Love, Paws, & Second Chances

February 2026 | The Outskirts

article by Morgan Williams | photos courtesy of Beartooth Humane Alliance

For more than a decade, researchers have been calling attention to what’s often referred to as America’s loneliness epidemic. While social media makes it easier than ever to stay connected with people across the country - or across the world - it has become harder to connect with those right next door. After navigating a global pandemic and years of social and political division, many people are feeling more isolated than ever. According to the World Health Organization, loneliness doesn’t just affect mental health; it can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

February can be tough for those already feeling disconnected. When the holidays are over, a month focused on love can feel more lonely than festive. But imagine opening your door to someone who is always glad you’re home, whose joy is effortless and constant. Your presence is their favorite part of the day - and they just happen to have four legs and fur.

While February often highlights romantic relationships, love and companionship come in many forms. Animals offer unconditional affection, steady routines, and quiet comfort. For many people, caring for a pet brings purpose, joy, and a sense of connection - sometimes when it’s needed most.

That kind of connection is at the heart of the Beartooth Humane Alliance (BHA), a local organization that has spent the last 20 years helping animals find safe, loving homes throughout our region. Unlike traditional humane societies, BHA doesn’t operate a brick-and-mortar shelter. Instead, the organization relies on a network of volunteers who foster animals in their homes until permanent placements can be found.

While BHA’s work saves countless animals, it also has a meaningful impact on people in the community. One elderly couple has adopted several kittens, and their children, who live in another state, have found peace of mind knowing their parents have companionship at home. In many cases, an animal’s presence provides comfort, routine, and a renewed sense of purpose for both the caregiver and the animal. Another woman has adopted three kittens because she “just needed a little love in her life.”

For those interested in fostering, the process is designed to be supportive and accessible. When an animal is found, BHA works closely with the local Sheriff’s Department to locate its owner. If no owner is identified, the organization immediately puts out a call for a temporary foster home. BHA’s veterinary technicians then provide a full health check, including spaying or neutering when needed. All food and supplies are provided while the animal is in foster care, allowing volunteers to focus on what matters most: providing a safe, loving environment.

Fostering is a commitment, but not a lifetime one. While it can lead to adoption, it doesn’t have to. For many, fostering is a way to test the waters and see if pet ownership is the right fit. It allows bonds to form naturally, without pressure, while giving animals the opportunity to thrive in a home environment.

Be forewarned, though: Jenny Still, Assistant Executive Director of BHA, laughed and said, “(my) home is full of foster fails” - animals who arrived as short-term guests but never left because she fell in love. If kittens aren’t your thing, BHA regularly works to place dogs, sheep, horses, and bunnies – they have even helped re-home a llama.

So, this February, whether you’re spending your evenings solo or simply looking for a little more connection in your life, consider opening your heart (and your home) to an animal who might just return the love a hundred times over.

Click here to learn more.

Originally printed in the February 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

Morgan Williams

Morgan Williams is a lifelong Montanan. She is married to Nathan, and together they attempt to wrangle three young kids while running a small construction business, Montana Ground Screw. She loves a good workout, quality time with friends, and rarely turns down the opportunity for a new adventure.

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