Even the simplest moments can have the most profound effects.After losing their dog Hank, whom they had loved and cherished for 13 years, the Langlas family was eager to honor his memory. “One of our great memories, and one of the things we miss most, was feeding Hank.” said Steve Langlas. Even in his old age, the portly black lab always displayed “pure enthusiasm” at feeding time, a daily source of enjoyment for the Langlas family. “This is why we wanted to donate to the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter (YVAS)”.
The family has pledged to build a 2,550 square foot wing of the forthcoming YVAS campus, generously covering all the associated building costs. The section of the campus will be affectionately called “Hank’s Place” and will be dedicated to the storage of the many necessities connected with animal care, such as crates, blankets, supplies, and of course, Hank’s favorite thing: food.
“We thought it would be a fun way to give back to the community and to honor Hank,” said Missy Langlas. The family’s donation will play a significant part in the construction of the new YVAS facility, a project that has been expedited since a significant failure in the cremation filtration system forced them to abandon their previous building on Monad Road due to health concerns.
The Langlas pledge is a timely one, as YVAS is currently in the process of a capital campaign to raise funds for a new shelter and accompanies the Waggoner family’s generous donation of land located off Garden Avenue, a stone’s throw from the Yellowstone River. Hank’s Place will play an integral part of YVAS’ Pet Food Pantry, one of the shelter’s most significant programs. In
addition to feeding the hundreds of homeless pets that come through their door every month, the shelter’s pantry operates as a food bank for pet families facing financial hardship and as a distribution center for numerous shelter partners. Beartooth Humane Alliance, Rez Dog Rescue, and Help for Homeless Pets are just a few of the many non-profits that YVAS collaborates with to serve and feed animals in our community.
addition to feeding the hundreds of homeless pets that come through their door every month, the shelter’s pantry operates as a food bank for pet families facing financial hardship and as a distribution center for numerous shelter partners. Beartooth Humane Alliance, Rez Dog Rescue, and Help for Homeless Pets are just a few of the many non-profits that YVAS collaborates with to serve and feed animals in our community.
Thanks to the Langlas family, the YVAS family is one step closer to their goal, and thanks toHank, the people and pets of Billings will receive the benefits for years to come.
