During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, the Humane Society celebrates animal shelters across the country. Those at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society say they recognize the vital role the shelter plays in the Helena community.

Gina Wiest, Executive Director for the LCHS, explains, “We take in stray and abandoned animals as well as owner-surrendered animals, and if we weren’t here where would those animals go?”

Sandy Goodwin, Dog Adoption Counselor for the LCHS, says, “A society can be judged by the way they treat their animals, and there are a lot of animals that are homeless, that are abandoned, that are neglected, and the Humane Society is the link.”

Each year, staff and volunteers at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society care for hundreds of abandoned dogs and cats, but in recent years, space limitations and a decades-old building have prevented the shelter from reaching its full potential. That’s why plans are in the works to expand the facility.

Wiest says, “We operate at the full capacity almost all the time and we know that our community is only going to be growing, so we need to prepare for that.”

Although the official week to appreciate animal shelters takes place in November, those with the shelter remind Montanans that animal welfare issues remain important all year round.

Goodwin adds, “It’s just important for people to remember that there are homeless animals, that there are lots of things that can be done to reduce the numbers of homeless animals, spaying and neutering all pets is a must. It’s important for people to think about the shelter and the issues we face here.”

For more information, head to http://www.mtlchs.org/