We talk a lot about how we save the lives of homeless animals, but this Happy Tail proves that

the animals we save can do some life-saving of their own.

A young yellow lab mix female stray came to the shelter in mid-April. She had a very

sweet disposition, so we brought her to the annual "Paws for Kids" event at Biltmore Park.

She curled up in the lap of a volunteer and just let the kids shower attention on her. One

child in particular, 8-year Emma, took to the dog right away.

  

Her mom, Michele, was looking for a dog for Emma -- not just any dog, but one that

could be trained as a service dog.

 

Emma, who has autism, cuddles up with Bella. Bella will become a service dog for Emma and help her navigate the world around her.

 

 

You see, Emma is autistic, and her mom had a friend who trained dogs for children with autism. He suggested that Michele consider a service dog for Emma to help the child better cope with daily life.

 

Michele and her family went to the Adoption Center that same day to inquire about the dog, who was named Athena. When Emma saw Athena again, she wanted to take her home right away, but Michele wanted the dog trainer to meet Athena, too. The trainer came to meet Athena and immediately saw that she was gentle and calm. He believed she would be very trainable as a service dog.

Michele adopted Athena, re-named her Bella, and brought her home. Almost at once, Emma and Bella became best friends. "Bella loves everyone," says Michele. "She's best pals with Bree, a five-month-old puppy that we have. Emma hand feeds Bella, and she sleeps with Emma. They really bonded very quickly."

 

Bella and Bree enjoy a game of tug-of-war on the family couch!

 

Bella is already doing Emma a world of good, but the dog will soon start her training to play an even more important role in Emma's life as her service dog. Bella will learn how to sense when Emma is anxious and be trained to sit near Emma so she can hug the dog and calm down. Bella will also help protect Emma from danger; for example, she'll learn how to keep Emma from darting into the street, and to search for Emma if she runs off anywhere.

 

Everyone made this story a true Happy Tail -- from the shelter workers who assessed the dog's behavior, to the volunteer who took her to "Paws for Kids," to the trainer who encouraged a mother of an autistic child to look for a service dog, to Emma's mom who put her trust in an animal from the shelter.

 

So now, a stray dog whose life was saved will help a little girl who needs her... and they'll both lead happier lives as a result!

  

To learn more about finding the love of your life, visit our Adoption and Education Center Tuesday-Saturday, Noon-6:00 p.m. at 14 Forever Friend Lane in Asheville. To help us in our efforts to save homeless animals, please make a donation today. Thank you for helping us save lives!

Our Cargo Van Is Transformed Into A Work of Art 

Asheville Humane Society's transport van was just your average white paneled van before it was transformed into an eye-catching work of art.  Thanks to generous grant funding from the Helen Jones and Earl Wilson Trusts, Asheville Humane Society's animals are travelling in style with a newly wrapped van. Adorable furry faces and bright colors cover the outside of the van which is used to transport animals back and forth to adoption events, to the Humane Alliance where they can be spayed or neutered, and outside veterinary appointments. The van is also used to transfer animals to shelters that may have a shortage of adoptable animals. If you see us out on the roads in the Asheville area, give us a honk to show the animals that you care!

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, warn ASPCA experts.  Take these simple precautions, provided by the ASPCA, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.

Know the Warning Signs

Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

No Parking!

Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

Summer Style

Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut helps prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your dog still has some protection from the sun. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. As far as skin care, be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

Street Smarts

When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.