Pet of the Week
*PAWS-ABILITY denotes a pet that has gone to a home on a trial basis. The length of the trial basis or "Paws-ability" is based on the needs of each animal/family, but typically one to two weeks as determined by the family and LCHS adoption counselor. If a Pet of the Week is returned to the shelter we will update its status.
You can view videos of many of our Pets of the week on-line at LCHS TV! Click here >>
Fletcher. September 2010
Status: Ready for adoption
Ball? Ball? Got any balls at your house? How about a rope toy? A Kong? A Frisbee?
Fletcher is the one who’s asking. He’s a 3-year-old neutered Shepherd mix who is crazy for toys. Big rubber balls are his favorites, but he’s flexible. That much we do know about Fletcher, who arrived as a stray.
Fletcher has been taking our basic obedience classes here at the shelter, so he already knows some basic commands and is eager to learn. Treats don’t motivate him as much as toys, though. Give him a rubber ball and he’ll happily carry it around in his mouth. At first he guarded his toys, but now he’s getting better at dropping the ball on command – though he’ll pick it up again the first chance he gets.
Fletcher would be a happy addition to an active family that would play with him and also take him on walks, hikes, trips to the lake, or other adventures. He would do well with children as long as they are old enough to understand not to take his toys when he isn’t expecting it. Fletcher seems fine with cats here at the shelter. Other dogs, though, do stress him so he should probably be an “only dog.”
Come meet the happy guy with the ball in his mouth. Fletcher is waiting at the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer, telephone. The shelter will be open today from noon to 4:30 PM and will open again next Tuesday at noon. For further information you can also call the shelter at 442-1660.
Hermes. August 2010
Status: Ready for adoption
The Upper East Side isn’t exactly a jungle, yet that’s where Hermes was found, and he sure looks like a lion. With his tabby markings and intense yellow eyes, handsome Hermes could be King of the Pride.
He’s certainly a survivor. Hermes arrived as a 6-month-old stray on a cold day last February. After toughing it out on the snowy streets, he settled into our cozy cat room – but surely didn’t expect to be here another six months. Now a 1-year-old neutered male, Hermes has spent half his life in our shelter, and that’s too long for a kitty who enjoys solitude but also loves people.
Hermes doesn’t want to be a tough guy. He wants to be somebody’s buddy. In the Meet Your Match behavioral testing program that the humane society now uses, he’s what we call a “Sidekick.” That means he’d be a steady companion and all around good company. He is content with quiet time yet also loves to play. He’s good with other cats, dogs, and kids.
With Fall coming fast, Hermes hopes he’ll be settled into a new life long before the snow flies again. If you need a friend as much as he does, come meet him today. Between 11 AM and 2 PM Hermes and other adoptable cats will be at the Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch. Other shelter cats will be taking part in adoption events at Petco, 3215 Dredge Drive. To learn more about Hermes, you can also call or visit the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave., telephone 4420-1660.
Caprice. August 2010
Status: Ready for adoption
Caprice is a beauty who looks like she just came from the salon. She’s a spayed female Retriever mix with silky, curly black fur, a tail like a plume, and white on just the tips of her paws. (Do dogs get French manicures?)
Beauty is only fur deep, though. What about her personality? The good news is that this dog is no diva. She’s an easy-going gal who is well mannered, happy to be with people, and willing to do whatever you want to do. She likes being outdoors and walks easily on a leash, enjoys playing in a splash pool, and thinks tennis balls are amazing. She knows some basic commands and is ready to learn more from a willing family. Caprice seems fine with cats, does well with mellow dogs, and is good with children.
Caprice arrived as a stray in April, and we estimate her age at 5 to 7 years. That means she, like all our animals over 5 years of age, is available at half the normal adoption fee. She’s a trim 70 pounds and in good health, and has a cheerful personality and plenty of energy.
You can meet Caprice and some of her canine friends today, between 11 AM and 2 PM, at Hastings Books Music & Video, 3215 N. Montana Ave. Other adoptable dogs and cats are waiting for you at the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave., telephone 4420-1660
Bobby Jo. August 2010
Status: Ready for adoption
Kermit the Frog used to sing “It’s not easy being green.” Bobby Jo would add that it’s not easy being black either.
Bobby Jo is a 1-year-old neutered male kitty who was surrendered to the shelter when his family moved and no longer had room for him. He is solid black, which can be a challenge because black cats don’t always get noticed at a full and busy humane society. Yet black cats have a beauty all their own. Bobby Jo has smooth short fur the color of licorice, a nose as shiny as patent leather, and eyes that are sometimes gold and sometimes green.
Bobby Jo’s second challenge is that he’s very shy. When he arrived he was frightened of everything new and wanted to hide in a corner. And yet he would relax and softly purr when stroked, and would nuzzle the hand that petting him. He’s been staying in a quiet back room at the shelter, and has gradually been getting more confident, and more affectionate.
We’re convinced that Bobby Jo could be a devoted companion in a quiet household with people who would give him time to adapt to them. He would probably need a hidey-hole such as a box or paper bag where he could observe the world for a while before making friends. He is young and healthy, and with gentle daily attention, would learn to trust and love someone who cared for him.
Bobby Jo will be venturing out today, and you can meet him between 11 AM and 2 PM at Rockhand Hardware, 2414 N. Montana. Other adoptable cats will be at Bob Ward & Sons Sporting Goods, 3323 Dredge Drive. For more information about Bobby Jo or other adoptable cats or dogs, please call or visit the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave., telephone 4420-1660.
Langy. August 2010
Status: Ready for adoption
Dogs aren’t vegetarians, but that didn’t stop Langy from running afoul of his family when he ate a duck. And so, in June, this 5-year-old neutered male was surrendered to the shelter.
Maybe Langy should have eaten a turkey, because he is an Akbash, which is breed of dog that originated in the country of Turkey at the eastern end of the Mediterranean. Since the Middle Ages, herders there have been using Akbash to work with their sheep.
Langy, though, isn’t really a working dog. He’s a gentle giant who just wants to be a family friend. At 84 pounds, Langy is large, yet he is easy going and even tempered. He walks quite well on a leash, with just a slight tendency to pull. He knows many commands, and would probably do well with some additional obedience training.
Langy’s needs are pretty basic. He’ll require exercise, and would probably like to go hiking, running, or just walking. A large yard would be ideal, and a fence higher than four feet should keep him home. He gets along with other dogs when properly introduced, and he pretty much ignores the cats here at the shelter. He would be wonderful with older children who could, literally, stand up to his size because Langy tends to lean on those he loves and he is a big boy.
What does Langy offer in return? He’s handsome, smart, eager to please, and very affectionate. With the proper yard and fencing, even a relatively inexperienced dog owner could share a great life with Langy.
Come meet Langy and some of his canine pals today, between 11 AM and 2 PM, outside Starbucks, 608 N. Last Chance Gulch. Other adoptable dogs and cats are waiting for you at the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave., telephone 4420-1660.
Samson. July 2010
Status: ADOPTED!
Yikes! Here at the Humane Society, we’re so full with cats and dogs that we can’t see straight. That’s why this week we’re featuring our cross-eyed cats—like Samson.
Samson is a 1-year-old neutered male Siamese. He has soft gray and white fur with beautiful markings and, as with most Siamese, his blue eyes go like this: X. It’s not a medical problem; he sees just fine, and crossed eyes are part of a Siamese’s charm.
When Samson arrived as a stray last March, he was very shy and wanted to stay hidden inside a paper bag in a back area of the shelter. We could see even then that he had lots of personality and the potential to be sweet and affectionate. Since then he’s gotten brave enough to move into our main cat room, and there he’s surprised us by becoming much more lively and playful than we’d expected.
We think Samson may fit best into a moderately quiet home, as an only pet or with other gentle, friendly animals and perhaps older children. As he grows comfortable with a new family, though, he may have even more surprises in store. Discovering more about Samson and helping him be all that he can be could be part of the joy of adopting this little boy.
So put on your glasses and come meet him. Samson and a few of his Siamese pals will be looking for you today between 11 AM and 2 PM in the lobby entrance of the Placer Hotel, outside Café Zuppa, 21 N. Last Chance Gulch. And another cross-eyed cutie will at Birds & Beasleys, 70 S. Park Ave. For more information about Samson or other adoptable cats or dogs, please call or visit the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave., telephone 4420-1660.
Hardy. July 2010
Status: PAWS-ABILITY
Meet Hardy, a 2-year-old neutered male who is part Pit Bull and part goofball. Hardy is a trim 57 pounds of pure dog. He has white fur, brown eye patches, and golden eyes that are definitely crossed.
Notice how happy he looks sitting in the grass? Hardy adores grass: He loves to lay in it, nibble on it, and play with it as if it were a toy. When this picture was taken, Hardy was looking up expectantly at a tuft of grass, waiting for it to be tossed so he could chase it. Now that’s a dog who is easy to please.
When Hardy arrived as a stray in February, he was much more stressed, but he seemed to relax in the shelter environment where he was getting lots of attention. Volunteers took him through obedience training, so he knows basic commands and is getting much better at walking on a leash.
Now, Hardy is an easy-going dog who would fit into an active family, or a quieter household as long as he got attention and daily walks. In play groups at the shelter, he does well with most other dogs, especially females, though he is not good with cats. He is wonderful with people – men, women, and especially children, and could be great for kids past the toddler stage.
Come meet this cross-eyed character. Today, between 11 AM and 2 PM, Hardy and friends will be on the downtown walking mall, outside The Panhandler at 40 S. Last Chance Gulch. Other dogs waiting for adoption will be at Petco, 3215 Dredge Drive. To learn more, or to meet other dogs and cats needing homes, contact the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave., telephone 4420-1660.
Bronx. May 2010
Status: ADOPTED!
Do you know about Shep, the most famous dog in Montana history? For six years, until 1942, Shep waited patiently at the station in Fort Benton, meeting every train in the hope that his master would return. He was, as his statue there says, “forever faithful.”
Dogs today can be just as loyal. Take Bronx, for example. This 3-year-old Rottweiler/Lab mix is just waiting to give his heart to a new master. His family moved away without taking him along, and since February he’s been waiting at the shelter.
Bronx came from a home where, his family said, he lived outdoors in a fenced yard most of the time but did fine when he was in the house. He’s lived with another male dog and tended to be the dominant one. The family also had an infant and a toddler, so he’s had experience with small children. He enjoys bathing and grooming, and being petted and hugged.
At the shelter, Bronx joins in play sessions with several other dogs, and there he tends to be a “wallflower,” staying quietly outside most of the action. He knows a few basic commands and seems ready to learn more. Bronx is very popular with the shelter volunteers.
Today will be special for Bronx, because he’s taking part in the second annual Lewis & Clark County History Fair. Please come visit the shelter’s booth in Pioneer (Anchor) park, near the library, where you can learn more of Shep’s story and see historic video clips and a live reenactment about Shep. Then come into the lobby of the Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, where between 11 AM and 2 PM you can meet Bronx and one of his buddies who are hoping for homes.
For more information, please visit or call the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave., telephone 442-1660.
Wilbur. December 2009
Status: In foster care.
Dear Santa,
It’s me, Wilbur, with just one wish this Christmas. No, not a Kong toy. I asked for that last year, when I was new at the shelter and sure I’d be adopted soon. But twelve months have rolled by and I’m still here. So this Christmas I have my paws crossed, wishing for a family.
What kind of family? One with people who are strong, athletic, and on the go, like me. I’m a neutered male Boxer/Pit Bull mix, about 2 years old, 52 pounds of muscle with lots of energy (and no batteries required.) I enjoy walks, though I walk really fast and I’d probably rather run some of the time. I used to pull on my leash, but now I’m walking in a harness and doing much better. The volunteers who know me best describe me as powerful, beautiful, and energetic. I love tug-of-war games, playing with balls, and splashing in water. You can see for yourself at the LCHS Video Page.
Have I been a good boy? Well, I’m not perfect. I like other dogs but don’t always have good doggie manners. I just have so much fun romping with them that I keep going after they want to stop. I need help working on that. Also, I don’t like cats. And that probably won’t change.
But look at all my plusses: I’m great with people, including kids, and enjoy other dogs. I’m young, eager, and willing to be trained. I’ve had obedience training and know my basic commands. I do much better when I’m outside my kennel and can burn off some of my energy.
Most of all, I’ve been a good sport about this whole year in the shelter. One of the volunteers says: “When he runs around outside, he has a smile on his face.... he loves being a dog.”
Is there a family somewhere for me, Santa? Maybe they’d like to meet me today, between 11 and 2, at Rockhand Hardware, 2414 N. Montana Ave. Other dogs will be with me, and at Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, 3050 N. Montana Ave. You can learn more about me, or meet other dogs and cats, at the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave. The shelter’s telephone number is 442-1660.
Wilbur
Wilbur. February 2009
Status: Ready for adoption
What happens when you cross a Boxer with a Pit Bull? You get a smart, self-confident, attentive mix like Wilbur, a neutered male, about 1 year old.
Dog enthusiasts say that the Boxer, a German breed, is known for being active, positive, fun loving, and typically gentle with children. Pit Bulls, an American breed, have a reputation they usually don’t deserve because, when trained from an early age, they can be companionable, outgoing, and happy to please.
Wilbur, we believe, has the best of both breeds. He arrived, as a stray but clearly has been well handled and socialized. He’s wiggly and affectionate, outgoing and energetic. Wilbur is good with other dogs, though he seems a little too interested in cats to live with them comfortably. And he’s great with kids. He’s ready and eager to be a great companion in a good home.
Wilbur and other adoptable dogs from the humane society will be at the library today, as part of our participation in the Big Read of Jack London’s “Call of the Wild.” You can meet them between noon and 3 PM at the Lewis & Clark Library, 120 South Last Chance Gulch. Many other adoptable dogs and cats are waiting for you at the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave. The shelter’s telephone number is 442-1660.
Come meet the happy guy with the ball in his mouth. Fletcher is a 3-year-old neutered Shepherd mix who is crazy for toys.
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LCHS is pleased to announce its merger with Spay Montana, a mobile program providing spay/neuter services to Montana communities.
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Please join us in kicking off "The Pathway Home," a visionary campaign beginning September 2008 to build a new shelter for the greater Helena area.
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In most shelters, cats are rarely identified by breed. Instead, they are labeled as Domestic short, medium or long hairs. So why aren't we describing our dogs in a similar way?
Learn about dog body language
The LCHShas organized a Play Group Crew, that has exceptional knowledge and observational skills on dog body language. Watch a video >>
Check out the Lewis & Clark Humane Society's Pet Channel on YouTube. See the many stars of the shelter at their best, and available for adoption!
