A recent article from the Pad for Paws Foundation may have led to some misconceptions of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society Shelter.

Yes, the current animal shelter is old and does not always satisfy the needs and desires of the community or those who care for the lost, abandoned or abused animals. A new shelter is needed to provide for those needs and desires but especially for the needs of the animals.

Repairs and updates are done to the present shelter as necessary and/or as funds are available. In 2006 the dog kennel area was completely renovated. This eliminated the mold problems and greatly improved the sanitation issues. The room is now a cheery yellow with clouds on the blue ceiling and paw prints on the floor.

Of the cats available for adoption, it is mainly the small kittens that are kept in cages. These large cages are in the reception area where the public can view the kittens and the kittens, in turn, become used to many different people. The adult cats are in a bright open room where they are free to play. They have easy access to a large outside cage where they can sit in the sun and enjoy the fresh air. People who have worked with or visited shelters in other states have commented on the high quality of care given our cats waiting for adoption.

In 2006, the shelter closed for about 3-4 weeks because of canine flu. As animal shelters around the western states and Montana had been experiencing this illness, it was not unexpected. The facility was closed to the public not only to give the dogs time to recover but to protect pets belonging to the public.

In 2007 ringworm infected some of the cats and dogs. The shelter was quarantined in order to protect not only the community’s pets but also its citizens. This disease was much harder to eradicate. Instead of spending three plus hours cleaning the facility, staff spent five plus hours each day thoroughly cleaning everything. As a precaution the shelter was kept closed for several additional weeks out of concern for the public. Helena area veterinarians reported ringworm in other domestic animals and horses. This disease also hit other shelters in the West. Some shelters chose to euthanize their entire population. LCHS chose to fight the disease and spare the animals.

Diseases are a natural but very unwelcome part of life in any animal shelter — no matter how new and state of the art the facility is. Whenever numerous animals are housed in a common area, illnesses are easily spread. Even though strays and other dogs are thoroughly examined, vaccinated and kept in quarantine for a reasonable period of time, these animals or even people visiting the shelter can still bring in disease.

Some dogs may become “kennel crazy,” but this is not a regular occurrence. This and other behavior problems occur in all shelters, regardless of how much space the facility has. LCHS staff will try to place the dogs having problems with shelter life in a foster home to give him/her an opportunity to recover. Whenever possible, the dogs are housed outside to give them a change.

A dog may loose weight and people mistakenly believe the animal is not being adequately fed. Unfortunately, even though these animals are fed twice daily, they do not regain the weight because of the stress of shelter living. Even the newest of facilities cannot alleviate this problem. The animals are fed quality food with special foods available for those animals needing it.

A crew of dedicated volunteers appears at the shelter at various times throughout each week to exercise and socialize the dogs. These volunteers exercise, groom and bathe the dogs. They spend time talking to them, petting and giving them attention and love. Other volunteers spend time playing with, holding and petting the cats and doing whatever is necessary to give them a better chance for adoption.

Training classes for shelter dogs in basic obedience have been implemented. Eight to ten volunteers and shelter staff meet once a week for six weeks and are assigned a dog to train. This gives the dog a better chance at adoption. In addition, several volunteers presently have been trained in methods for handling animals that are very timid or have behavior problems. This will increase the potential of finding good homes. The shelter staff also works with the animals on basic obedience and reinforces behaviors taught in the obedience classes.

Shelter staff and volunteers work with all the animals, cats and dogs, to improve their interaction with humans and other animals. Dogs may be housed with other dogs for company. Two or more dogs will be taken to the outside “playpens” in order for them to run and play together. Animals are routinely taken to various functions such as the Parade of Lights, volunteer fairs at Carroll College, visits to assisted living homes and special events at stores.

I would like to urge readers to seriously consider volunteering at the LCHS Shelter. If you are unable to care for the animals there are many other volunteer opportunities: Assisting in keeping the compound clean; yard work in the spring and throughout the summer; office work; building maintenance and many more projects. If you are unable to volunteer, please consider stopping by the shelter to take a look around. The building may not be fancy, but you will find it holds a lot of care and love of animals. The LCHS volunteer program is excellent and if you do participate, you will be surprised at the rewards you will receive for your time — good exercise, good mental and emotional health and lots and lots of unconditional love.

The Lewis & Clark Humane Society is a nonprofit organization. The LCHS Shelter is here for the benefit of the people and pets residing in our local community and the surrounding cities and counties.

Sharon Garden of Helena is a volunteer with the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.