I have adopted many “Sochi dogs.” Of course, they were never described that way. But there are hundreds to them around here and thousands in Western Montana. We don’t call them “Sochi dogs” but maybe we should. There were so many homeless and unwanted dogs roaming in Sochi, Russia, that it became a big “image” problem for the Russian Olympics.

It seems that Americans love these Sochi dogs and couldn’t get enough of them. There was endless press coverage and heart-warming stories of American Olympians adopting them and bringing them “home.”

Homeless, neglected and abandoned animals don’t get much, if any, press coverage and they roam our area. Their best shot is getting picked up by a stranger and taken to an animal shelter or rescue group. Some will be adopted to forever homes, some are too sick to be adopted and some just grow old in their kennels/cages. Where is the outpouring of compassion for these animals right here?

There are, in reality, more dogs and cats needing homes than there are people looking to adopt a shelter animal. This is a huge problem because pets are not spayed or neutered, are not properly identified (through tags or microchips), run away and then reproduce as nature calls, starting another cycle of “Sochi dogs” needing food, shelter and homes.

Local shelters and rescue groups such as the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, for which I am vice president, are limited by space and finances. Foster homes are always needed. If you are thinking about adding a dog or cat to your home, contact a local shelter or rescue group. These animals all have stories to tell. They all have value. They will give to you a friend “fur-ever” as well as unconditional love.

If you can adopt a “Sochi dog” or “Sochi cat,” look no farther than Western Montana. —Sharon Hawke, Polson