As Christmas nears, the newspapers are

filled with advertising from various businesses including those

that breed dogs and sell puppies for presents.

One can walk through the Flathead

County Animal Shelter and see the many surrendered pets that were

once purchased as cute and playful puppies and kittens. The shelter

has wonderfully adoptable cats and dogs that are ready to be given

a forever home during Christmas. And as a reminder, always consider

carefully if your home and family’s lifestyle can provide for the

needs of a new pet.

For further information, please contact

the Flathead County Animal Shelter at 752-1310 or go online to

www.flathead.mt.gov/animal.

— Cindie Jobe, Kila