KHS: Volunteer applauds operation

I'm writing to voice my opinion on Kootenai Humane Society since it has been the subject of recent letters to the editor. I've been volunteering weekly at KHS for the past 2.5 years and I've also adopted a dog from the shelter. 

First of all, I don't think a lot of people realize that KHS doesn't receive funding from Kootenai County, city of Coeur d'Alene or any other government agency. They are entirely privately funded and as with most nonprofits, funding is often an issue. That said, in the last few years I have witnessed the staff at the shelter doing the best they can with what they have to work with, and most importantly, doing it with love.

Is the shelter understaffed? Certainly. Do they wish they had more staff and could they use more volunteers? Definitely. But the animals at this shelter are taken care of. They are provided food, shelter and needed medical attention by the staff and they are given exercise and walks by the volunteers. Could you walk in any given day and see that a dog had gone to the bathroom in their cage? Of course. There could be upward of 50 dogs at the shelter at once and it would be impossible to clean up every accident immediately.

I can say that in 2.5 years I've never seen an animal suffering and not given prompt attention. I'm proud to be associated with KHS and will continue to support them with my time and money.

CHRISTINA HULL

Coeur d'Alene