Part of being a good citizen is supporting causes that improve the community, whether addressing homelessness, encouraging health and safety, or supporting youth activities.
Northwest Specialty Hospital (NWSH), a local physician-owned hospital and healthcare provider, takes pride in its role as a good corporate citizen in Kootenai County. NWSH has been an integral part of this community for over two decades. Along the way, NWSH has become involved in numerous local charities and organizations providing sponsorships and volunteers, including the Companions Animal Center (CAC).
Companions Animal Center: Providing Shelter, Support, and Care
Companions Animal Center is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 organization in Hayden, Idaho. Founded in 1975 as the Kootenai Humane Society, the organization changed its name in 2022 to the Companions Animal Center to highlight its mission more explicitly.
CAC’s humble origins trace back to a small group of individuals who organized bake sales to fund their mission of providing a safe, caring place for unwanted or stray animals. Over the years, CAC evolved into a comprehensive animal care facility, embracing a “no-kill” philosophy in 2003. This philosophy serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to ensuring the welfare of animals in their care.
The core vision of Companions Animal Center is to “Create Lifetime Friends through Adoption.” This vision encapsulates their multifaceted approach to animal welfare, encompassing quality care by facilitating animal adoption and providing animal vaccines, licensing, microchipping, spaying and neutering, rehabilitation, and community education services.
Over 2,000 animals benefit annually from CAC services, whether it is being adopted out, taking in surrendered animals, or other services. CAC plays a vital role in nurturing the bond between humans and their animal companions. Numerous local residents have CAC to thank for providing services to or helping them acquire their pets, from dogs and cats to guinea pigs and rabbits. Their practice of not placing a time limit on an animal’s stay is a testament to their commitment to ensuring every animal has a chance at a forever home.
NWSH’s support helps sustain CAC’s efforts and enhance its impact. The contributions made by Northwest Specialty Hospital to Companions Animal Center align with NWSH’s overarching mission of fostering community support and engagement. After all, it’s no secret that pets also provide many health benefits to their owners, encouraging more physical activity, reducing stress, providing companionship, and making people happier.
NWSH’s involvement in various charitable projects underscores its commitment to creating a positive impact that resonates beyond the medical services it provides to its patients. By supporting CAC, NWSH demonstrates its commitment to investing in the well-being of the local community. NWSH believes that positive outcomes will emerge when organizations with shared values collaborate for the greater good. The dedication of Companions Animal Center to animal welfare, coupled with Northwest Specialty Hospital’s commitment to the health and welfare of the area’s citizens, is about encouraging all of us to share our gifts with the community at large.
If you are interested in learning more about NWSH and its charitable programs, contact Northwest Specialty Hospital. Together, we can foster positive change through compassion and dedication to our highest ideals.