Asheville Humane Society

03/01/2025

It's Feel Good Friday!

We're doing things a little differently this time.

I get to talk to people all day and hear the stories of the animals that have impacted their lives and left paw prints on their hearts - the dog that swam out of the second story of a flooded home to take his family to safety, the cat who thought he was a dog like his siblings, the "soul" animal that changed their person's life through unconditional love and an unbreakable bond.

So today, I hope YOU will tell the Feel Good Friday stories. Tell us, all of us, about the animals that have inspired you in the comments.

I have found that there are powerful stories in every relationship we have with our pets. We can't wait to hear yours.

02/01/2025

It’s not just the people making resolutions this year. We asked the animals of Asheville Humane what they wanted to accomplish in 2025…and then we made our best guess in interpreting their responses:

Sweet Toby:
“To show off all my tricks, to everyone, in order, over and over. Will you teach me more?”

Wee John:
“Not my resolution. Yours. More chin scritches. More pets. More snuggles.”

Hilda:
“To run, and play...oh! and hike! and OH! OH! Run and play. Will you play with me?”

Cole:
“To finally be cast as the " Eye of Sauron" in the next Lord of the Rings movie...extended edition of course.”

Brain:
…..well. When it comes to Brain, we’re not sure. Come meet him and he’ll show you he’s got an EXCEPTIONAL personality.

All of these animals are available for adoption (as of now, check the website for updates!) and would thrive with an accountability buddy and of course your help in achieving the ultimate goal…finding forever with you!

31/12/2024

We have one final story for you, and it feels fitting to share it last—as much of this story unfolded late at night.

Earlier this year, our sweet Chunk had her happy tails, and we were glad to send her home. After a week or two, Chunk escaped. Chunk’s adopters notified us of her disappearance, and we did what people who love an animal do: we sent a team to find her.

We returned empty handed, but full of resolve.

And then the breakthrough—Chunk was spotted.

A neighbor who had been keeping an eye out recognized her. Moved by Chunk’s story, she took action—leaving her garage open with a heater and warm blankets. Over the next few nights, she dedicated herself to bringing Chunk to safety, even staying up from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. to gently coax her in.

With the help of our Community Sheltering and Behavior Teams, Chunk was finally safe again.

You may have heard the adage “it takes a village to raise a child,” but “it takes a whole neighborhood to catch a dog” is new to us, too.

After some time, Chunk was ready for a new chapter. Thanks to our partnership with Pilots to the Rescue and the Bissell Pet Foundation, she was flown to Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation in the DC area. We're thrilled to share that she was adopted by a family who loves her as much we we do - and that's saying a lot!

Your donations make these efforts possible. Without your help, we wouldn’t have the teams, resources, or programs to go out and do this work.

Think of sweet Chunk and consider making a donation to Asheville Humane Society before the end of the year. All donations are matched up to $50,000 today, so your contribution goes twice as far!

You can make a donation at tinyurl.com/endofyeargift24 (link in bio) or by shooting us a Venmo !

31/12/2024

You’ve heard us mention the match for this campaign several times by now, but what you may not know is there is a stunning story behind their generous donation.

The (human) protagonists of our story loved Boxers and had a strong connection to Boxer rescue. Several months after losing their beloved companion, they were ready to open their hearts and home to another dog.

Famous Amos was born in rather dramatic fashion: his mother went into labor and delivered him in the car en route to his foster home. He was the first puppy out, the runt of the litter, and the perfect fit for his parents. Amos was a birthday surprise for his dad, and was the gift that kept giving—he was “loyal and kind, high energy, and curious.” He was a “wonderful dog” who never met a stranger.

And he was a terror in the best way. Amos’ parents laughed as they recounted him tearing up every sprinkler in their yard. He was so attached to his dad that he wouldn’t tolerate his parents traveling the country without him—so with them he went.

Amos introduced his parents to the world of rescue. His dad told me, “I feel like it's our responsibility to try to take care of the animals; we are given that responsibility and we need to take it seriously. It's good on our soul, there's so much that a relationship with any animal that completes your life in many ways.”

So when Amos passed, his parents knew that honoring Amos meant supporting dogs in his position. For our end of year campaign, one of the most important fundraising events of the year, they donated a matching gift in memory of Amos.

We all have stories of an animal like Amos, a dog that raids our trash can and steals our heart, a cat who believes their purpose is to live in your lap, an animal that gives you purpose, meaning and unconditional love.

We ask that you donate for the Amos’ of the world, your beloved animals, and the animals in our care who desperately want to fill that role.

We thank you, Amos’ family thanks you, and little Amos is sitting at the end of the rainbow bridge thankful that you are giving pups like him a chance.

tinyurl.com/endofyeargift24 (link in bio!)
Venmo

31/12/2024

If ever there is a “rough start, happy ending” story, it’s this one.

Luna came to us as a humane euthanasia request. She had myriad of pressing medical issues that her family felt they couldn’t solve. They wanted what was best for her and were unable to provide the care she needed.

Our incredible medical team examined sweet Luna, and knew that with medical care and a lot of TLC, she had a chance at a bright future. We were willing to take that chance. Her family made the hard decision to surrender to us, and we set out with Luna on a long road to recovery.

Unfortunately, the extent of her skin condition was so severe that it affected Luna's eyes, and she found herself under the scalpel for bilateral eyelid surgery. She underwent an array of treatments, including diet changes, addressing her devastated skin, and eradicating fleas.

But sweet Luna needed a little extra boost, and was recommended to be placed in foster care.

Now, a cat with Luna’s medical needs requires a special kind of foster who is comfortable with extensive medical support, medical administration, and exceptional patience.

Our very own staff member, Leann, was up for the task.

When you meet Leann, you know immediately that she is equal parts kindness and grit—a perfect combination for what Luna needed.

Leann speaks of Luna with incredible affection. She smiles every time she mentions her name. It’s clear that Luna gets all the love and attention she deserves, and that’s a high bar. Her transformation reflects the high level of care (and the compassion shown) every step of the way.

Her skin is healing. Her trust and love for people is growing. Her personality is starting to shine through.

Because of donors like you, Luna got a second shot at the life she deserves. While her story remains unfinished, one thing is certain: she is loved beyond compare.

Tonight marks the end of the year. Please consider chipping in now, while your donation is matched up to $50,000 in honor of sweet Amos and cats like Luna who are alive, well, and happy, thanks to your generosity.

tinyurl.com/endofyeargift24 (link in bio)
Venmo:

30/12/2024

“You better come to the front desk.”

I ran to the front to find our Adoption Program and Volunteer Coordinators giggling uncontrollably, holding a small red box in the shape of a heart.

Three elementary school children had come in to make a donation to Asheville Humane Society. The eldest had asked for donations to AHS for her birthday in lieu of gifts. She had just turned nine and was so excited for the next year to pass so she could meet the age requirement to volunteer with us. The youngest had collected his savings to contribute. He smiled and danced and told me about his dog. The middle child? Well. He is out to steal all of our hearts.

The small red box he brought was his version of a “swear jar.” On the front he had carefully written “When I call names, ignore a stop or given direction, say unkind words.” And the box had a hefty sum of quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies inside.

He excitedly presented me with the box, a huge smile plastered onto his face. He was so excited to give to the animals. He told me with glee that he had raised enough to “buy” a rabbit.

His mom said that she wanted to help him redirect his energy to doing good, to being kind, to practicing empathy. If his actions in the shelter were any indication, it seemed to be going well.

They were, all three of them, so excited to see the animals, to interact with staff, just to help. These kids are helpers at heart, and not even an “unkind word” or two can change that.

Tomorrow is the end of the year, and our biggest fundraising deadline. So we’re asking you to think about the birthdays you’ve had or the swear words you’ve let slip, dig in, find that inner child, and make a donation to the animals that need you.

Imagine the joy on these kids’ faces when they find out that adults matched their kindness and made donations inspired by their generosity, THEIR story.

Best part? If you match their gift, another generous donor will match yours up to $50,000. So please take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

You can make a donation at the link in our bio (tinyurl.com/endofyeargift24) or by shooting us a Venmo

27/12/2024

It’s Feel Good Friday!

It was the Monday before the holidays. Our medical team was finishing up with the wellness clinic, and locking up the Adoptions Center, in accordance with our schedule.

Then there came a *knock* *knock* *knock* on the door.

I opened the door and asked how I could help.

“I’m here to adopt Craig” she said.

“I’m so sorry, the Adoptions Center is closed today, but we are open tomorrow morning for a half day, I hope you’ll come by then!” I replied.

Her disappointment was palpable. It was clear she was set on our little slobbery blob of rolls, and his immaculate (yet limited) set of teefs. For context, Craig was a senior pug found wandering outside a hospital. Upon arrival at Asheville Humane, he stole hearts with his underbite and silly demeanor.

She asked if there was any way I could help. I told her that I am unfortunately not good for much beyond posting pictures on the internet. Even if we were open, the only part I have in the adoptions process is taking your “happy tails” photo. I encouraged her to be the first in line the next morning to work with one of our exceptional adoptions counselors.

And she was.

Her perseverance had paid off - for her, for her family, but perhaps most of all, for Craig - who found a home that clearly ADORES him in all his little grumpy old man glory.

Happy tails to Craig, and thank you to the family who will clearly love him for all his years to come! I’m so happy I got to take your photo after all.

We hope you’ll consider chipping in to support little grumpy old (dog)men like Craig and the families who love them. Now until the end of the year, your donation is MATCHED up to $50,000. You can make a donation at the link in bio or by shooting us a venmo to .

Thank you to our friends at Champion Credit Union for helping make these adoptions possible!

26/12/2024

Not a creature was stirring? Not here at Asheville Humane!

This year the 25th fell at the intersection of many holidays and winter traditions. But holidays don’t stop our animals from needing clean comfy kennels, food, medicine, outside time, and a LOT of love. So our animal care and medical teams ventured out from home to ensure our animals were not only cared for, but received celebratory enrichment and special treats!

I don’t know how to express in words how exceptional our animal care team is. I can’t speak to how they felt working on the holidays, but I can confidently say they love each animal - quirks, personalities, history and all - and it shows. It shows in the way they speak to each animal, the way they know the best way to give each something uniquely special to them, even the way routine care is administered is with deep affection and purpose.

I can say with confidence that this is one of the best teams out there. This is the team who scrubbed kennels without water during the hurricane, who go out of their way to give a stressed dog a walk on campus, who ensure that lonely cats are fitted with the perfect roommate.

I am also struck by the words our Executive Director said as she served baked potatoes and chili for a special lunch - “We’re a family.”

You can see family here in the way volunteers take time away from their families to drop off goodies, the way staff supports each other through hard cases, the way the community shows up for us and supports our efforts.

That sense of family, of camaraderie, of mutual respect and understanding was more apparent in the last three months than ever before. Our staff is a part of that, our supporters are part of that, our community is part of that, our volunteers are part of that, and of course, our animals are everything.

Happy holidays, from our family to yours.

25/12/2024

It’s not just our staff and animals who are grateful for our volunteers!

A local elementary school Girls on the Run team made ornaments (by hand!) for our volunteers and wrote a beautiful card in appreciation of the work they do.

What a wonderful way to honor the volunteers, who make magic happen here at Asheville Humane Society, and to spread a little holiday cheer!

We hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season!

24/12/2024

When we talk about the holidays, we talk about family, about wonder, about gratitude.

We are so lucky to experience this at Asheville Humane Society. Family, chosen, in the colleagues we work alongside, and the animals that leave their mark. Wonder at the stories we are able to tell - the medical miracles, the behavioral transformations, the hugs received in exchange for a bag of food or a covered vaccine.

And gratitude.

Gratitude for our teams’ and our animals’ relative safety during the hurricane.
Gratitude for the community that supported and sustained us.
Gratitude for every lemonade stand and friendship bracelet sale held by little hands.
Gratitude for every volunteer that has given of their time and talent for our animals.
Gratitude for our staff, who have more heart than we could ever ask for.
Gratitude for you, our donors, who make the magic happen every day of the year.

We hope that your holidays are full of all of these things. We hope that you give your pets an extra pat from us. We hope you know that your efforts ensure that our animals find their families, a renewed sense of wonder.

They (and we) are grateful for you.

Pictured is Craig, who hopes you like his teefs.

23/12/2024

Our adoption profile is a little bouncier today because we’ve got BUNNIES. And when I say we’ve got bunnies, I mean, we’ve got an abundance of big ears, feet, and hops ready to find home.

Each of our bunnies is named after a musical style: Hip Hop, Jazz, Reggae, Funk, and Disco. Given their bright, lively personalities - that makes a LOT of sense. Placed in the front of the adoptions center, these little hoppers bring joy to everyone who visits.

Rabbits are intelligent, active creatures and thrive with lots of enrichment and stimulation. Word in the adoption center is that these rabbits are warm and friendly.

Want to know more? Stop by our Adoptions Center and speak with a counselor to see if one of these little musicians is right for you!

Be sure to check our holiday hours below!

Adoption Center
12/24: 10 am-12 pm
12/25: CLOSED
12/31: 10 am-6 pm (closed for naptime between 1-2 pm)
1/1: CLOSED

Buncombe County Animal Shelter
12/24: CLOSED
12/25: CLOSED
12/26: CLOSED
12/31: 10 am-4 pm
1/1: CLOSED

20/12/2024

Just days before Helene, three tiny kitten siblings came into our care. Grappling with malnourishment, upper respiratory infections, and eye infections - these little fighters were doing their best, but needed around the clock care from our medical and foster teams to beat the odds stacked against them. It was a tough road ahead.

After an initial medical foster helped the trio turn the corner, the kittens moved in with Leigh and Jane, two exceptionally dedicated fosters, who had provided care for almost 60 animals during their time with Asheville Humane Society. While taking in 3 high-needs kittens, Leigh was also working overtime with Greater Good Charities to provide disaster relief across the region.

One of the members of the terrific trio was little Bassist. Bassist was a curious little fellow, always exploring and jumping, sometimes to a comedic (but safe) end to a captivating act. He was loved by his fosters, by our staff, and anyone that met him.

So, it was bittersweet when our little Bassist was well, and sent on a transport out of Asheville to the DC area, where he was taken in by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.

As a seemingly abrupt segue but an important aside, three of our staff members lost their homes during Helene. One such employee, Colleen, lost her home, both her family cars, and her belongings to the flood. As such, she and an incredibly kind DC-based FEMA employee spent a great deal of time talking together. In a moment of great hardship, Colleen found the employee to be kind, thoughtful, empathetic, and supportive.

And it only got better.

Colleen found something truly spectacular - this incredible person helping her wanted to help animals too. Desperately. It wasn’t their job. It wasn’t their fight. They just loved cats, and felt called to support one affected by a disaster they had dedicated themselves to for months on end.

The lightbulb went off and Colleen helped facilitate the introduction. And in a matter of days, Bassist had found himself right at home, with people who love him for the totality of who he is, with a strong understanding of his history, with a commitment to his story, with love for the people and animals of Western North Carolina. Bassist found forever.

We’re coming up on the end of the year, and we need your help. Stories like little Bassists’ only happen because people like you help write them. Without your donations, these efforts would be nearly impossible. Your dollars go to fix little eyes, and little lungs, and mend a lot of hearts.

Now, through the end of the year, your donation is MATCHED up to $50,000. That means your donations go twice as far to help kittens like Bassist. He, his “bandmates,” and all of our animals thank you.

https://tinyurl.com/endofyeargift24

19/12/2024

This Saturday marks the beginning of a new 6 week puppy kindergarten series!

Puppy classes are crucial to your dog’s behavior, social skills, and development. Like kiddos, most of their skill-building in all of these areas happens at a very young age - in fact, Puppies learn more between 5 and 12 weeks of age than they will in their entire lifetime, so learn them right!

You (and your puppy!) will learn training skills to last a lifetime including walking on a leash, basic manners, and socialization.
Why us? Our team has over 50 years of behavioral training experience, and has made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of animals and the people who love them!

You can sign up for Puppy (and adult!) classes at our website: ashevillehumane.org/events/

19/12/2024

Just a note that our Adoptions Center will be closing shop at 4:30 pm on Thursday, December 19th to accommodate a staff-wide event! Come on in to meet your next best friend between 10am-4:30pm with a break for nap time between 1-2 pm. The Buncombe County Animal Shelter will be open from 10am-4pm as regularly scheduled.

Please find the full holiday schedule below:

Adoption Center
12/24: 10 am-12 pm
12/25: CLOSED
12/31: 10 am-6 pm (closed for naptime between 1-2 pm)
1/1: CLOSED

Buncombe County Animal Shelter
12/24: CLOSED
12/25: CLOSED
12/26: CLOSED
12/31: 10 am-4 pm
1/1: CLOSED

Unless otherwise noted, all hours are on a regular schedule.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday and to see you in soon!

19/12/2024

We have seen a great demand for minor medical concern appointments, and have decided to dedicate our next clinic to those appointments exclusively!

Minor Medical Concern Appointments are designed to address minor medical issues only (i.e. ear/eye/skin concerns, mild to moderate wound care, etc). These appointments are not for annual checkups or emergency care. Please document the reason for requesting the appointment in the “notes” section. You may be advised to seek veterinary care at a full service veterinarian or emergency veterinarian if your pet's illness is outside of our ability to treat.

✨We will not be offering vaccines or other routine services at this clinic✨ All visits are secured via appointment and we will be unable to see walk-ins.

A $35 deposit is required to secure your appointment.

Quick note that if the appointments are listed as “unavailable,” they have all been snagged! We hope you’ll reach out to similar organizations to secure affordable care!

🕜 Monday, December 23, 10am-2pm
🐾 Asheville Humane Society Adoption Center (14 Forever Friend Lane)
🗓️ Make your ✨required✨ appointments now at tinyurl.com/affordablepetclinic (link in bio!)

18/12/2024

In the wake of Helene, we were left without water, and with a great deal of uncertainty about what was to come.

But some things are certain.

We love the animals enough to act in their best interests, even if it means sending them away.

So we did.

We, alongside BISSELL Pet Foundation and Forsyth Humane Society, sent over 100 animals, already in our care, on a plane to safety just three days after the hurricane. We’re happy to report that they are quickly finding forever.

We’ve shared many photos from that day, but it's hard to see the enormity of that effort, the camaraderie of staff and volunteers, the obvious love for the animals, and the relief to see them safe, and the wonder of seeing them take off to their next adventure.
As we come to the end of the year, our kennels are lively again, the air is full of familiar sounds, and we take a turn towards a “new normal.”

But we can’t move forward without you. During the hurricane, your donations ensured our animals reached safety (what an incredible gift!), and that animals in the community received much needed food and medical care. Our “new normal” doubles down on our promise to continue providing for our animals and the greater community - and we need your support.

Please consider making a donation to our animals in this critical donation period. It means more than you know.

https://tinyurl.com/endofyeargift24

Send a message to learn more

17/12/2024

It’s PUPPY PALOOZA!

Here at Asheville Humane Society, we are experiencing an inundation - an all out barrage of the cutest little puppers that have puppered before. To be precise, we have 23 pups currently available for adoption with more on the way!

In celebration of these cute little fuzzballs, we are offering all of our puppers for a $50 adoption fee! What does that include, you may ask?

✨ Spay/Neuter
✨Age appropriate vaccines
✨Dewormer
✨Flea and tick prevention

So run, don’t walk, and come see if your perfect lil’ buddy is waiting here for you!

Our adoption center is open from 10a.m.-6p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with nap time from 1-2p.m.! Our adoptable animals are listed on our website and updated in real time.

And we would be remiss for not noting that puppies are perfection, and only get better with age. Be sure you plan to love them for years to come!

Get your pets spayed and neutered! We encourage you to visit our website for more information on spay/neuter services or look into other wonderful community resources.

Finally, if you’ve got a lil’ pup, consider enrolling them in our puppy classes, listed on our website under “Events!”

14/12/2024

The holidays are RAPIDLY approaching, and there is no better place to support the animals in our care, get your holiday list checked off, support small business, get your thrift on, AND do some serious retail therapy that visiting !

There are some incredible finds waiting to be taken off the shelves for good!

Oh, and the deals are endless:
Monday: CDs and DVDs 50% off
Wednesdays: 50% off clothing
Friday: dinnerware and glassware 50% off
Saturdays: books 50% off

On top of that, the shopkeeper sometimes adds sales…just because.

The best part? Every dollar you spend goes to support Asheville Humane Society!

Run, don’t walk, to 800 Fairview Rd Suite EE - open 10am-6pm every day but Sunday!