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Meet the LCHS Staff

Gina Wiest Executive Director “It’s an opportunity to help the homeless and abandoned animals in our community. These animals are given a second chance, and I love being a part of that.” Contact Gina Wiest >>	Christine Stipich Shelter manager/ Animal Welfare Supervisor "My whole life I have been around animals, at age 10 I stole an animal because it was not being cared for and it was close to dying. I love to take care of the animals, and especially the animals that are disabled or mistreated.” Contact Christine Stipich >>	Robyn McNellis Finance Manager "I love working here because I’ve been here so long that I get to see the big picture, from the hard work the staff puts in, to the kind donations from our community, both big and small. I get to see all the good in people and the emotional connection is too much for me to think of being anywhere else.” Contact Robyn McNellis >>	Jessie McAlpin Office Manager “I believe in what I do, and it is truly a family, we are all in this together.”
Liz Harrison Development and Communications Director “I’m a huge believer in the potentials inherent in the human-animal bond. To be able to work for the animals’ health, safety and happiness is a dream come true. It’s a joy to be a part of the team that helps homeless animals connect with humans looking for someone special to love!” Contact Liz Harrison>>	Tom Kandt Dog Trainer/ Behavior Consultant “The two things I love best about working at the L&CHS are being able to make a big positive difference in the life of another living being and working along side such wonderful employees and volunteers who are equally comitted to making a difference.”	Jo Bristow Volunteer Manager “Until one has loved an animal, a part of their soul remains unawakened.” That’s my favorite quote – I am honored to work with my amazing volunteers and colleagues here at the shelter. I love my job!	Sandy Newton Program Manager for Spay Montana Contact Sandy and Spay Montana>> They can’t add or subtract, but they sure can multiply!
Kelsee Dalton Kennel Assistant "Because I get to see firsthand the cost of irresponsible pet ownership and the effect it has on animals, physically and emotionally, and take animals that may have never been loved, and love them.”	Carol Rhinehart Kennel Assistant "I love working with the animals and I enjoy working with the other staff. Plus it is a good learning experience, learning new stuff each day.”	Kris Fife Dog Trainer/ Behavior Consultant	Samantha Wiest Animal Welfare Assistant "People ask me how I can do my job? These animals have been abandoned by the only home they have ever known and we have to pick up the pieces and put these broken down dogs and cats, and put them back together.”
Anna Hazen Kennel Assistant	Ingrid Clouse Kennel Assistant	Marianne Stipich Kennel Assistant "I love being around animals, and the people are great to work with”	Dana VanSteenvort Development Coordinator “The shelter team gives an immense amount of love and care to our community’s homeless animals. To be a part of that group, to help spread the word and raise awareness is incredibly gratifying. These animals need a loving home and my intention is to help people hear their voice or bark or purr…
Heather Goins Kennel Assistant	Katie La Salle Kennel Assistant	Tanner Morgan Dog Adoption Counselor	Travis Petras Kennel Assistant

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Pet of the Week

Bailey is a six year old Catahoula Leopard dog; the only known domesticated Native North American dog breed.
LEARN MORE >>

Events

You're invited to the eleventh annual Spay-ghetti Dinner, February 18, 2012!
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News

January 25, 2012: Judge Rules Humane Society Allowed to Keep Rescued Malamutes until Trial;
Chilinski Not Allowed to Sell Dogs While Court Case in Pending
READ MORE >>

Wishlist

In a giving mood today? Check out our Wishlist page for a list of the "little things" that really benefit the animals at the shelter. Wishlist >>

The Pathway Home

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.

Learn more about how you can help pave the Pathway Home. >>

Spay Montana

LCHS is pleased to announce its merger with Spay Montana, a mobile program providing spay/neuter services to Montana communities.
Learn more about the program >>

Visit the Spay Montana website >>

American Shelter Dog?

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 more >>

Shelter Stories

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 >>

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!

Visit the Pet Channel >>