House & Pet Sitting Services

11/08/2024

We love the people we serve. Today our hearts are broken. We learned that a young lady whose family we'd been helping for close to two years recently took her own life.

Our most important work this morning was delivering food for her dog (whom we've known for a long time). He is now in the loving care of her sister, a friend we've also been honored to help in the past.

Trauma is rarely an isolated instance. Sadly, that has been borne out. One of the resident dogs (a boy we grew to love) was tragically killed two months ago when someone sped down the driveway.

So much heartache. So many tears. Lives lost. Lives pieced back together. And lives lost again.

It is relationships like this one that mean the world to us. Poverty makes things very challenging for many people within our communities. It makes it hard to find solutions for life's persistent problems that may seem simple to others who have resources.

There have been four dogs hit by cars at this location in the past two years. We saved one, despite a shattered pelvis. He is still happy and greeted us today. We tried to save another, but he couldn't quite recover after surgery. His injuries were too severe. Two others were dead on arrival.

But we have made a difference, and in doing so we've saved countless lives. We helped erect a large outdoor kennel, which is now a safe zone with donated dog houses and igloos. We spayed and neutered eleven dogs. Provided food assistance. Rehomed dogs. Saved a dog from certain death from parvo (essentially brought her back to life) and saved the one serious hit-by-car victim.

We have seen many times that animals and people suffer together. Loss breeds loss. Poverty breeds poverty. Suffering and sorrow breed more of the same... unless we can break the cycle and offer healing and be there for one another so no one has to bear the weight by themselves. The path to healing is not a solitary one.

Trauma comes in waves and cycles. It is so, so hard. Our hearts go out to the young lady's family. Our prayers have already been sent up to her. May her soul find peace, free from the afflictions of life. And may we honor her life by working to end cycles of trauma.

11/01/2024

Respiratory infection season is upon us! We have received a few confirmed cases of "kennel cough" in the past two days. "Kennel cough" is a broad category of respiratory illness including both bacterial, viral and Bordetella strains. Think of the colds the kids pass around in preschool sharing all the fun crayons, cups, and toys. The dogs here touch noses, share water, and breath the same air. It is common to have outbreaks in spring and fall.

10/31/2024

For the next several days we will not be able to allow large dogs on the hiking hill. The wild horses came by today and did pretty significant damage to the fence and upper gate. Daycare dogs will be limited on Friday and Saturday to a rotation in the play yard and will be crated otherwise. Please consider keeping large dogs home from daycare for the next few days. Photograph of the main culprits in this escape attempt.

10/21/2024

Today is , a reminder that knowing how to save a life—especially our furry friends—can make all the difference. While having to administer CPR to your pet can be terrifying, being prepared can help you act calmly and confidently in an emergency.

Stay Calm:
1️⃣ Breathe: Take a few deep breaths to steady yourself. Focus on the feeling of the air filling your lungs.
2️⃣ Delegate: If there are bystanders, assign them tasks like finding the nearest emergency vet.
3️⃣ Focus: Keep your mind clear. Concentrate on the steps ahead and stay in the moment.

When to Start CPR:
🐾 Your pet isn’t responding
🐾 Your pet isn’t breathing
🐾 You can’t feel a heartbeat or pulse

How to Perform CPR:
Compressions:
❤️ Position your pet on their side.
❤️ Deliver 120 compressions per minute (2 per second).
❤️ For every 30 compressions, give 2 breaths.

Breaths:
❤️ Close your pet’s mouth and seal it with your fingers.
❤️ Cover their nose with your mouth and give 2 breaths—enough to make their chest rise.
❤️ Check for a heartbeat after 2 minutes. If there’s no pulse, continue.

When to Stop CPR:
🐾 Your pet starts breathing and responding
🐾 You reach the vet clinic and they take over
🐾 You can’t continue physically
🐾 Your pet starts breathing but is still unconscious

Recovery Position:
Place your pet’s head to the side, slightly tilting down (unless there’s head trauma).

Compression Techniques:
🐶 Medium to Large Dogs: Compress one third of the chest depth.
🐱 Small Dogs/Cats: Use your thumb and fingers for compression, or compress directly over the heart.

Stay prepared and know that you can make a difference in your pet's life! ❤️

10/18/2024

Any dog knows that a fractured canine tooth is a big problem, but dogs (and their people) who know about Missoula Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery, our 2024 Best Pet Trick contest sponsor, know that Dr. Block and the crew know exactly how to help! If your pets have dental issues, visit missoulavetdentist.com to learn more about how Missoula Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery can help!

10/12/2024

Coming up!! Please join us at the shelter for a free pet vaccine clinic from 2:30pm-5:30pm on Tuesday, October 15th! 🐶😺

We will be providing rabies vaccines, core vaccines (DA2PP & FVRCP) and microchips for dogs and cats. We ask that all dogs be on leash and all cats be in a carrier – if you need to borrow a cardboard carrier, please let our staff know at check in. This is a FREE clinic, so please be prepared for long wait times. Please park in one of the Humane Society of Western Montana parking lots and not in the neighboring animal clinic lot.

10/07/2024

Please join us at the shelter for a free pet vaccine clinic from 2:30pm-5:30pm on Tuesday, October 15th!

We will be providing rabies vaccines, core vaccines (DA2PP & FVRCP) and microchips for dogs and cats. We ask that all dogs be on leash and all cats be in a carrier – if you need to borrow a cardboard carrier, please let our staff know at check in. This is a FREE clinic, so please be prepared for long wait times. Please park in one of the Humane Society of Western Montana parking lots and not in the neighboring animal clinic lot.

We look forward to seeing you and your pet on October 15th! 🐶😺

10/05/2024

10/05/2024

09/25/2024

Many people often have questions about dog and bear interactions when out walking/hiking. Here you go:

09/06/2024

The Humane Society of Northwest Montana is hosting a low-cost vaccine clinic from 10am to 2pm this Saturday, September 7th. This clinic is for dogs and cats only, no aggressive, feral or under socialized pets, and there is a limit of 4 pets per family. Call (406)752-7297 to make an appointment.

08/26/2024

Veterinarian in home housecall euthanasia and end of life consults for cats and dogs in Missoula

08/25/2024

08/24/2024

We are live!!! Come get a free pup cake!