Our Best Friends Came To Our Rescue

Published Monthly

May, 2012

Best Friends Of The Shelter

Cleo & Barkley "Friends" Logo

We have angels among us - actually a group of people who saw that the animals in Avery County needed special help. The shelter on Stamey Branch Road was not a healthy place for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. These folks quietly began raising money for a new home that would provide a happy, healthy and safe facility for our animals. They held special fund-raising events and even opened a resale store, "Paws and Claws' and those receipts went to the building fund. One donor, who asked to remain anonymous, donated one million dollars in a matching grant. Others paid for rooms, wings, dog runs and cat condos by contributing thousands to the building effort. The group was simply called "Friends" and they remain the chief supporters of the shelter. Without our Friends, the new building would not exist. Avery County Humane Society is blessed and grateful for Friends and all they have given us. Now it's up to everyone to step up. We need your support to keep facility operating and giving the best care possible to our furry friends. Please donate whatever you can today.

N.C. Woman Selling Sick Puppies Charged with Animal Cruelty

A Lumberton, N.C. woman went to New Jersey with her dogs and was arrested by the New Jersey S.P.C.A. Humane Police. Jessica Isenhour, 33, was originally charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty by the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) for allegedly transporting sick puppies from North Carolina to Lambertville, NJ. Isenhour is the owner of the animal rescue group "Saving Fur Kids." Some of the dogs transported by Isenhour reportedly had canine parvovirus and were sold at the parking lot of a tractor supply store on Route 202 in Raritan Township and other areas around Lambertville. The animals were not checked by a veterinarian, the NJSPCA charged. She plead guilty, paid a fine, and was banned from interaction with animals in New Jersey for five years.

Sammy Finds A New Home

Sammy, a two-year-old cat, was abandoned by his owner and brought to us. We offered him for adoption under a new program called "Name Your Price." Sammy found a new home and we are thrilled. His family says he is such a great guy. He loves to be held and is happy to have human contact. Please check our web page for other adult cats that we offer under this program funded by one of our generous donors.

You Can Help Save Animals Lives

It takes money to run a shelter and anything you can donate to help save animals lives is appreciated. Our animals are so much happier in their new surroundings. The kitten play room so much fun - watching them romp and tumble around. Our dogs are happier in their spacious runs and sleeping on their new beds. Cats enjoy looking through glass and out windows. After all, It's much more fun than sitting behind bars. Frankly, a happy and healthy animal is a joy to observe and more likely to be adopted. Please help us in any way you can. Our beautiful animals thank you.

Nayla was adopted!

Nayla, a 10- year-old cat was given up after all those years. Sad, but with a happy ending. Nayla was recently adopted & Natalie Buchanon tells us she may be a senior feline, but she is a sweetheart.

Highly Educated Princess Abby

Princess Abby is enrolled in the New Leash On Life program run by the Bureau of Prisons. The goal is to help shelters adopt dogs that need socializing and basic training. The prisioners work with dogs for eight weeks under the supervision of a professional trainer. Princess Abby is available for adoption.

Benny Needs A Home!

Benny was found scared, wandering alone, searching for whatever he could find to eat. Apparently abandoned by his owner, he was picked up and brought to us. He would love to be your buddy and best friend. Please click here to adopt.

Miss Pitty Pat, Deaf, gets special training.

This beautiful dog is deaf, but that doesn't bother her. She loves to play and will be your best friend for life. She is only two years old and being offered free to a good home. Miss Pitty Pat is now in training at Woof Pack dog training services.

Sandy - New Leash Trained

Sandy will soon be graduating rom the New Leash On Life dog obedience school where he has been learning many skills and commands. New Leash Dogs are in demand due to their extensive training. If you would like to adopt Sandy or any of our other New Leash dogs, please ,click here.

Contact Information

Laurie Vierheller, Executive Director P.O. Box 1213, Newland, N.C. 28657

Charlene Calhoun, Shelter Manager 1824 Stamey Branch Road, Newland, N.C. 28657

Office: 828-733-9265

Shelter: 828-733-6312

Paws & Claws Store: 828-733-0025