Great Falls shelter worker nears animal chaplain certification

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — A City of Great Falls Animal Shelter staff member is nearing the end of animal chaplaincy training aimed at supporting shelter workers and community members through grief, loss and life with animals.

Tiffany Staigmiller, the shelter’s senior office clerk, she's closing in on the finish line of completing her almost year long training. Animal chaplaincy centers on emotional and spiritual support for people as they navigate relationships with animals, especially during times of transition.

The training is expected to add another layer of care inside the Great Falls Animal Shelter. Staigmiller explained it will help staff process the emotional demands of their work while continuing to care for animals.

“We’re a small group, but we’re also pretty close. So we do a lot of checking in with each other. Making sure that we’re doing okay both emotionally, physically and mentally and being there for one another,” said Tiffany Staigmiller.

Staigmiller believes this investment will help strengthen how the shelter serves people in Great Falls.

“Being able to be there both spiritually and emotionally just to help not only the staff at these places, but community members through the trials and tribulations that is co-habitating with our four legged, two legged and no legged friends,” said Tiffany Staigmiller.

As part of her capstone project, Staigmiller created a pet memorial tree at the shelter. Community members are invited to honor pets by writing names on rainbow tags and placing them on the tree throughout May.

The City of Great Falls is also set to host a community remembrance event at the Gibson Park Garden Archway on June 9 for World Pet Memorial Day. The site is meant to give people a place for reflection and remembrance.