It seems like only yesterday that we marveled at our brand-new facility; A dream brought to reality by visionary benefactors who had the courage of their conviction to save homeless animals.
The realization of our dream of an adoption center began in the early winter months of 2002 with a generous donation from a family of long-time supporters. In the months that ensued, we broke ground in June 2003. Although our building was completed in 2004, it was our visionary friends who once again recognized the need to eliminate some residual construction debt in 2005 and spearheaded the single most successful, private fundraising event ever held in Montana. In appreciation for their generosity, the Humane Society building was dedicated in memory of Charlotte Edkins, a cherished mother and animal lover. Since that time the Charlotte Edkins Animal Adoption Center has been privileged to preserve Board Member Emeritus Claire Wilson's legacy. We respectfully pay homage to Claire's memory and honor her life and love for animals.
In 2022, Stacie DaBolt was appointed Executive Director of the Humane Society of Northwest Montana. With more than 25 years of experience in animal welfare and shelter management, Stacie has led the organization through significant challenges while strengthening its lifesaving mission.
Under her leadership, the shelter has grown its team, expanded volunteer and foster engagement, and successfully navigated an annual operating budget of more than $1 million.
Stacie also transformed the shelter's back acreage into a community event space, creating the annual Summer Shindig & Fundraiser. Now a signature event for the organization, the Summer Shindig has become a major source of support for shelter programs, exceeding the previous year's fundraising goal by 100% for the past 2 years.
Through her leadership, innovation, and dedication to animal welfare, Stacie continues to advance the Humane Society of Northwest Montana's commitment to providing care, compassion, and second chances for homeless animals.
In the years that our animal adoption center has been in operation, thousands of animals have been adopted and given a second chance for a forever home.
In addition to facilitating pet adoptions and providing temporary housing for homeless cats and dogs, our organization also offers solution-oriented service programs designed to help the community with animal welfare education and pet ownership assistance.
Our robust adoption center continues to make strides finding the perfect homes for our adoptable pets and creating partnerships with our local veterinarians for spay and neuters as well as aging and mobility related issues.
There is a 5-year plan to complete a 10-acre dog campus complete with indoor facilities for training and hosting AKC registered events. Other enrichment opportunities include dive pools, sniff spots, agility courses and more!
