Our History ... A few years ago, a woman told me (Renee) that she needed to find a short term home for a dog, until she could find a permanent home. She was my boss, Elinor. I agreed to pick him up after work. He was a golden retriever, which I had always wanted (except I wanted one named Geraldine). I decided I would keep him, and named him Zeke. He was the first dog of Paws Up Safe Home.
After that, we started, one by one. People would call us to help them with a dog that they had found. Before we knew it, we bought a camera, started taking pictures of the dogs and numbering them, put up a kennel in the back yard with a tarp... the first winter was awful.
I decided we would not continue until we had adequate shelter for the outdoor dogs. Elinor started to include information about the shelter in her column, Please Pause for Pets and Paws, (which she still writes) for the local newspaper, "The Pathfinder," and both she and I came up with the name. Elinor still writes a good column each week, which brings a lot of inquiry and interest, and I take care of the animals, along with my wonderful volunteers without whom Paws Up Safe Home could not exist.
Where to Find Us ... To get to our facility, turn East on Locust Lane from Highway 83, go 4 blocks, and turn left on Spruce. We are the second house on the left and are the only log home in sight.
Click map to enlarge
Our Policies ... Paws Up Safe Home will accept abandoned and lost dogs nearly every hour of the day, morning, noon, and night. However, if you are interested in adopting a dog or cat, we do request you set up an appointment (406-677-3435) to come visit the facility to ensure that Renee is available to show you the animals. For those owners who need to pick up their stray dogs, there is a $40 pick-up fee to help with the expense of running a non-profit shelter. This fee is considerably less than fees at Animal Control (60 miles away in Missoula).
Spay and Neuter Clinic ... Every spring since we started in 1998, we hold a raffle to raise money for spaying & neutering local dogs, cats, bunnies, whatever, to help control unwanted litters that wind up being throw-aways. All of our prizes are donated by local businesses and town residents. Last year we had 53 prizes and raised $1200. When we reach our goal (which has increased every year) we have the drawing and start booking appointments for surgery. We issue a coupon to pay 70% of the fee. We do this for 2 reasons. #1. At 70% we can help a few more folks out. #2. We believe in personal responsibility for ones pet. An owner will take better care of a pet with a personel investment in that pet. Call Paws Up Safe Home at (406) 677-3435 for when coupons can be issued this year. It's coming very soon!
Paws Up Board of Directors ... While Renee and Elinor manage the daily operations of Paws Up through all their hard work and efforts, Paws Up is fortunate to have a dedicated and caring board of directors who provide oversight and guidance for the long-range success of Paws Up. Many thanks are extended to Kathie Brown, Brandi Bruton, Lynn Gumenberg, Carrie Lehr, Renee Stowe, and Elinor Williamson for all the time and energy they contribute to Paws Up Safe Home.
Paws Up Safe Home Renee Stowe P.O. Box 323 731 Spruce Street Seeley Lake, MT 59868 (406) 677-3435 E-mail slk3435@blackfoot.net
