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Humane Society makes tails wag one adoption at a time

Blue Ridge Humane Society provides second chances for homeless animals in Henderson County every day.

With a record number of 935 adoptions last year, the agency shows no signs of slowing down.
The basis of their adoption process is all about communication with families.
“We want to try to match their energy level and their lifestyle with what the dog can handle,” said Eryn Carper, director of the Humane Society’s shelter on U.S. 64 in Edneyville.
Most animals at Blue Ridge have been spayed or neutered and can go home with a family the same day. If an animal is being treated for health issues or still needs to be fixed, the shelter will place a hold on that animal until it can go home with a family.
“Every animal that enters our shelter receives the best care possible and a promise from us to find them the best home possible,” Executive Director Lutrelle O’Cain said.
BRHS offers much more than just adoptions for pets and their families.
Last year, the shelter assisted 200 families in Henderson County with feeding their pets. Blue Ridge has a pet food pantry that serves as aid to families who would otherwise have to surrender their pets to the county shelter.
“If you can’t afford to feed your pet, you can come here once a month to get food,” Carper said.
Families must qualify financially and have their pets spayed or neutered prior to receiving food, which can be done for free through BRHS.
Not long ago the agency received a grant from the Community Foundation of Henderson County specifically for spay and neuter.
Blue Ridge works with Henderson County veterinarians on a daily basis through their vet assistance program. The shelter gives vouchers to families who cannot afford vet care for their animals. It works almost exclusively with Spay and Neuter Humane Alliance of Asheville.
“They will even pick up animals here,” O’Cain said. “And it’s free to any Henderson County resident.”
Proceeds from the Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store on Greenville Highway go directly to the animals. Open seven days a week, the store serves as a main source of income.
The agency does not receive any funding from Henderson County or any national animal welfare organizations. Every penny comes from the Thrift Store, events, donations, adoptions and grants. This year’s budget is $860,000.
BRHS also has an Emergency Medical Program for pet owners with injured pets that need immediate treatment. Blue Ridge Humane works directly with vets to provide up to $250 of the costs for the treatment.
“This ensures that a professional will see the pet and the suffering of the pet and the owner is eased,” O’Cain said.
BRHS also helps eligible pet owners comply with the new tethering ordinance in Hendersonville by helping build and pay for fencing in their yard if they live within the city limits.
“This ends the life of a dog on a chain and ensures that they have a doghouse and room to move that does not end where their chain formerly did,” O’Cain said.
To educate young children on the importance of being responsible pet owners, Blue Ridge supports an animal education class at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery. The agency also collaborates with the Boys & Girls Club, schools and civic clubs whenever possible to teach young people about dogs and cats.
 BRHS currently has 150 volunteers, but according to O’Cainthey need more for cleaning, feeding and socializing with the animals, as well as walking the dogs. O’Cain said families willing to foster dogs that need a quieter environment than the shelter are always greatly needed.
A recent audit by Carland & Andersen, CPA, found that 86.2 percent of every dollar donated gets spent on the animals at the Humane Society.