Cause for paws

Pet walk: Asheville volunteers find many ways to help our furry friends, such as this holiday fundraising stroll hosted by the Humane Society. photo courtesy of the Asheville Humane Society

The work that local nonprofits and volunteers do to help stray and abandoned animals is a matter of life and death. And while there's no shortage of groups trying to care for these cats and dogs and find them loving new homes, they always need more help, whether it’s financial donations, volunteers to clean litter boxes or families prepared to adopt. Below, we spotlight two groups that are part of the Animal Coalition of Buncombe County, which also includes the Animal Compassion Network and the Humane Alliance.

Asheville Humane Society

“Financial donations always help. But one of the things we're really looking to expand next year is the number of foster families we have to take in animals for the short term. We're always looking for people to join in the fun here and save more lives.” — Meghan Jordan, development/community relations director.

What they do: Save the lives of homeless animals through adoption; promote the compassionate treatment of animals through education and sheltering. The society also contracts with Buncombe County and the city of Asheville to operate the Buncombe County Animal Shelter.

What they need: Financial donations, business sponsorships, volunteers and foster families.

Wanna help? People interested in fostering a pet should contact Foster Family Coordinator Skye Kroman (skroman@ashevillehumane.org). Businesses interested in sponsorship programs should contact Meghan Jordan (mjordan@ashevillehumane.org; 761-2001).

Need help? Found a stray? Want to surrender a pet? Call 761-2001 or bring the animal to the Adoption & Education Center (14 Forever Friend Lane in Asheville).

Partners: The Humane Society is a member of the Animal Coalition of Buncombe County, which also includes the Animal Compassion Network, Brother Wolf and the Humane Alliance.

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

“Around the holidays, more people surrender their animals (because they can’t or won’t make boarding accommodations for them) and more people adopt animals, so they can give the kids a pet for Christmas. With time off from work and school, it's a good time to acclimate a new family member.” — Denise Bitz, executive director

What they do: Rescue animals from local shelters, strays and those whose owners surrender them, provide needed medical treatment and work to find them loving homes.

What they need: Financial support, volunteers, foster families and permanent new homes for pets. Dog and cat food, treats, toys and blankets for shelter animals during special holiday drive.

Wanna help? The adoption center (31 Glendale Ave. in Asheville) is open seven days a week, including Christmas and New Year's Day: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, go to www.bwar.org or call 505-3440.

Need help? Found a stray? Want to surrender a pet? Call 505-3440 or bring the animal to the Adoption Center (31 Glendale Ave. in Asheville).

Partners: Brother Wolf is a member of the Animal Coalition of Buncombe County.

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