Watauga Humane Society

07/23/2024

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Spinach (formerly known as Belladonna) has been a wonderful and fun addition to our lives. Having a deaf dog has been an adjustment for us but we are learning so much from her and she’ll start formal dog training in the fall. She’s our favorite bundle of energy. Finding toys tough enough for her has been a challenge!

She has settled into her new home beautifully and we could not be happier. Thank you so much Watauga Humane Society for helping us find Spinach 💚

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07/21/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Olive is made possible by a sponsorship donation from Sandra Brown in Honor of Shirley Porter Petroline

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Olive,
Olive is incredibly loving and sweet and won’t allow you to enter a room without a proper feline greeting. Her love is contagious and her biscuit making skills are top notch. Spend just a few minutes with her, and you will quickly realize what a very special lady she is! Olive was surrendered to us with her sister Rosie. Having spent the first chapter of their lives in a loving home, it is no surprise that she is not adapting to a life at the shelter. She is currently seeking a loving foster home where she can decompress and get all the love and attention craves and deserves.

Olive is a 2-year-old spayed female cat who has been at the shelter for 61 days.

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07/21/2024

Join us today for “Craft For Your Shelter Day”! You can help WHS by crafting with SNIPS of Watauga Humane Society (Spay and Neuter is a Positive Solution) which raises funds by selling handmade crafts, such as bandanas and pet toys. Proceeds are used to fund affordable spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs in Watauga and Ashe Counties.

Once a month, volunteers from the SNIPS group gather at the Adoption Center in the Turchin Room and spend the afternoon talking and making crafts. Instruction and materials are all provided. Every month is something new! Not only do you leave with a new skill in your pocket, but you also leave having helped us in our lifesaving mission! Who knew crafting could do so much!

Be sure to check out our events calendar page both on Facebook and our website for the dates and times of the meetups and come ready to have a lovely afternoon.

07/21/2024

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From our Inbox

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I wanted to update you on my baby girl Roo, formerly known as CRV sport hybrid. She is my best friend, and has brought me so much love💜

While it took her a while to warm up to other people, she has learned to like people again. She has learned the joy of treats, walks on the greenway, and curling up in my lap. She loves all other animals, even goats. And I can’t wait to make more memories with her for years to come

07/20/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Hero is made possible by a sponsorship donation from Sarah Hogan in Memory of Skye.

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Hero,
Hero came to us as a stray, but it was clear this girl had a home in the past. Incredibly well-mannered and gentle, we often take her out in our puppy playgroup during the week giving her the opportunity to show these youngins how to dog! After playing hard, she crashes hard and has been described as an “absolute couch potato” queen who loves to snuggle. Hero has been waiting patiently for you to come meet her which you can do anytime between 12:30 and 5:00 from Tuesday to Saturday.

Hero is a 5-year-old spayed female dog who has been at the shelter for 65 days.

07/19/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Nutty by Nature is made possible by a donation from Tally Weiss in Memory of Siena.

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Nutty by Nature,
Ever heard of a bull in a China shop? Well, this little nut definitely looks like one when she gets her zoomies which tend to show up just about every afternoon around PM . Nutty by Nature loves her toys and loves to spend time with you. Lounging in the grass, taking in all the UV rays she can while discussing your future together is just about her favorite way to spend her days! She is a hugger that loves to make you laugh and once she knows her tricks work, she doesn’t stop using them. Which trick you ask? All of them! She was born to please!

Stop by the adoption center between Tuesdays and Saturdays from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM to meet this sweet angel!

Nutty by Nature is a 4-year-old spayed female dog who has been at the shelter for 33 days.

07/19/2024

👗✨ Come join us ✨👗

07/18/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Mac Hammer is made possible by a sponsorship donation from Mary Frank in Honor of Tigger.

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Mac Hammer,
Mac Hammer came to us as a feral stray as part of our TNR program. After a few days with us, it was clear he was craving human attention so we decided to gain his trust and see if he could become a pet or if he was destined for a life in the wild! It didn’t take long for this big cheeky boy to show us his loving side and he has quickly learned that this indoor life just ain’t so bad! He still has lots to experience - couches, warm blankets, his very own window – and we know he is very ready for his next chapter.

Mac Hammer is a 3-year-old neutered male cat who has been at the shelter for 25 days

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07/18/2024

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Our adoption center is FULL of amazing pets, so we figured it was time for summer flash sale!

Cats and kittens are all at 50% off & all dogs and puppies are FREE.

Be sure to stop by the adoption center between July 18th to 20th to meet your best friend!

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07/18/2024

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Xela LOVES a good pool party and wants you to know that we have one just about everyday. Come meet her and other pups in our care anytime between 12:30 to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Saturday. Who knows, today might just be the day you get to meet your soulmate!

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07/17/2024

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Back in March we wrote a piece about Dos, an adorable pup who has been in our care for the vast majority of his life. Of his estimated 597-day long existence, 445 of them were spent at the shelter.

Dos is a prime example that the dog you meet at the shelter is not the same dog you will bring into a home. At the shelter, Dos is hyperactive, easily overstimulated usually leading to uncontrollable excitement. Each time he went into foster, he was promptly returned within a day or two, and so with that, we classified him as a “hard” dog and hoped someone with experience would take the chance on him.

Fast forward to April 30th, my home situation changed and being an “experienced” foster, I decided to take a chance and bring this little guy home. If someone could handle crazy, it was me and I was willing to try! I won’t lie, I was incredibly nervous. Truth be told, I always am when I bring in a new foster, but I haven’t yet fostered a dog I was not able to train or control and I was sure Dos would be the one that would do me in.

Boy was I so very wrong! Dos has honestly been an absolute dream. He got with the program instantly. In the rescue world, we have what we call “The Rule of 3” - 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months. It takes them 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to feel safe and realize that this is home, and 3 months to be fully integrated in the household and routine.

Dos hit the 3-month mark in 3 days and has been perfectly behaved since day 1. For the first time, he felt safe, he felt like he was part of a pack, a family he was cared for. The home was quiet, warm, and cozy. He had all the toys and dog beds he could ever hope for; a 5-acre yard to spend all his energy on, and a puppy friend who was all too willing to play.

I could go on and on and gush about what an amazing dog he is, but then this post would be too long to publish. All I can say is that he is a one of a kind and you have yet to know unconditional love until you have been loved by Dos!

Dos enjoys the simple things in life, sunbathing, playing, eating treats, and chasing squirrels. He is ready for a home, and we know you won’t regret taking a chance on this sweet boy.

Dos also highlights the importance of fostering. When dogs come to us as strays, we know nothing of their past and can only guess as to how they would behave in a home environment. Although with experience, you learn how to gauge what type of dog they are, sometimes, like here, your assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth. Fostering saves lives in so many ways, but most importantly, it helps us place the pet in a home that is right for them, something that is hard to do when we only know the dog they are at the shelter.

Please consider fostering, we have so many cats and dogs that would benefit from time outside the shelter walls who want nothing more than to love! Fostering is completely free, we provide you with all the necessities and medical care they need leaving you to do just one thing--love them back!

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07/17/2024

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From our Inbox

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I want you to know how much we LOVE Ricky!!! He is formerly known as Utahraptor. He has been such a blessing in our home. He is SO loved and appreciated. He has no idea, but he hit a jackpot. My gosh my partner spoils him more than I do! He has to play fetch every afternoon. He has us on a pretty good schedule.

I cried when I had to leave him for his neuter because he had never been away from us or home. He had a wild eyed look when I dropped him off. But when he got home he was so happy and relieved.

Thank you for the work you do and thank you for our RICKY!!!
Sincerely,
BJ

07/16/2024

✨🐾🥰 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Chrissy 🥰🐾✨

Chrissy started volunteering at Watauga Humane Society back in November of 2023 but her journey with us started months before when she came in one day looking to walk a few dogs. What started out as a one-time thing quickly turned into a weekly thing. After a few months, she knew she could do so more, and filled out the forms, took our safety training, and started coming to the adoption center several times a week.

Being an animal lover, she was a natural and quickly learned our routine and helped in every aspect of our day to day operations. From cleaning dishes, to doing laundry and helping set up all the enrichments needed to keep our animals entertained, there isn’t much she won’t do for our team! She naturally migrated to the dogs and took a special interest in our long-term residents who needed some extra love and training. Having spent so much time caring for these sweet souls, she finds that what makes her heart skip a beat is when a “literal angel walks in the door and adopts that one dog that is being passed over. That moment when you know they are going to have a great life with that person” - a feeling few can grasp.

Animal rescue is not always easy, and we could not do what we do without the help of our community and of volunteers like Chrissy. Please join us in thanking her for all she does to make life at the shelter just a little big brighter for all!

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07/16/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Dozer is made possible by a sponsorship donation from the Watauga County Public Library in Honor of Kristian & Suri.

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Dozer,
Dozer came to us several months ago after his owner passed away. Having always lived in the same home, he was fearful at first but with the help of his caregivers, he is slowly learning that not everything is scary. He starts off shy and will want to get to know you before letting you in on all his secrets, well, his one secret really, and it is no secret. Dozer will do just about anything for a ball, thus trusting anyone who brings him one. Once he trusts you, he shows his incredibly goofy side, full of zoomies and smiles. Dozer is housetrained and knows most of his commands and would need to be adopted into a home with no other pets.

🐾 Dozer is a 3-year-old neutered male dog who has been at the shelter for 135 days 🐾

07/16/2024

We are experiencing technical difficulties with our phone system and sound quality at the present time and have contacted our vendors. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have it resolved soon.

07/16/2024

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Today’s special feature highlights Marvin and is made possible by the generosity of Kara Winebarger.

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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✨Meet Marvin!✨

Marvin is just one of those dogs that is great all around. He is up for anything from car rides, pup cups, playdates, hiking--there is not much this little guy won’t do to stay by your side. Known as one of our playgroup rock stars, he would definitely enjoy a home where he might have a brother or sister to keep him company. He is ready to start his next adventure just as soon as you come pick him up from the adoption center and he’s already packed his treats and toys!

Marvin is a 1-year old neutered male dog who has been at the shelter for 98 days.

07/16/2024

In case you missed it ♥️

Many thanks to Marge Kessler for calling in to Wakin' Up In The High Country with Mark in the Morning from Maine to share news and information from the Watauga Humane Society. Click on the link below to hear the interview and visit them online at wataugahumane.org

https://soundcloud.com/user-324091400/margekessler-650645540?si=8dc027f589a04afcb1575e1f3917cf86&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

07/15/2024

🐾 Pet parents consider their furry companions to be family. In the event of a home fire, especially when we are not home, we would want our 4-legged friends to be saved and make it out unharmed.

✨ In celebration of National Pet Fire Safety Day, WHS is offering pet safety stickers. They alert the fire department to the type and number of pets in your home when you aren’t there.

💚 These alert stickers are available free of charge at our Adoption Center, although donations are always appreciated. It is our hope that you will never need to use them. However, we think it is always better to be safe, rather than sorry.

07/14/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Rocky is made possible by a generous donation from Evan Bischoff in Honor of Murphy.

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Rocky,
This hunk is big and lovable and has previously lived in a home with an underground fence. He knows all the rules and absolutely loves being outside! Rocky adores other pups, could play for hours, and would do great in a multi dog household. We have been told he can get a touch of separation anxiety when left alone, but we think that having another pup would help him cope with your absence. He is a perfect boy just looking for his perfect home! Won’t you come meet him today?

Rocky is currently in a foster home. If you are interested in meeting him, please call us ahead of time so we can set up a time for you to meet him.

Rocky is a 2-year-old neutered male pup who has been at the shelter for 18 days.

07/14/2024

✨💛🐾 Employee Spotlight: Chance 🐾💛✨

Chance joined the Watauga Humane Society team back in March of 2016. His passion for animals and dedication to the cause was a natural fit for a career at WHS and he eventually was promoted to Assistant Director of Operations in 2020.

Chance is most known amongst his colleagues as the comic and is appreciated for his edgy humor when faced with a difficult situation. On his days off he enjoys watching the English Premier League, while sporting an Arsenal jersey. He is usually surrounded by his 3 senior dogs who only care for two things: naps and snacks!

One of the most valuable lessons he has learned at Watauga Humane Society is to always remain calm and be patient but most of all, to be open minded. He wisely states that “life is really difficult, and it can be easy to pass judgment or perceive a situation a certain way”.

07/14/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Kai is made possible by a sponsorship donation from Cynthia Langin in Memory of Roscoe.

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Kai,
This sweet boy has been waiting nearly a year for a home. The pet lovers at WCNC TV Charlotte picked up his story and got him some well-deserved publicity which has led to multiple inquiries. Despite this, he still finds himself yearning for that one person who will make him whole again. Kai is just about as good as it gets when it comes to dogs. His one and only downside is he must be an only pet which is the only reason he is still with us.

If you are interested in knowing more about Kai, we invite you to read the article bellow as well as our earlier post about him. You can always give us a call, or better yet, come meet him at the adoption center between 12:30 to 5:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

Kai is an 8-year-old neutered male dog who has been at the shelter for 349 days.

https://www.wcnc.com/article/life/animals/watauga-humane-society-dog-adoption-shelter-pet-needs-home/275-d562f723-0227-4419-916e-25bd88035fe1

Kai has been at the shelter for nearly a year despite his sweet, outgoing nature.

07/13/2024

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🥹 Our Hearts are FULL 🥹

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Hello,
We wanted to send along an adoption update regarding Brick House, who we have since renamed Lillie!

First, we are so grateful to the courteous and amazing staff at the shelter. They were so kind and paired us with our perfect pup match.

Lillie has been an absolute joy in our lives and is the sweetest girl ever. Right away she took to her older brother, Buddha, an eight-year-old border collie mix. They have perfect sibling energy, sharing toys, treats, and wrestling in the yard. Additionally, she has been so gentle with our cats so the acclimation process was very easy.

Lillie loves to sunbathe, roll in tall grass, and chase butterflies. She is such a cuddle bug and sleeps curled up in between my husband and me and LOVES being wrapped up in blankets.

Overall, we just wanted to extend our gratitude. We have been wanting a second pup to join our family for a long time, and feel so grateful to have found such a sweet angel at the rescue.

I have attached some photos of Lillie and her DNA test, which I thought you guys might find interesting.

Warm regards,
M & H

07/12/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Jessie is made possible by Eric Misbe.

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Jessie
This sweet boy is probably everyone’s favorite cat and when you meet him, it is easy to see why. He is full of love, and can’t get enough of your attention and would gladly spend the rest of his days lounging in your arms. Jessie has garnered a lot of attention lately with several posts we have made but still has had little interest in actually getting adopted. He was diagnosed with both FeLV and FIV but that won’t stop him from living his life to the fullest making sure you get a lifetime worth of love even with his shortened life expectancy. If you are interested in reading more about him, we invite you to read his other post pinned in the comment section bellow or stop by the adoption center today to meet this little angel.

Jessie is a 3 year-old un-neutered male cat who at 169 days is our longest feline resident at WHS.

07/12/2024

✨😍🐾Staff Spotlight 🐾😍✨

✨ Mett Jacob ✨

Jacob started at WHS during the summer of 2021 as a Kennel Technician. Now a Kennel Lead, he gets to spend a lot of time with our long stay dogs--the ones facing barriers that must be overcome before they can find their forever home. He states that “as cliché as it is, seeing those dogs succeed and find their forever home” are by far the moments he loves most. When asked what the hardest part of the job was, without hesitation, he answers, coming in each day and seeing the same faces and realizing they might be a long stay animal.

One of his favorite memories was being told a dog named Richie Rich was not dog friendly, but having a hunch, he tried an introduction with another mellow dog and turns out Richie Rich is very dog friendly which increased his adoptability exponentially– and sure enough, he found a home!

He loves it here and credits not only the animals but also a “great workplace culture filled with people who are all in on accomplishing the same goal which makes going to work every day an absolute joy”.

07/11/2024

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Today’s special feature highlighting Lily is made possible by Matthew Zellner in Honor of Saint

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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PUPDATE: foster mom said Lily is great with kids and pays no attention to her cat.

Meet Lily,
Lily came to us when her owner had to be hospitalized. After having been in the same home her whole life, she was a bit shy and anxious at first. With extra love and compassion from our Kennel Team she has opened up and started showing her sweet and loving side. Lily is currently decompressing in a loving foster home. If you want to meet her, give us a call so we can arrange a meeting at the Adoption Center.

🐾 Lily is a 12-year-old un-spayed female dog who has been at the shelter for 15 days 🐾

07/11/2024

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Thank you to all who joined us and our lovable, crowd pleasing mascot Hutch Husky at Blowing Rock’s 4th of July Parade. What a wonderful way to celebrate a National Holiday. A special shout out to Laurie and her family who provided the truck and candy!

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07/11/2024

The Who: Us
The When: Saturday, July 13th from 7 AM to 1 PM
The Where: Boone Moose Lodge, 607 Deerfield Road
The Why: Why Not?

07/10/2024

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Today’s very special feature of Excavator (Mr. Binkley), is made possible by Jedidah Arnold In Memory of Chewchoo

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We could not do our lifesaving work without the love and support of our community. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, we depend on your generosity and sponsorships like these to survive and thrive. Help us save more lives by visiting our website, selecting an animal that is missing a pink heart by their name, and click on the “Sponsor This Animal” button.

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Meet Excavator,
What started out as a shy kitten has grown into a very social, spunky and sassy little guy. He has no qualms in learning the skills of wrestling by taking on his Mama to show any and all who might be watching how strong he really is! This tiny tot was found at a construction site with his sibling and earned his name by falling off the excavator. A scary moment we are sure, but one that saved his life! Described as playful and snuggly, we have been told that climbing seems to be his favorite pastime!

Excavator is a 2-month-old un-neutered male kitten who is available for adoption with an additional deposit of $100 which will be refunded when he has his neuter surgery from your vet or ours.

07/10/2024

✨💛💖❤️‍🔥 Volunteer Spotlight: Judy ❤️‍🔥💖💛✨

Judy has been volunteering at WHS for so long, she can hardly remember when she first started, but is pretty certain it was sometime around 1998! She has aided our organization in many different capacities over the decades but most notably, has been the leading force behind our successful thrift store, Watauga Humane Society Bare Bones Boutique Thrift Shop

With a background in athletics as ASU’s head coach for both the female basketball and volleyball teams, she was a perfect fit to lead the crew of volunteers that helps manage and operate the boutique.

She finds that her favorite aspect of volunteering at Bare Bones is the sense of community she still gets from the kindhearted folks who donate items as well as her crew, who help make each day a delight. When asked what she didn’t enjoy she hesitated as she really couldn’t think of anything. Days later, she still couldn’t find something she disliked, which truly warms the heart!

Having been part of the organization for so long, she has witnessed many changes from moving the entire shelter & boutique to its new location in the early 2000’s to modernizing Bare Bones using an iPad and Square to process payments, one of her favorite new additions! We thank you Judy, for your hard work and dedication to animals in the High Country and look forward to many more years to come!