ASHEVILLE-NOV2021-WEB

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NOCEMBER 2021
VOL. 23 NO. 9
animal adoption, rescue and education in asheville and surrounding communities
TM
!
NOVEMBER IS
ADOPT-A-SENIOR PET MONTH

How to Help Homeless Pets
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
While Coronavirus/COVID-19 has many of us
practicing social distancing or settling in to shelter in
place, there are still thousands of dogs and cats that
need our help. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways you
can support the them—and the groups that care for them.
1. Give to Animal Shelters in Need
One of the fastest and simplest ways to help a dog
or cat amidst Coronavirus is by giving a donation.
Fundraisers and events for many pet shelters have been
cancelled. Traffic from potential adopters has slowed, but
there are still pets coming in, costs for care, and needs to
be met.
Visit your local animal shelter’s website to see if you
can make a donation online or find animal rescue
groups and shelters near you. If your local organization
cannot directly take a donation, The Petfinder Foundation
can help. They’re currently working overtime during the
Coronavirus pandemic to identify and distribute funds
to adoption organizations that need it most, and you
can donate to them directly. If you can’t donate funds
directly, you can also donate product or supplies to animal
rescues—and there’s no need to go directly into the
shelter to do it. Just reach out to your local shelter and see
if they have a wish list online. Pick a few items and send
via mail.
2. Adopt a Pet
It’s as true today as it always has been. Adopting a
new dog or cat is one of the best ways to help
homeless pets. Search for an available dog, cat, rabbit,
and more near you. If you find a pet that looks just perfect
for you, fill out a pet adoption application, then reach out
to the shelter directly to see what their current protocols
are, given COVID-19.
Since we’ll all be spending more time at home, it’s a
good time to start healthy training habits, form a bond, and
get a new pet acclimated to your home.
3. Foster a Dog or Cat
If you have the space and time to temporarily bring a
pet into your home, now is a great time to do it. Fostering
a dog or cat is a great way to know if you’re ready to
adopt, or just help a pet in need for a little while. Plus, it
can make the whole process of being socially distant feel
a little less lonely—and a lot more cuddly. Here are a few
ways to check into fostering:
- Search Petfinder for available pets now. When you
find a pet that you are interested in fostering or adopting,
use the “ask about” button to reach out directly to the
shelter.
- GreaterGood.org is compiling a list of shelters
and rescues looking for foster families, and matching
those groups with fostering volunteers from the national
community. Sign up to be an emergency foster and you
may help save a pet’s life—not to mention bring a little
extra joy into yours.
If you have questions about fostering a dog or cat in
need, feel free to check out the frequently asked
questions about fostering a pet on Petfinder, read more
at tinyurl.com/y7zveyz7.
4. Other Ways to Help
Make sure you have a disaster pet plan of your own,
and run through this checklist of appropriate disaster-time
supplies to make sure you’re covered
If you’re struggling to care for a pet due to COVID-19
try to avoid taking them to a shelter that may already be
overwhelmed. Consider pet rehoming as a better option.
Share posts from local shelters and Petfinder on social
media, and help spread the word.
5. If You Are a Shelter in Need of Help
If your organization has been impacted by Coronavirus/
COVID-19, The Petfinder Foundation has grants up to
$1,000 available. To apply, visit their online portal at
tinyurl.com/yb2dcq6q and create an account.
If you need fosters for animals in your care,
GreaterGood.org is compiling a list of shelters and
rescues looking for foster families, and matching
those groups with fostering volunteers from the national
community. Just fill out a quick survey at
tinyurl.com/ybfhnrhz.
THERE AREN’T ENOUGH
HOMES FOR THEM ALL.
PLEASE SPAY AND
NEUTER YOUR PETS!
PAGE 2 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

IN THIS ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2021
How to Help Homeless Pets During the Pandemic ........... 2
Angus & Phil ......................................................................... 3
Point of View ........................................................................... 4
Habitat for Threatened Owls Largely Restored
Rabies Vaccine: The Difference Between Life & Death ...... 6
What Your Cat’s Nose Can Tell You ..................................... 7
Reasons to Give Thanks for Our Animal Companions ....... 9
What Not to Feed Your Pet on Thanksgiving ...................... 9
The Best Reasons to Adopt An Older Pet .......................... 11
Critter Notes ......................................................................... 14
Critter Kids’ Page ................................................................. 15
The Roots of Good Character: Kindness
New Adoption Programs at BRHS for Vets & Seniors ...... 20
.....
HELP! I Found a Kitten! ....................................................... 23
Bear Wise Basics ................................................................ 24
ON THE COVER
MARLEY is a sweet 9-year old senior who is looking for her
new forever family. She has excellent house manners, is crate– and
housetrained, sleeps quietly all night and is also very smart! Although
Marley is getting older, she still gets frisky, with tug & fetch being her
favorite games. She’s a great companion and really loves belly rubs
& snuggles on the couch. Marley is in the care of Asheville Humane
Society and currently being fostered. Contact them at 828-761-2001.
THANK YOU LORD
FOR THIS BOUNTY
WE ARE ABOUT TO
RETRIEVE!
November is
Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month
They’re already trained, with
no personality surprises ...
and they need your love.
Won’t you consider
adopting a senior pet?
Critter Magazine is an animal adoption publication dedicated to
improving the quality of life for animals through education, support of spay/
neuter efforts and encouraging responsible pet ownership, as well as helping
to find loving homes for animals in need. Although the majority of the animals
profiled are dogs and cats, we will feature any animal that is in need
of adoption. We publish each month and distribute throughout Asheville,
Buncombe, Madison, Haywood, Henderson, Transylvania and Yancey
counties. Advertising and editorial deadline is the 15 th of the month for the
following month’s issue. We welcome letters to the editor, comments and
suggestions, as well as informative articles and stories which are relevant to
our goals.
Subscriptions are available for $24 per year.
Critter Magazine cannot screen either potential adopters or animals for health or
temperament. We urge all parties to act responsibly in these matters. All animals
adopted through Critter Magazine must be spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
Critter Magazine is a publication of Critter Communications, LLC.
Publisher and Editor - Elaine Lite
P.O. Box 8052
Asheville, NC 28814
E-mail: crittermagnc@charter.net
(828) 255-0516
If you are interested in publishing a Critter Magazine in your area,
contact Elaine Lite at crittermagnc@charter.net or call 828-255-0516.
www.crittermagazine.com
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without prior written consent of publisher prohibited.
ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY
“WNC’s Holistic Pet Center”
Featuring
Solid Gold, Wysong & Wellness
· Holistic, hypo-allergenic premium foods
· Healthy nutritional treats
· Herbal and homeopathic remedies
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1451 Merrimon Ave. Asheville
(828) 252-2054
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 3

Point of View
Biden Admin Largely Restores
Habitat for Threatened Owls,
Reversing Trump's Deep Cuts
By Olivia Rosane, EcoWatch
The imperiled northern spotted owl has won a
reprieve.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) moved last
week to reverse a Trump administration decision that
would have opened millions of acres of the owl's West
Coast forest habitat to potential logging, arguing that
Trump political appointees acted on inaccurate science.
"You can't remove over a third of an endangered
species' habitat and not expect it to go extinct," FWS
Oregon supervisor Paul Henson told The AP of the
Trump administration plan.
The northern spotted owl is a small, chocolate
brown bird that lives in the forests of Washington,
Oregon and northern California, The Guardian reported.
The bird is considered threatened under the Endangered
Species Act, and has already lost around 70 percent of
its habitat. In the past decades, the owl's population has
plummeted 77 percent in Washington, 68 percent in
Oregon and nearly 50 percent in California.
The bird's decline has led to conflicts between
environmental advocates and the logging industry, The
AP explained. In 2012, the federal government set aside
critical habitat to protect the species from extinction, but
this was blamed for a logging slowdown that harmed
rural communities.
Five days before President Donald Trump left office,
his administration pushed through a plan that would have
removed protections from 3.5 million acres, more than a
third of a total of 9.6 million acres of critical habitat. This
was even more than the logging industry had requested.
At the time, scientists protested that these cuts would put
the owls on the path to extinction, but Interior Secretary
David Bernhardt and former Fish and Wildlife Service
Director Aurelia Skipwith disregarded the warnings. Now,
the FWS has concluded that Trump appointees acted
with "insufficient rationale and justification" in shrinking
the habitat so drastically.
The new plan, finalized Tuesday, would exclude just
around 200,0000 acres of Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) land in Oregon.
"The exclusions we are proposing now will allow
fuels management and sustainable timber harvesting
to continue while supporting northern spotted owl
recovery," FWS principal deputy director Martha Williams
said in a statement when the new rule was first proposed
in July, as per The Guardian.
Wildfires are also a major threat to the owls. Blazes
destroyed 560 square miles of owl habitat last fall.
Environmental advocates applauded the reversal of
the steeper Trump cuts, but also disagreed with the
Biden administration's exclusions.
"We're glad the Biden administration repealed the
ridiculous and politically driven decision to strip 3 million
acres from the spotted owl's critical habitat. But 204,000
acres should not have been excluded from that
protection," Center for Biological Diversity (CBD)
endangered species director Noah Greenwald said in a
statement emailed to EcoWatch. "The spotted owl and
hundreds of other vulnerable species can't withstand the
loss of more old forest."
PAGE 4 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

14 Forever Friend Lane - Off Brevard Rd. (Rte. 191) & Pond Rd.
828-761-2001 • www.ashevillehumane.org
ADOPTIONS: Tues.—Sat. 10 am - 6 pm / Naptime for animals 1-2 pm
Buncombe County Shelter • 16 Forever Friend Lane • 828-250-6430
SHELTER HOURS: Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm • Closed Sun
GEMMA is a beautiful soul
who has been overlooked for
too long. She’s a little shy at
first, but after a few minutes,
she is begging for your love!
And when she trusts you, she
loves to cuddle up and
give you kisses.
VICKY is a beautiful lady who
came to us as a stray, with her
brother/friend Homer. A good
Samaritan caught them in her yard
and brought them in. When Vicky
arrived, she was pretty scared.
She remains shy but has many
moments of sweetness.
JUNO knows Sit, Down, Wait,
Drop It, and how to do her business
outside. She plays a great game
of fetch and is described as "playful,
affectionate and a total lap dog. She
goes on our group hikes and loves
to splash around in the water.
DEOHGEE is a 7-year old sweetheart!
His favorite things in life are
hiking, talking and playing in the
water. He loves meeting new people
because every new person is a new
friend! He’s SO ready to find his
forever family. He’s ready to give you
fun, laughter, and unconditional love!
The Adoption Center is OPEN ... no appointment needed.
OUR THRIFT STORE IS NOW AT RIVER RIDGE MARKETPLACE! (Exit 8 off I-240)
989 Little Mountain Road
Columbus, NC
FoothillsHumaneSociety.org
828-863-4444
Seeking volunteer dog walkers & fosters.
Mention this ad for free nail trim with a regular office visit!
www.CatClinicofAsheville.com
49 Haywood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
828-645-7711
catclinicofasheville@gmail.com
SUSIE is a beautiful 1-year old
Retriever mix who loves life!
Susie is looking for her next
adventure partner. She is an
extremely well-rounded dog
and is very adaptable. This gal
loves to ride in the car and would
be a wonderful hiking or running
companion, has a medium energy
level and loves to play. She gets
along great with other dogs and
after about 20 minutes of rough
housing she is ready to recharge
her batteries with a good nap.
If you are interested in
Susie, please fill out an application online on
our website at foothillshumanesociety.org.
DONATIONS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE ...
UNTIL THEY ALL HAVE A HOME!
Adoption Hours: Mon & Tue 11 am-5 pm
Thu-Sat 11 am-5 pm / Sun 1-5 pm
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 5

All your pet needs
in downtown
Weaverville!
WeavervillePetPantry.com
1 Merrimon Avenue • Weaverville
Friends2Ferals
A TNR Program of the
Humane Society of Buncombe County
Offering help with your outside cats
• Loaning traps • Trapping • Education/Assistance
• Discounted spay/neuter/vaccinations
PO Box 2532 Asheville, NC 28802
828-505-6737
A 501(c)3 non-profit • On Facebook at Friends2Ferals
WILLY is one
handsome guy! He’s
a gorgeous husky
mix who is about
2-years old, is great
on a leash, knows
sit—and appears to
be housebroken.
Willy would do
best in a home with
no other pet pals—
he wants to
be yours and
yours alone.
962 Cane River School Road
Burnsville, NC • (828) 682-9510
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri
noon-5 pm / Sat - noon-4 pm
Closed Wed and Sun
Follow us on facebook
E-mail: ychs@ccvn.com
www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC08.html
Can a Rabies Vaccination Mean
the Difference Between
Life or Death?
The answer to this question is YES, YES, and YES!
Submitted by Community Partnership for Pets (CPPI)
Peaches in quarantine Peaches in her new home!
This is Miss Peaches. Once a stray - now adored, she
was found when a Good Samaritan picked her up. In
hopes of finding her owner, Peaches was taken to the
local county animal shelter. With bite wounds on her
body, a local veterinarian identified the wounds as animal
bites and not wounds from being tangled in brush or
fencing. With no collar or tags, the staff at the shelter
was frantic to find her owner to get her rabies vaccination
history. No one came forward. With no known rabies
information, State Law requires an animal be quarantined
for 4 months or be euthanized and their remains sent to
the State Lab and tested for rabies. The symptoms of
rabies can take weeks or months to show up - so the
length of the quarantine period is not negotiable. Rabies
is transmittable to humans (and other animals) so taking
precautions is critical.
For Peaches it was a happy ending. Local animal
lovers reached out to CPPI for help. Donations were
received to pay for Peaches boarding for 4 months, a local
veterinarian boarded her and the county animal shelter
was a key partner in pulling the pieces together for her
quarantine. On July 1, 2021, after being in quarantine for
4 months, Peaches was adopted into a loving, forever
home.
Please make sure your pet's rabies vaccinations are
up-to-date. In NC, puppies and kittens must be vaccinated
at 4 months of age. Don't put this off. It could be a matter
of life or death!
Community Partnership for Pets' mission is to reduce
the number of dogs and cats that enter and die in
NC county animal shelters each year. They work with
approximately 12 counties at any given time and work with
each county for 12-48 months. Setting up and funding
programs across NC is making a difference—and the
county animal shelters are seeing positive results.
To continue their work, they are dependent on private
donations and grants. Please consider making a donation
to help them continue this Life Saving Work across NC.
Visit them at communitypartnershipforpets.org.
PAGE 6 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

What Your Cat's Nose Can Tell
You About Their Overall Health
By Caroline Biggs
Believe it or not, your cat's nose can reveal a lot
about their health. "In general, during wellness visits your
veterinarian will examine your pet's nose for any abnormal
appearances or discharge as well as check to make
sure the air is moving equally from both nostrils when your
cat breathes," explains Dr. Meaghan Gilhooly, DVM
at Banfield Pet Hospital. "Just like in humans, pets can
experience congestion, discharge, and other sinus type
symptoms, which can go hand-in-hand with respiratory
diseases or other diseases that affect the oral or nasal
cavity."
Along with possible sinus or respiratory concerns, your
cat's nose can indicate other types of health issues, too.
"Sores or blisters on the nose could be the result of a
viral infection, trauma, or an autoimmune disease such
as Pemphigus complex," says Dr. John Howe, President
of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
"Also, be on the lookout for discolored discharge, nosebleeds,
or dry, cracking, ulcerated sores on your cat or
kitten's nose. These should all be checked by your
veterinarian."
Not sure how to determine if your cat's nose is normal
or not? Dr. Gilhooly and Dr. Howe help us understand
what certain feline nasal characteristics mean, and here's
their diagnosis.
Know the characteristics of a healthy cat nose.
While there's no single example of a healthy cat's
nose, Dr. Howe says a cool, slightly moist nose is
usually a good sign. "Some perfectly healthy cats may
have drier noses," he stated. "There's also a healthy
amount of variation that can happen within individual cats,
as a healthy cat's nose can vary between dry and wet
over the course of a day." Additionally, Dr. Gilhooly says
that there should be no visible discharge, and that air
should be moving from both nostrils equally when your cat
breathes. "The external appearance of your cat's nose
should be symmetrical with no visible masses."
What is feline nasal discharge a sign of?
According to Dr. Howe, healthy nasal discharge is
clear. "A discolored discharge accompanied by sneezing
or coughing may indicate a respiratory infection, and it's
important to seek veterinary attention early to catch
these before they become more severe," he says. Nasal
discharge could also mean the presence of another
problem, such as an infection, illness, or something
irritating the cat's nose. "Discolored discharge could be a
sign of a foreign object up the nose such as plant awns or
polyps," Dr. Howe adds.
While a dry cat nose could indicate dehydration or a
fever, Dr. Howe says that's not always the case. "It could
be dry due to other reasons, such as from spending too
much time near a heat source," he explains. "However,
noses that look pale may be an indication of anemia,
and if there's any yellow tinge, be sure to contact your
veterinarian right away, as this can be a sign that
something is significantly wrong."
Other significant signs to look for
concerning your cat's nose.
If your cat is having trouble breathing through its nose,
Dr. Gilhooly says to contact your veterinarian immediately.
"Cats are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they should
be moving air through their nostrils," she explains. "If you
notice your cat is open mouth breathing, this is not
normal and should warrant a call to your veterinarian."
Likewise, Dr. Howe says that excessive licking of the nose
can be a sign that your cat is need of veterinary care.
"Occasionally, some cats are poor groomers that don't
wash their face," he explains. "Be careful not to chalk it up
to 'my cat's just lazy' because there could be painful
medical problems, such as arthritis, that are preventing
your cat from conducting normal daily activities."
Know when to call the veterinarian.
Dr. Gilhooly says that the condition of your cat's nose
can also provide insight into other body systems such as
oral and respiratory health, which is why anytime you
notice something off with your cat or their nose, it's best
to contact your vet for safe measure. "Based on the
symptoms, they can help determine if a trip to the vet is
needed or if you can monitor symptoms at home," she
explains. Additionally, Dr. Howe says that if your cat
usually has a cool, wet nose and it suddenly turns dry for
more than a day, you should check with your veterinarian
as soon as possible. "You have the best sense of what
your cat or kitten's nose looks like, as well as your cat's
normal behavior, so if you see anything that looks out of
the ordinary, or observe any other abnormal symptoms,
call your veterinarian, because catching something early
will save you both time and heartache."
Now and
throughout
the year ...
please
support our
advertisers!
They help make it possible for
rescued pets to find loving homes.
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 7

MaryPaws Adoptions
P.O. Box 941 Leicester, NC 28748 • 828-622-3248 • marypaws.com • find us on Facebook at Marypaws!
ADOPTIONS HELD AT OUR SHELTER BY APPOINTMENT. COME SEE ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL CATS! CALL FOR INFORMATION.
ROO is a 4-month old tabby
girl with bold black stripes and
orange/brown markings inbetween.
She’s super sweet
and gentle, loves to play and
adores affection.
MILO (L) & MISTY (R) are a charming pair of 5-month old
bonded siblings. Misty is a beautiful silver/gray and white girl who
is very friendly and outgoing—and loves being held. Milo is a
lighter gray and white with gorgeous golden eyes. He has the
same loving, cuddly disposition as Misty and is an
all-round wonderful boy.
RIVER is a girl who gets lots of oohs
and aahs when people see her. She
is the ultimate cute kitten, has an
outgoing personality and loves to
play. This 4-month old gal would
make a great feline companion.
MARYPAWS Animal Adoptions is a rescue organization dedicated to helping unwanted felines find loving and permanent homes. Through
our adoption program, we have helped hundreds of abandoned cats and kittens avoid homelessness. Please help us by spaying/neutering your
pets, making a donation if you can, or by offering one of our adoptable animals a place in your heart and your home. If you’re looking for a
pair of felines, call us! We have many siblings who are available and ready to be adopted together.
Be Kind to Animals ...
Today and Every Day!
"Some people
talk to
animals.
Not many
listen though.
That's the
problem."
― A.A. Milne
Bring in Your Pet
for a Free Treat!
• Natural Pet Foods
• Natural & Organic Fresh-Baked Treats
• Large Selection of Products
and Toys Made in the USA
• Gifts for Pets & Pet Lovers
.
Monday-Saturday 11-6 • Sunday noon-5
118-A Cherry St. Black Mountain
828.669.0706
www.boneafidepetboutique.com
- Doris Day
PAGE 8 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

Reasons to Give Thanks
for Our Animal Companions
Thanksgiving will soon be here – a time for family, food
and football and the day set aside to give thanks for our
blessings. Although world events may try to interfere with
our feelings of thankfulness, it’s necessary that we focus
on all things good, and as always, what our pets add to
our lives is good.
Here are just a few reasons to be thankful for your pet.
Love - If there’s one thing you know, it’s that your pet
loves you. And if you love your pet, that love comes back
to you ten-fold. Almost all pets show happiness when
you arrive home. Your dog’s most enthusiastic face-licking
moment of the day is when you walk through the front
door – even if you’ve just been to the mailbox. Your cat’s
enthusiasm may be more subtle, but even the fact that he
is in the same room with you for a change really says
something. Your bird chirps, your ferret comes alive and
your fish swim to your side of the aquarium. All because
they love you.
Companionship - Your pet keeps you company, and that
company helps you to feel less lonely and isolated,
especially if you live alone. Coming home to your pet
gives you something to look forward to. As an added
benefit, if you leash up your dog or cat and stroll through
the neighborhood, more than likely someone will talk to
you. Studies have shown that people walking with a dog
talk to new people far more often than if the dog wasn’t
with them.
Physical Contact - When your purring cat sits cuddled in
your lap, all is right with the world. This goes for your pet
bird perching on your shoulder, your puppy licking your
face and your horse nuzzling you as you stroke his mane.
What Not to
Feed Your Pets
on Thanksgiving!
All animals show affection, not just dogs and cats!
Studies prove that cuddling and stroking your pet is good
for you. It makes you calmer and can even lower your
heart rate and your blood pressure.
Someone To Talk To - Talking things out relieves a lot of
internal pressure. But having someone to talk to makes
a difference, too. It makes you feel less lonely. Talk
about anything – your pet will listen. Even better, he won’t
disagree, interrupt or tell anyone your secrets. And
maybe by talking things out, you may come up with your
own solutions.
Motivation To Exercise - Most pets need exercise every
day. Whether it’s walking your dog, riding your horse or
playing with your cat, you’ll be getting some exercise, too.
Physical exercise helps you to deal with stress and
sometimes gives you the opportunity to get outside and
breathe some fresh air.
Security - Some pets promote a feeling of safety. Your
dog barks when he hears or smells something out of the
ordinary, and your cat wakes you if there is smoke in the
house. But sometimes just having your pet nearby is
enough to make you feel less anxious and more secure.
Thanksgiving is a special holiday for
family and friends, but it also can
carry some hazards for pets. For the
health and well-being of your pet
companions, please keep holiday
food away from pets.
This Thanksgiving, as we show gratitude for our
blessings, let’s not forget our devoted pets …
those faithful companions who love us
unconditionally and enrich our lives daily.
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 9

General Family Dentistry
Kevin Fox, DDS
David Whitlow, DDS
Providing gentle dental care for the entire family
and proudly supporting all of our community
animal shelters & rescue organizations …
How we can help save lives ...
Spay/Neuter
Adopt a homeless pet
Foster an animal waiting
for adoption
Donate
Volunteer
Be a Voice for Animals
BABY GIRL is a beautiful
5-year old Pittie mix. This
sweet girl is housebroken,
knows sit and lay down.
If you would like to
meet her, call Yancey
County Humane Society
at 828-682-9510.
Adopt a pet from any local shelter or rescue organization
and receive a complimentary doctor exam and
bitewing x-rays at your next dental appointment.
*Offer valid thru December 31, 2021.
Please present adoption contract at time of appointment.
2 Iris St. (behind Biltmore Village) • 828-252-2791
Greyhound Friends
of North Carolina
Rescue • Advocate • Adopt
LUCY is a fluffy calico
with a lot of attitude!
She is timid around
strangers, but once she
gets to know you, her
personality shines. She
came to us with a spinal
injury as an older kitten,
and because of this she
absolutely hates using a
cart, and prefers to drag
her back legs. She’d do
well in a home with no
carpet where she can zoom around to her heart’s content.
SEE MORE OF OUR WONDERFUL PETS!
TAAGWAGS.ORG • 828-966-3166
taagwags@gmail.com
ADOPTION DAYS are held at PetSmart in Arden
Saturdays - 11 am - 4 pm
CHANGING THE WORLD … ONE GREYHOUND AT A TIME!
www.greyhoundfriends.com
JILL is a beautiful 2-year
old cow dog who weighs 64 lbs.
She’s adjusting to her foster home,
crates easily and will settle down
after a few minutes. She sleeps all
night on a dog bed in the bedroom
and walks well on a leash but is not
confidant around bikes and other
dogs. But she does love the people
she meets. Jill just needs some
confidence building to
accepts new things
and places.
ADOPT A RETIRED RACING GREYHOUND!
Greyhounds are calm, easy-going, sweet, loving, intelligent, clean, good
with kids and other dogs … and some even like cats! Most are between
2-5 years old when they retire and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
All Greyhounds are spayed/neutered, teeth cleaned, vaccinated, heartworm
tested,de-wormed and groomed. A one-time adoption donation covers all
these expenses. Meet our Greyhounds and learn more. For information,
(828) 692-4986 or (828) 230-2917. E-mail: sherryc@morrisbb.net.
PAGE 10 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

The Best Reasons to
Adopt an Older Pet
Are you looking for a devoted and loving feline or
canine companion who is mature and well-behaved? Want
a pet who will fit right into your busy lifestyle without major
interruptions to your schedule? Then instead of taking on
a puppy - who will require frequent feedings, potty breaks,
and house-training, consider adopting an older dog. And
the same goes for cats. They will definitely not require the
near constant attention that a kitten needs.
November officially marks Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month,
and to honor this special month, it’s helpful to know all of
the benefits of opening your heart and your home to a
senior pet in need.
While their younger counterparts may be adorable,
older pets are just as cute and loving, and they are also
just as ready to become beloved pets. They just need
someone to give them a chance to live out their golden
years in a loving home.
Since senior pets are fully grown, you’ll be immediately
aware of important information like personality type and
grooming requirements, making it easier to choose the
perfect pet for your family. And senior pets have already
grown into their personalities, so they are usually pretty
easy-going and set in their ways.
It is a sad fact that senior pets are often the last to be
adopted from shelters, putting them at an increased risk
for euthanasia. When you adopt a senior pet, you’re not
only welcoming a lifetime of love into your home, you’re
also saving a precious life—and what could be better than
that?
If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-leggedfriend
to your family, consider opening your home and
your heart to an older dog or cat in need. There are many
benefits to adopting a senior dog—or cat ... and here are a
just a few:
1) What you see is what you get! According to PAWS
Atlanta, by adopting an older pet, "...you get a known
entity. You get to see exactly what the personality is.
With a puppy or kitten, you don't quite know what the
personality is going to be."
2) No chewed up shoes! You won't have to deal with
the baby-type behaviors that puppies often exhibit, for
instance, like "chewing on your best shoes." Susan
Feingold of Southern Hope Humane Society in Atlanta,
adds that adopting an older dog is ideal for working people
or busy families who don't want the hassle of dealing with
an energetic young pet. "The first year of a dog's life can
be very high energy - and older dogs are calmer. For
people who want a more laid back kind of pet, an older
dog is a wise choice,” says Feingold.
3) Usually housebroken. Older pets may already be
housebroken but if not, they're easier to train because
they have more bladder control. For instance, young
puppies have to be let out frequently throughout the day,
whereas an older dog can hold it for longer.
4) Often already spayed or neutered. Many older pets
have already been spayed or neutered by their previous
caregivers.
5) Used to being part of a family unit. Many older dogs
are given up by their previous families due to a change in
life circumstances, such as a move or the birth of a child.
This means they are displaced pack members. Because
of this, these dogs are "eager to please the new
family they join,” says Kerry Moyers-Horton of No More
Homeless Pets Atlanta. "Older dogs just fit right in."
6) Sleeps through the night. An older dog has learned to
sleep all night along with the family, which means that
your sleep won't be interrupted.
7) Usually leash- and car-trained. Older dogs that have
been part of families typically know how to walk on a leash
and have good car manners.
8) Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they
hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older"
dogs.
9) Older dogs leave you time for yourself. Because
they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and
attention that pups and young dogs do, you can have
some down time.
10) You'll be saving a life. This is perhaps the most
compelling reason for giving an older pet a home -
because there are so many more of them in need. It's
easy to move the cute little puppies and kittens out the
door. But older dogs, especially those at shelters, are
subject to misunderstandings that make it hard for them
to find new homes - misunderstandings like they're all
rejects or have behavior problems. But these myths
simply are not true. "Adults dogs (in shelters) have come
upon hard times, so they're grateful," to be adopted, says
Feingold, "and they bond very quickly with their new
family."
Before taking home any dog or cat, make sure it's a
good match for both your family and any other pets in the
home. Most shelters and rescue programs will be familiar
with a pet’s temperament and have ways to help you get
to know them before making a decision. Let existing pets
be part of the visits to ensure that the new family member
will be well received by everyone.
Adoption fees vary in price and may include spay/
neuter, shots, and micro-chipping. What you'll get in
return is priceless. Take it from Nancy Meyers, a Georgia
resident who recently adopted 10-year old Annie from No
More Homeless Pets. Nancy says her family couldn't be
happier. "Annie has the most wonderful personality. I can't
believe anybody abandoned her. She sleeps all night, and
she was house-trained and leash-trained. She fit right into
our schedule. We're very pleased."
American Humane estimates that as many as
10 million friendly, healthy pets are killed in US shelters
every year simply because there aren't enough homes for
them all. By adopting, you'll be part of the solution to the
overpopulation problem in this country. “Adopting an adult
dog,” says Susan Feingold, "is the right thing to do. It
teaches children a good lesson that an older dog is just as
deserving of being saved as a younger one.” For more
information on how you can help stop the overpopulation
problem, visit www.spotsociety.org.
To find a senior pet in your area, check out
rescues and shelters in Critter Magazine online at
www.crittermagazine.com or visit www.srdogs.com.
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 11

SISTER KITTEN ANIMAL RESCUE
PO Box 1872 Maggie Valley, NC 28751 · (828) 400-0223
SisterKitten.org · email: adopt@sisterkitten.org
JOHNNY MO BLUE ELLE DRIVER COSTNER
Sister Kitten Animal Rescue (SKAR) was founded in 2019. We work to improve animal lives and the public’s perceptions of animals,
with a focus on supporting community cats and “outdoor” dogs in WNC. We rescue and re-home abandoned and neglected
animals, provide trap-neuter-return (TNR) as well as support, education and assistance to community cat caregivers. We maintain
animals in foster care for adoption, provide veterinary care for sick animals, and promote community animal welfare. We respond
to weather-related emergencies in the Southeast by assisting with animal rescue and relief efforts. We’re committed to proactive,
respectful neighbor relations and positive collaboration with other local animal rescue and animal control agencies.
Like dogs and cats, birds are now facing epidemic overpopulation and homelessness.
There aren’t enough homes - especially good homes - for every bird bred! Because of
their demanding needs, parrots, like the Umbrella Cockatoo, above, are often victims.
Thousands of birds are displaced each year simply because their caretakers can no
longer provide the time and attention they require - either because they are not educated
about bird care or because their lives and interests change. The least fortunate unwanted
birds are passed from home to home before dying from neglect or abuse, or they are
euthanized. The lucky ones end up in shelters and sanctuaries are filling up fast!
If you are ready to make a lifetime care commitment, you can help solve this problem
by not breeding birds and by adopting a displaced bird rather than buying one from a pet
store. Bird rescue, adoption, and sanctuary organizations can also use volunteers and
donations to help care for their birds. Please spread the word to your fellow bird lovers -
thousands of parrots and other birds will thank you!
PAGE 12 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

BLUE RIDGE HUMANE SOCIETY
ANIMAL ADOPTION RESCUE CENTER
88 Centipede Lane Hendersonville, NC 28792 • 828-692-2639 • www.blueridgehumane.org
HOURS: Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm / Sun noon - 5 pm / Closed Mon
PLATO is a happy, gentle 6-month old
boy often lost in thoughts of a new home.
Think it could be yours? He sure hopes
so! With his perfect temperament and
handsome looks he has quickly found
a spot within our hearts—and is sure
to have the same effect on
anyone he meets!
STELLA is a 3-year old gal who is
full of grace and oh, so regal. She
seems like a very chill cat here at
the adoption center and will quietly
meow at you for attention.
The way to this girl's heart is
with Temptations treats!
CODY is a 5-year old boy with sweet
puppy dog eyes. This guy is a lovely
little fellow who would be the absolute
perfect companion. On top of his
sweet expression, he also has a
stellar personality - and is as
happy as they come!
SAWYER is an adorable
4-month old boy who’s a little shy
but a lot of sweet! He’d rather be
in a home right now and we’d
love to see someone come scoop
him up. We think he just needs
a little more love and he’ll be
the apple of your eye!
If you’re looking for a dog or cat but can’t find one you like, fill out a pet request at blueridgehumane.org/adopt/requests.
Once we get a dog or cat that matches your needs, we’ll give you a call to go over the next steps. If you or someone
you know is in need of assistance with their pet, call our Pet Helpline at 828-393-5832.
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 13

CRITTER NOTES
Phoenix Landing Online Classes
Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue will offer ‘No Place
Like Home’—a self-paced, online class, available Friday,
November 5 - Monday, November 22. When we bring a
parrot into our lives, from parakeets to macaws, we are
offering them a place to call home. What does home
mean? For a parrot it might mean a place to be safe, be
healthy, have a sense of family, and be provided positive
opportunities to live and thrive. This class will address
what each of these means to a bird, and give you some
ideas about how to continue providing the good life for
your bird. This class satisfies their adoption process class
requirement. In order for applicants to receive credit for
the class, all activities must be completed and turned
in. Online (Google Classroom). Registration is free,
but please show your support by paying what
you can afford—whether $5 or $25. Register at
tinyurl.com/8maxj687.
Pet Supply Drive for Asheville Humane Society
A ‘Pet Supply Drive’ will be held on Tuesday,
November 16 at Archetype Brewing West, 265 Haywood
Rd. in Asheville beginning at 5 pm. All items donated
directly benefit the Asheville Human Society.
Blue Ridge Audubon Bird Walks and More!
Blue Ridge Audubon host their free birding walks
on Saturday’s each month. Masks are encouraged for all
participants The following walks are scheduled:
- Swannanoa Valley bird walk, Saturday, November 20,
9 am. Meet at Owen Park, 875 Warren Wilson Rd. in the
parking lot between the lagoons (behind the National
Wiper Alliance building). Monthly on the third Saturday.
- Beaver Lake bird walk, Saturday, December 4 at
9 am. Join EMAS and friends for a bird walk at Beaver
Lake in Asheville. Meet at Bird Sanctuary, 1056 Merrimon
Ave. Monthly on the first Saturday.
- Jackson Park bird walk, Saturday, December 11 at
9 am. Join EMAS and friends for a bird walk at Jackson
Park in Hendersonville. Meet in the Admin Building
parking lot on Glover Street. Monthly on the second
Saturday.
Join Blue Ridge Audubon on Monday, November 15 at
7 pm for an evening of inspiration and advocacy planning.
Hear stories about their biggest wins for birds over the
past year and plot a path forward for even bigger victories
in 2022. Highlights include Audubon for the 2020s
with Andrew Hutson and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion,
and Belonging at Audubon: A Conversation with
Jamaal Nelson. Registration required for Zoom link:
act.audubon.org/a/2021-nc-chapter-day.
Email blueridgeaudubon@gmail.com for information or
visit blueridgeaudubon.org.
Three Nights of Drinks, Dogs, and
Fundraising for Asheville Humane Society
Inviting all dog owners and their pups to help support
our community of amazing animals. For three nights in
November, join area venues for FUN and fundraising to
benefit Asheville Humane Society. Fantastic raffle prizes
from Down Dog, Wagbar, Ruff Life Training and many
more—worth over $1000, a doggy photo booth, and the
chance to get a photo of your dog on DSSOLVR's "Your
Dog Here" beer label. The schedule is:
· Friday, Nov. 19, 5 - 8 PM at Down Dog Asheville,
51 Sweeten Creek Rd.
· Friday, Nov. 26, 2 - 6 PM at Wagbar,
320 Merrimon Ave.
· Sunday, Nov. 28, 2 - 6 PM at DSSOLVR Brewery,
63 N. Lexington Ave. in downtown Asheville.
Get the facts on chaining. Visit UnChainBuncombe.org or email UnChainBuncombe@gmail.com.
PAGE 14 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

Write a poem about kindness to people and animals. It can be a rhyming poem or free verse.
Reprinted with permission from Humane Society Youth, publishers of KIND News, 67 Norwich Essex Turnpike,
East Haddam, CT 06423-1736, © 2021.
Cappuccino Machines
Coffee & Tea Brewers • Gourmet Coffee
Gourmet Tea • Grinders
753 Haywood Rd. Asheville
(828) 254-7766
Be kind to
ALL animals.
chooseveg.com
People & Pets
Acupuncture
Dr. Andrea L. Fochios
MA, DVM, L.Ac
Veterinarian & Chinese Medical Practitioner
By Appointment Only
Visit us at our office in W. Asheville
16 Harris Ave. Asheville, NC
828-254-2773 • Email: ALFDVM@aol.com
officeofpeopleandpetsacupuncture.com
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 15

Email info@bwar.org for more
information about our pets!
Friendly senior CARLEY is looking for a soft place to
land. She is incredibly loving and affectionate with all
people, including children—and adores cuddling. She
knows her basic commands, is housetrained and likes
to hike & swim. Come meet this super sweet senior
gal - you won’t be disappointed by her beautiful
smile and wonderful personality. To meet Carley,
email dogs@bwar.org.
ZACHARY is a friendly teenager with a love of all life has
to offer! Whether it’s curling up on the couch in a kitty
cuddle pile, watching cars or birds zoom past the window,
or stalking that jingly ball that rolls across the floor—
Zachary is always up for a good time. He’s talkative,
snuggly, adventurous, playful—and sweet! Zachary loves
playing with his brother Bmoe and would prefer a home
with other cats. To meet him, email info@bwar.org.
31 Glendale Ave. Asheville · www.bwar.org · 828- 505-3440
MOUNTAIN PET RESCUE
The Thrift Hound Store
234 New Leicester HWY. Asheville
PAGE 16 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021
QUEEN & DIVA are 8-year old sisters who have lived together
their whole lives—and plan to stay together forever. They are ready
to find a retirement home where they can relax and play at their
leisure. They are currently being fostered in a home with other dogs
and some cats and are fine with most of them. They recently had
their teeth cleaned and were spayed, they are up-to-date on
vaccinations, microchipped and on monthly flea/heartworm
prevention. To meet these adorable gals,
email pets@mpravl.org.
MountainPetRescueAVL.org
Email: pets@mpravl.org

Saving Haywood County’s Adoptable Pets
PO Box 854 Waynesville, NC 28786 ph: 828-246-9050
E-mail: info@sargeandfriends.org www.sargeanimals.org
ASTRO is a happy, playful 3-year
old black Lab weighing in at 46 lbs.
He was surrendered due to no
fault of his own and is a sweet and
friendly boy with an abundance of
energy—typical of his breed. He’s
lived with dogs, cats, and kids
and seems to do well with all.
HUCKLEBERRY is an adorable
6-month old kitten who is just
what you'd expect at his age—
playful, funny, and full of kitten
shenanigans. Be prepared for a
ball of fur with lots of energy!
His cutest feature is the
perfect gray spot on his chin!
JOURNEY is a handsome,
friendly 1½-year old Shepherd mix
with lots of energy who is best
suited for an active family with a
fenced yard. His previous owner
said he’s crate-trained and good
with kids and cats, but can be
selective with dog friends.
SIMON was adopted from us about
1½-years ago, but had to be returned
when his family lost their home in the
recent flood. He’s a sweet, big boy—
a cuddly chonk of an orange Tabby
who is now 4½-years old. He was
very well cared for and has adapted
well to his change in lifestyle, and will
adapt to a new home quickly.
NOW OPEN! Please visit sargeanimals.org
for applications and info about our adoption protocol.
PHOENIX LANDING, HELPING PARROTS
EDUCATION, ADOPTION, WELFARE, REFUGE
www.PhoenixLanding.org
A 501(c)3 non-profit finding furever
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
MOOKIE is a 25-year old, male
African Grey whose owner died recently.
He’s a little nervous about stepping onto a
bare hand but steps up nicely onto a towel
covered hand. He likes an occasional
head scratch but is mostly a hands off
bird. However, he loves the company of
humans and likes to sing and dance. He’s
boarding at Exotic Bird Hospital until he can
find a foster, but he comes with a large play
stand where he used to spend most of his
time at home. He was recently diagnosed
with a heart murmur so he requires daily
medication, which he takes on a treat. Inquiry@phoenixlanding.org.
As always, we have a long wait list for large birds - macaws, cockatoos and
Amazons - and many in our system come back to us multiple times.
If you have experience caring for big birds and can help foster, even for a
month, please let us know. Start the process by completing an application
on our website or email inquiry@phoenixlanding.org.
Fostering is a great way to learn if a big bird is right for you.
We also highly recommend one of our behavior classes to
help set everyone up for success!
ARIEL is a gorgeous tripod in need of a home! She’s been with us a
while now and deserves her loving, forever home. She would be a
perfect cat for a single person who wants a kitty to love them FurEver.
Work from home? She’ll sit right there with you while you work.
Contact us to arrange a meet & greet!
Follow us on Facebook and let us know if you would like to
meet one of our kitties! Offering ‘contactless adoptions!’
(828) 348-7198 • PO Box 1479 Enka, NC 28728
Fureverfriends@bellsouth.net
On Facebook at ‘Furever Friends Animal Rescue - Asheville’
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 17

BONNIE
Animal Haven of Asheville
P.O. Box 9697 Asheville, NC 28815 • 828-299-1635 • animalhavenofasheville.org
CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND ‘LIKE’ US!
The Holidays Are Almost Here!
Check out our great selection of gifts for family & friends.
1500 square ft. of treasures! Shop the Animal Haven of
Asheville Thrift Shop for all your needs: furniture, clothing,
shoes, housewares, books, jewelry, electronics, tools,
pet supplies, collectibles, toys, and more.
LET YOUR OLD STUFF DO GOOD STUFF!
Downsizing? De-cluttering? Donate your gently used items.
Donations may be dropped off during store hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 11 am - 5 pm
65 Lower Grassy Branch Rd. (off Tunnel Rd.)
All donations are tax-deductible!
Please open your heart and home to
one of our loving Clumber Spaniels
Clumbers in Need have several dogs available
for adoption. Call us for more information or
to meet one of these very special canines.
CLUMBERS IN NEED
(828) 230-2499
www.clumbersinneed.com
clumbersinneed@yahoo.com
PAGE 18 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

HENDERSON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES
828 Stoney Mountain Rd. Hendersonville, NC
hendersoncountync.animalshelternet.com
(828) 697-4723
A FOSTER HOME
SAVED MY LIFE
TORTIE is a beautiful,
2-year old feline who
came in with no name or
other info—but Tortie will
do for now. She’s sweet
and will make a very
grateful companion.
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10 am-4:30 pm
DOMINO is a handsome
1-year old guy
who is looking for his
loving new home. He’s
adorable and would
make a great BFF!
Sat. 10 am-2 pm
There was nothing wrong with me.
I JUST RAN OUT OF TIME.
Foster homes give great dogs time to find homes.
If you have room in your heart and your home for a temporary
pet, please consider fostering. It costs you only time and love.
For a dog who runs out of time, it means the world.
CONTACT ANY OF THE SHELTERS OR RESCUE
ORGANIZATIONS IN CRITTER MAGAZINE.
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 19

New Adoption Programs at
BRHS for Veterans and Seniors
By Laura Rice
Blue Ridge Humane Society adds two new adoption
incentive programs for active and inactive service
members and senior citizens. November marks both
Veteran’s Day and National Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month,
making it the perfect opportunity to officially announce
Blue Ridge Humane’s Pets for Vets and Seniors for
Seniors adoption programs.
Both programs seek to reduce barriers to adoption and
help harder-to-place animals find homes with individuals
who may not have thought of adopting in the past. For
the Seniors for Seniors program, they hope to find loving
homes for senior pets who typically stay at their Adoption
Center longer than others. For Pets for Vets, they wish to
honor our military and their sacrifices for our country by
making it easier for them to bring a loving animal into their
homes. Studies show that owning a pet reduces stress,
lowers your blood pressure, and staves off loneliness.
They hope that not only will they find homes for some of
the animals in their care more quickly but that they will
also be able to more easily provide the love and joy of
owning a pet to members of our community who may not
have thought of rescuing.
“At Blue Ridge Humane Society, we understand the
bond between a human and their pet. The joy a pet
brings to individuals' lives is immeasurable,” says Angela
Prodrick, Executive Director. “These two discounts help us
to promote both. Both of these programs have been a
long-time dream of mine. I am thrilled to be able to offer
them to our community.”
To celebrate the new programs, Blue Ridge Humane
and the Blue Door Bottleshop and Beer Hall are partnering
for a Veteran’s Day event. On Thursday, November 11,
the Blue Door Bottleshop will donate $1 per draft between
2 pm-closing to Blue Ridge Humane Society to support
adoptions and programs at Blue Ridge Humane Society
like Pets for Vets and Seniors for Seniors. Additionally,
Blue Ridge Humane staff will be onsite 4-7pm with more
information about the new programs and nonprofit. Treats
will be provided for any canine guests. All are welcome to
attend and well-behaved dogs are always welcome at the
Blue Door.
Program eligibility is simple: just confirm your age or
show proof of military service to have your fee waved at
the time of your adoption. To learn more about adoptions
and see if the discount works for you, contact Brittany at
adopt@blueridgehumane.org.
To view animals available for adoption at Blue
Ridge Humane, visit blueridgehumane.org/adopt. All
adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate
vaccinations, microchip, free exam by a participating
veterinarian, de-worming, heartworm test (dogs over
6-months), heartworm preventative, feline leukemia and
FIV test (cats and kittens), one month of pet insurance
offered by PetFirst, a starter bag of food, and on call
training advice from their Behavior & Training Manager.
PAGE 20 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

ADOPT A SHELTER PET
2.7 million healthy or treatable shelter pets still need our help to find a home each year.
CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 21

I kill 5000 ticks a season,
as well as infectious mice
& venomous snakes ...
What’s your
super power?
MADISON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
389 Long Branch Road Marshall, NC • 828-649-3190 • www.petango.com/madisoncountync
HOURS: Tues. - Fri. 10 am-5 pm • Saturday 10 am-3 pm • Closed Sunday and Monday
ARE YOU READY TO BE A PART OF THE NEXT STEP?
NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!
We are working hard to FURTHER reduce euthanasia rates in Madison County.
To that effort, we're developing a foster team to help us continue our mission of reducing
the number of animals euthanized each year due to over-crowding. We need:
• Short-term foster homes for animals that are awaiting transfer to a rescue group
or animals too young to be adopted
• Longer term foster care for harder to adopt animals or pregnant animals, neonatal foster parents
for bottle feeding puppies and kittens, etc.
We will provide food, necessary vaccinations, de-worming treatments, facilitate fundraising for
emergency care, and anything else we can do to help support you while you're helping us.
Applications for fostering can be picked up or emailed. You will be able to choose what type of foster
will work best for you and your home. To pick up an application and for additional information,
please call 828-649-3190 or email SGUICE@MADISONCOUNTYNC.GOV.
ADOPT YOUR NEXT BEST FRIEND FROM THE SHELTER … PLEASE GIVE THEM A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE!
TO ADOPT, call 828-649-3190 / TO FOSTER, call 828-768-3050.
TO RESCUE, email sguice@madisoncountync.gov. Our shelter is very small, so time is critical.
PAGE 22 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021

CRITTER MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • PAGE 23

The Six Bear Wise Basics
Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes
like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will
defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available
food, liquids or garbage.
Bird seed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears.
Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed single
portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where
bears can’t see or smell it.
Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles
are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity?
Tell your neighbors and share information on how to
avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near
people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.
BEARWISE - A Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Program
Alabama · Arkansas · Florida · Georgia · Kentucky · Louisiana · Mississippi · Missouri
North Carolina · Oklahoma · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · Virginia · West Virginia
Helping People Live Responsibly
With Black Bears