FLATHEAD SHELTER FRIENDS Opt to Adopt Pet Talk Welcome to Pet Talk, an occasional column about homeless pets and related topics. Today we're discussing a topic that is unfathomable to most pet lovers: Abandonment! First, consider these sad statistics: As many as 8 million pets enter animal shelters in the U.S. annually, with about four million being adopted and one million being euthanized. Conversely, only about 700,000 strays are reunited with their owners each year. Of course, the term "stray" is often just a euphemism. No doubt some are actual escapees whose owners subsequently make every attempt to quickly locate them. But many at-large pets are simply unwanted animals that have been dumped in cities or, worse, out in the woods to fend for themselves! Case in point: My 2 dogs. In 1999, Mokey was dumped along the edge of a highway-picture a jet black dog along a dangerous road with nighttime approaching! But luckily, after we rescued him Mokey spent 12 years in a pampered life of hiking, skiing, and other Montana fun. Conversely, our current dog Sammy was rescued as a puppy. He was abandoned along with several litter mates at a county dumpster site, perhaps by a cruel breeder. But Sammy's been a precious family member since 2013 and is now a "Super Senior" (in our vet's words) at nearly 14 years old. So how about you? If you're ready for a new 4-legged friend, please consider adopting one or more homeless pets from Flathead County Animal Shelter. Below are just a few. First up is Golem: Or, sweet Allister: And here's flop-eared Damien: And here's handsome Hunter: Below is handsome Max: And here's cute Churchill: Or how about pensive Pete: Or how about cute Scamper: Next, here's smiling Gunner: And so forth... as of this writing, nearly 25 adoptable dogs and cats are waiting to meet you at the county shelter! So, if you're seeking one or more loving companions you can schedule a meet-and-greet by phoning Flathead County Animal Shelter at (406) 752-1310. And did you know about the low adoption fees and other incentives at Flathead County Animal Shelter? For example, Flathead Shelter Friends offers a Senior Pet Voucher, which pays up to $350 toward veterinary care for 7+ year-old adopted pets. Or how about Terminator Rex: For more information, please contact Flathead County Animal Shelter, phone number (406) 752-1310, or visit the website at flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/animal. Pet Talk is produced by Flathead Shelter Friends Inc., an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Personal donations are always appreciated! For more information, see www.flatheadshelterfriends.org FLATHEAD SHELTER FRIENDS Opt to Adopt Pet Talk Welcome to Pet Talk , an occasional column about homeless pets and related topics . Today we're discussing a topic that is unfathomable to most pet lovers : Abandonment ! First , consider these sad statistics : As many as 8 million pets enter animal shelters in the U.S. annually , with about four million being adopted and one million being euthanized . Conversely , only about 700,000 strays are reunited with their owners each year . Of course , the term " stray " is often just a euphemism . No doubt some are actual escapees whose owners subsequently make every attempt to quickly locate them . But many at - large pets are simply unwanted animals that have been dumped in cities or , worse , out in the woods to fend for themselves ! Case in point : My 2 dogs . In 1999 , Mokey was dumped along the edge of a highway - picture a jet black dog along a dangerous road with nighttime approaching ! But luckily , after we rescued him Mokey spent 12 years in a pampered life of hiking , skiing , and other Montana fun . Conversely , our current dog Sammy was rescued as a puppy . He was abandoned along with several litter mates at a county dumpster site , perhaps by a cruel breeder . But Sammy's been a precious family member since 2013 and is now a " Super Senior " ( in our vet's words ) at nearly 14 years old . So how about you ? If you're ready for a new 4 - legged friend , please consider adopting one or more homeless pets from Flathead County Animal Shelter . Below are just a few . First up is Golem : Or , sweet Allister : And here's flop - eared Damien : And here's handsome Hunter : Below is handsome Max : And here's cute Churchill : Or how about pensive Pete : Or how about cute Scamper : Next , here's smiling Gunner : And so forth ... as of this writing , nearly 25 adoptable dogs and cats are waiting to meet you at the county shelter ! So , if you're seeking one or more loving companions you can schedule a meet - and - greet by phoning Flathead County Animal Shelter at ( 406 ) 752-1310 . And did you know about the low adoption fees and other incentives at Flathead County Animal Shelter ? For example , Flathead Shelter Friends offers a Senior Pet Voucher , which pays up to $ 350 toward veterinary care for 7+ year - old adopted pets . Or how about Terminator Rex : For more information , please contact Flathead County Animal Shelter , phone number ( 406 ) 752-1310 , or visit the website at flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/animal . Pet Talk is produced by Flathead Shelter Friends Inc. , an all - volunteer 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit . Personal donations are always appreciated ! For more information , see www.flatheadshelterfriends.org