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Montana

Arlee Rehabilitation Center

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Arlee Rehabilitation Center

#100 in United States, #3 in Montana

http://k9arc.org

info@k9arc.org

Service areas:

Arlee, Montana

RC’s story begins on Sunday March 4, 2007 at the Valley of the Moon Recreation Area along Rock Creek near Missoula. On that day, ARC’s founder took his two shelter mutts on a Sunday morning walk. On that fateful morning, Cupcake was killed by a beaver trap. The trauma of trying to rescue his dog set our founder on a path, which would ultimately, many years later, lead to ARC. "Rez Dogs"? ARC's founder sought healing through employment at the Humane Society of Western Montana, where he strived to help other animals and people. It was there that he had his first encounters with what others around him were calling “Rez Dogs.” He noticed the occasional tendency of some animal advocates to attribute the plight of these very special canines to indifference and cruelty in Tribal communities. He didn’t quite feel the same way, recognizing there was more to the story. He also recognized that these dogs held a special, gentle power. His experiences were already inspiring thoughts about the links between helping people and animals. An Idea Shortly thereafter, our founder was recruited to be the Executive Director for a fledgling nonprofit working to reform trapping regulations in Montana. During this time, while thinking about the confluence of funding, strategic planning, and mission-driven marketing, he spontaneously jotted down a project idea of creating a sanctuary on a Native American Reservation that would rescue dogs while providing healing to people. He had no idea where, how, when, or whether this idea would ever come to life, but it seemed like a good idea. ARC Finds a Place Some years later, having just finished a short stint as an Animal Control Officer, our founder found a job ad for an ED position with the Mission Valley Animal Shelter (MVAS) on the Flathead Reservation. He never imagined the amazing stories and relationships that would grew out of his time on the Reservation. And he certainly could not have predicted that, upon finishing his time with MVAS, the project that he had long since filed away in the dustbin would suddenly find a place, a time, a purpose, and an amazing community of support. And thus, ARC Becomes a Reality... Our founder witnessed much while doing grassroots rescue work on the streets of hard-hit reservation neighborhoods. In one of these neighborhoods he met Gunner (a Reservation mutt with an endearing underbite and deformed leg) and his human family. Gunner’s owner was a single mother living in poverty who faced a difficult situation and sought help for her dog, who limped around the streets dodging traffic. Rehoming was not a good option, because the mother's ten-year-old son had a strong bond with Gunner and relied on his companionship. Help was arranged, but, tragically, shortly thereafter the ten-year-old boy took his own life. This event was a real shock. Not only did it reaffirm a commitment to confront the inevitable links behind animal and human trauma on the Reservation, but it also spurred a realization that it was time to dig that old project out of the dustbin. Beginnings Since October 2018, many discussions have taken place with amazing people about the extraordinary potential of ARC. Pieces began to fall into place. ARC was incorporated in early August 2019. Bylaws drawn up. A project proposal took shape. A logo and website were conceived. A work plan was drafted and the early steps implemented. ARC initially served as a fiscally sponsored subsidiary program of the Missoula Urban Indian Health Center (now known as the All Nations Health Center), but gained its own 501(c)3 status in November 2019 and launched independent operations in January 2020. A fabulous, Tribal-majority Board of Directors was recruited. Initial discussions with the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) inspired interest in collaboration. In early 2020 ARC applied for and was awarded two year-long Americorps VISTA positions who have since worked hard to develop the young organization's capacity. Plans for launching ARC's pilot programs and fundraising events in 2020 were postponed due to Covid-19, but since then our work has taken off!

Mission and Vision

A.R.C. serves the Flathead Indian Reservation, providing a sanctuary where animals heal people and people heal animals. At A.R.C., those suffering through trauma and crisis find healing by helping rehabilitate neglected, abused, and abandoned reservation dogs.

https://k9arc.org/

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Arlee Rehabilitation Center

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