Mary Jane Montana always had animals. She grew up in Lake County and headed to UC-Davis with the idea of become a veterinarian. But Montana was sidetracked and ended up in engineering. As a result, she spent years as a housing or building coordination with several rancherias and with the county. Eventually, however, her calling caught back up with her. Since September of last year Montana has served as executive director of SPCA of Clear Lake.
1. How difficult is this job?
There are days when it is absolutely heartbreaking. But there are days like today when we got two kittens adopted. It was a good day today, but it can be the best and the worst, sometimes in the same hour.
2. How do you get used to it?
You don’t. You just focus on the good. There is something called animal caregivers stress syndrome. You get so involved with the animals you forget about yourself.
3. Why would anyone want this job?
Because of the good stuff. You get to help animals. Sometimes the best thing you can do is give them a peaceful and loving way out.
4. Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Primarily a dog person. I love cats, but I have two Whippets and Whippets don’t do well with cats. I get my kitten fix here.
5. There’s a national SPCA and local SPCAs, right?
The national SPCA is just that. But the SPCA is not an organization, per se. Originally we were the Humane Society of Lake County. It changed in the early ‘90s. Our mission is to protect animals of all sorts, not just dogs and cats.
6. So what’s the most unusual animal you’ve had here?
We had a couple of goats. Ducks and chickens — we haven’t had any strange things.
7. After this job …
I would like to get a mobile vet clinic to provide low income services throughout the county.
8. So you don’t want to get away from animals in need?
No, I don’t. They are my passion. You can ask all of my ex husbands.
9. A life without a pet …
Is not acceptable.
10. What can people do for this facility?
It sounds crass, but we don’t get government money. We survive on donations and they spay and neuter program. If people can’t donate money — blankets, food, volunteer their time to walk the dogs or play with the cats. The hardest thing for me to do is ask people for money or help. We try to be cost conscious, but there are months we have to spend more than we take in. That makes me nervous. But the people in this county are incredibly generous. When times are at their darkest something really cool happens.
