The Flathead County Animal Shelter has recently experienced some truly wonderful upgrades, all thanks to the generous support of the all-volunteer nonprofit organization, Flathead Shelter Friends. One of the most exciting improvements is the installation of a synthetic lawn—a project led by the unwavering dedication of Linda Vevera from Shelter Friends. Linda played a key role in researching, presenting, and securing nearly $60,000 in funding for the project, but even she couldn’t have anticipated the profound effect it would have on the animals in our care.
Koda, a 6-year-old mixed breed who has been with the shelter for some time, is just one example of how the new environment has made an incredible difference. Linda herself was amazed by his transformation.
"I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I’ve never seen Koda so playful—rolling around, playing with a toy. It’s like he’s an entirely different dog."
And it’s not just Koda. Many of the animals are thriving in ways no one had expected. The eco-friendly SYNlawn has not only improved the quality of life for the dogs, but it has also made the lives of shelter staff easier. Cleanup is simpler, and the lawn’s antimicrobial technology helps eliminate odors and prevents the buildup of harmful microbes, keeping our animals safer and healthier than ever before.
Shelter Director Austin Hicks expressed his deep appreciation as well, "This is another wonderful example of how Flathead Shelter Friends continually step up to support and improve the shelter. The new grass not only looks amazing, but the dogs and employees are really benefiting from it."
Linda, along with fellow Shelter Friends board members Karen Jacobson and Cliff Bennett, were kind enough to walk me through some of the many projects the organization has funded for our shelter. In addition to the synthetic turf, their contributions include a new intercom and sound system, renovating the kennels to allow dogs' passage from inside to outside as well as providing outdoor individual patios, renovating the entire cat wing, and raising funds for an onsite veterinary clinic equipped with all the instruments needed to care for the animals.
But the work is never finished. The County Animal Shelter is always in need of more hands and hearts to help ensure the animals receive the care they deserve. If you’re interested in making a difference, we encourage you to get involved. Email to schedule your next volunteer orientation and become part of this wonderful community of support.
Together, with the kindness of employees and volunteers alike, we continue to make the shelter a better place for these deserving animals.
View all the Animal Shelter’s current adoptable animals at https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/animal/adoptions