Skadi grew up on a big property, surrounded by nature and by dogs who were family to her.

Then she was surrendered to a high-volume shelter, and, as her listing at the Humane Society of Western Montana puts it, “the urban world has been a big shock for her.”

She is an Alaskan Malamute, 1 year and 6 months old, 52 pounds, and she is looking for someone willing to be patient.

What her shelter says, plainly

The shelter doesn't dress this up, and we won't either. From her listing:

• She has a history of vocalizing, property damage and injuring herself when left alone inside, and a history of house soiling.
• She is wary of strangers and “would prefer to observe from a distance before interacting directly.”
• Though she grew up with a group of dogs, she has shown barking, growling and lunging when meeting dogs on leash, and hasn't made a dog friend since leaving her first home.

That's the honest version. Here's the other half of it.

What works with her

Her listing is specific about how to start: sit quietly, offer good treats, and don't expect her to come to you for petting until she shows she's ready.

She also likes to know what's happening. The shelter recommends narrating what's going on so she isn't startled and can take things at her own speed.

And once trust is built, the dog underneath shows up: Skadi “loses to put her head against your chest and absorb all the love you have to give.” She gets playful, does zoomies and collects toys. On a walk she'll explore, and she'll look to you for the answers — so you need to have them.

What the shelter requires

• A single-family home with a fenced yard. That's a requirement, not a preference.
• She's a multi-meet dog, with a pre-adoption session with the shelter's behavior team.
• Continued work with a trainer, at least on being left alone, and the shelter strongly recommends a trainer through the move-in too.

Her listing also notes she is reported to be a Northern Inuit Dog — a rare European mix generally built from Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd and Canadian Inuit or Labrador-type dogs.

“Skadi needs patience, protection and clarity,” the listing says, “and if you provide that she will give you the friendship of a lifetime.”

How to meet her

• Where: Humane Society of Western Montana, 5930 Highway 93 S., Missoula
• Adoption hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; closed Monday, Tuesday and major holidays
• Questions: (406) 549-3934 or paws@myHSWM.org
• Adoption fee: $100 for adult dogs. HSWM dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped and given age-appropriate vaccines, and adopters go home with a starter bag of food, a collar, an ID tag and a leash
• Start the conversation: fill out a Pet & People Profile online or at the shelter
• See her profile: myhswm.org

Shelter dogs can be adopted quickly, and Skadi's adoption takes more than one visit. Call ahead to confirm she's still available and to ask about her meet-and-greet process — she was listed Tuesday, Oct. 27, and that can change any day.

If Skadi isn't your match, she isn't the only one waiting: the shelter had a dozen dogs and puppies listed when we checked, from two-month-old pups to a pair of Bluetick Coonhound siblings.

Related on Zootown Lowdown

• Adopt Boone: Husky Mix at Humane Society of Western Montana — the last dog we featured.
• Mount Dean Stone, Woody Mountain Trails Proposed — where a confident dog might end up walking.

Save Our Doggy is proudly sponsored by Aragon & Partners. Real estate experts. Local knowledge. Real results. 406-543-5431 · aragonandpartners.com

Know a Missoula-area shelter dog who needs a home? Tell us at info@zootownlowdown.com.

Graphic: Zootown Lowdown · Photo: Humane Society of Western Montana

Sources

• Humane Society of Western Montana, Skadi's adoption listing (checked Oct. 27, 2026): myhswm.org
• Humane Society of Western Montana, available dogs and puppies (checked Oct. 27, 2026): myhswm.org
• Humane Society of Western Montana, adoption process, fees and hours: myhswm.org
• Humane Society of Western Montana, adoption information, hours and contact: myhswm.org