The Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton, a shelter that takes in abandoned pets in Ravalli County and helps finds them new homes, received a call recently that a Husky had to have its leg amputated because it was shot.
When they arrived, they found much more than just a couple dogs in need of their help.
After 60 hours of trying to bring in the huskies, the Bitter Root Humane Association now has more than 30 new dogs, which includes a litter of puppies.
That's on top of the 17 dogs they have, their cats, and five Macaw birds that they recently added. They are calling on the community's help this holiday season.
"At this point now we have about 25 to 30 adult huskies that we're not sure where to go with at this point," said Cyra Woehlke-Saltzman, Bitter Root Humane Association operations manager.
All of the huskies were in the wild before being rescued and the Bitter Root Humane Association got to most of them before the elements or local residents could harm them.
Because these dogs were in the wild, it will take more time to find the right homes for them: "We don't think they will be great with livestock, we don't think they will be great with smaller animals. But we don't know ... we don’t have the time and resources to actually sit down and work with these dogs to see where we can home them."
While the Bitter Root Humane Association preps these neglected dogs to find homes, people are still invited to stop by and spend some time with them.
"I would welcome that, that would make my heart happy because then we know that they are spending that time (and) bonding with that dog," Saltzman said. "Then we can actually see the interaction day to day,"
In the meantime the Bitter Root Humane Association is filled beyond capacity, so they can use your help with donations including money, food, toys, blankets or time.
"That's the biggest thing right now. Volunteers that want to come in and start helping. Clinics that want to help. Rescues that are aware of us. If anybody wants to come help us at this point with donations or time that's something that we are needing the most right now." Cyra Woehlke-Saltzman.
Some of the Huskies are bred with some wolf in them so they might need some special accommodations to find a permanent home.
The Bitter Root Humane Association says that if you know of any Husky rescue agencies or anyone who might be able to accommodate for these dogs you can call 406-363-5311, email opmanager@bitterroothumane.org, or visit their website for more information.
