Missoula Animal Control and the Humane Society of Western Montana are urging pet owners to keep all animals away from rising flood waters which are expected to continue to rise and will remain dangerous.
Recreational activities with pets should be enjoyed away from the river’s edge and on high ground. With many pet owners in flood zones, the Human Society and Animal Control are accepting companion pets in need of temporary shelter.
Contact the animal shelter at (406) 541-7387 or the Humane Society of Western Montana at (406) 540-3934 if this service is needed for your pets.
MISSOULA – It was a long day on Mallard Way and in the surrounding neighborhoods where dozens of volunteers and trucks hauling sandbags raced against the clock to build dams before floodwaters could cause further damage.
But there was only so much they could do, and plenty of homes and pasture areas suffered significant damage.
Lines of volunteers piled sandbags trying to stop the Clark Fork River from further coming over where it had breached, into the homes on the end of Mallard Way.
They unloaded sandbags and handed them off for hours to shore up properties on the riverfront. One crew of construction workers from Big Sky Construction set their usual projects aside and took the day to build dams.
“I mean it pretty much looked like this, but its gained a few inches definitely. It’s slowing down over there, but I would say its sped up since we’ve been here. We’re definitely making a good dent in it, but its a lot of water,” said Big Sky Construction owner Taz Flynn.
Volunteers and residents said they have been holding off the water for several days. Now pumps are working on these flooded properties.
Trucks were hauling in hundreds of sandbags throughout the day Friday, and work will continue into the weekend.
Reporting by Augusta McDonnell for MTN News
MISSOULA – A group of community members here in Missoula organized a fundraiser on Saturday to help victims of recent floods.
The group collected donations and then packed them into bags donated to them by Rosauers.
Cassie Boshart — one of the organizers of the group — says they are trying their best to provide immediate help to those in need.
“We are talking directly to the victims and asking, you know, what is it that you need, what could be useful in this time?” said Boshart.
The group is asking for:
- Diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Soap
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Paper Towels
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Snacks
- Gum
- Bottled Water
- Deodorant
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Gas Card
- Laundry Vouchers/Quarters
- Socks (Men/Women/Children)
During the day a group of kids came in to draw pictures and write encouraging messages on the bags.
Boshart said the kids loved having a way to help and that this experience has been an emotional one.
“It’s just been a great thing to see everybody so willing to come out and do just whatever it is they can do whether it be donate some, a couple bottles of shampoo or some water bottles or coming to help put bags together,” said Boshart.
The group has also found a counselor who is willing to talk with residents and help them to get through this difficult time.
Reporting by Lauren Heiser for MTN News
