Humane Society

By Meagan Broussard

Right here in Helena, at Lewis and Clark Humane Society (LCHS) the staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the facilities are running smoothly.

I had the opportunity to speak with the LCHS Dog Coordinators, Kat Martineau and Rebecca Howard, as well as the LCHS Cat Coordinator, Katie Axline-Pittman about the ins and outs of the facility.

Since LCHS is the major animal shelter in Helena, they see most animals that go through the adoption/surrender system. Last November alone, Martineau says “168 animals either came into or out of the shelter.” On previous visits to LCHS, I have seen both adoptions and surrenders.

When it comes to adoptions, Axline-Pittman says that cats who are “social, outgoing, friendly, and right there with the people visiting” are most likely to be adopted. Both Dog Coordinators agreed that above all, “puppies and ‘Trifecta Dogs’ are the most common dogs to get adopted.” Trifecta Dogs are dogs that are good and get along with, other dogs, cats, and kids.

In addition, Howard stated that “Small dogs, as well as Labradors and purebreds” are breeds that are often peoples first choice to adopt; however, there are exceptions: “Chihuahuas are an exception because they often are trouble makers, especially with barking. But that’s not always the case; sometimes people love them,” Martineau adds.

Even though it is sad, surrenders are sometimes necessary and are often better for the animal in the long run. After a second of thought, the Coordinators agreed that in both dogs and cats, animals of a fancy breed and older animals are most likely to be given or returned to LCHS. The reasons are that fancy animals are often high maintenance, and older animals are both high maintenance and they “simply just aren’t as cute anymore.” In dogs, the most commonly surrendered breeds are “Pitties [Pitbulls], Huskies, and Hounds,” says Howard. In explanation, Howard says, “Pitbulls have a bad reputation, Huskies are just big, and Hounds are often too loud for people.”

The facility is always working hard. Howard states, “There is no ‘busiest’ season for us; however we often see more turn-ins in winter and more adoptions and strays in summer.”

It is a common practice for Helena families to donate to LCHS, and the entrance to the shelter has a donation center, often filled with food, blankets, and toys; however the Coordinators agreed that they are in need of “Chew toys, entertainment sources, food toys, and large sweaters/coats” for dogs, and Axline-Pittman says “[we] always need kitty litter.”

All staff at LCHS agreed that volunteers are always welcome, encouraged, and wanted. Axline-Pittman explains “[We are] in need of kitten socializing volunteers.” These volunteers essentially interact with the kittens to get them used to humans and help them become more social. All staff agreed that there is a need for “general cleaning, dog walking, and front help volunteers.”

If you’d like to get started or are interested in volunteering at LCHS, the staff say you just need to “come in for an orientation, take a tour, and sign up for whatever you are able to do.”

If you can’t volunteer, the staff explains that there are several other ways to get involved with and helping the shelter, including donating, attending fundraisers, and just coming to visit the animals whenever you can.

Fundraisers happen a few times a year, and on March 16th, LCHS held the Spay-getti Dinner (When it happens I’m going to update this)

If you would like to contact LCHS please visit the website at: http://lchsmontana.org or visit in person at 2112 E Custer Ave near Costco. The website features animals available for adoption, FAQ’s, fundraiser and event dates, news, Pet of the Week, and donation information. If you can spare the time to get involved, the staff and the animals appreciate it very much.