large part of what keeps this organization running is the people willing to support and love these animals. The Humane Society offers both adoption and fostering options. Fostering allows people who are unable to adopt long term to still provide some love and care for animals in need.
However, adoption is a kind of magic that is hard to put into words. Mia shared her own adoption story of her beloved kitten. She began by fostering the kitten when it was only 1.9 pounds at two months old, and after a month of care and companionship, Mia made an easy decision to adopt.
The Humane Society also offers pet retention help and services to people in need of extra support for their animal at home.
When speaking on the impact of what adoption can look like, Mia describes exactly how life can look brighter.
“You can find statistics showing that owning an animal lets you live longer, petting an animal lowers your heart rate, and it’s something that teaches kids responsibility. It ends up being so fulfilling for both the adoptee and the adopter,” she says.
By adopting today, you may just find that fulfillment you’ve been looking for—perhaps in the shape of paw prints on the floor.
For community members looking to get involved, the organization offers several donation and volunteer opportunities. From donating your time in the shelter to helping plan events, they are always looking for extra helping hands. They host several large fundraising events that encourage families to help support the community's two-legged friends. To learn more about things such as their 50/50 raffle, their Summer Shindig, and more, visit HumaneSocietyPets.com to see how you can help the animals in the Flathead.
These funds keep our doors open. Our absolute main priority is the care and rehabilitation of these animals.