Greetings from Hendersonville, North Carolina

Contributed by UAN's Director of Emergency Services Matt Herlocker

UAN's Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) is helping the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) with a shelter they took over because it was not in compliance with the state’s Animal Welfare Act.

When our EARS team arrived, we found 154 dogs and 26 cats needing food, water, a clean enclosure and love. What’s really neat is that we are getting to work with local shelters and our national partners in the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition, such as the American Humane Association and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

We have been working really hard with the animals and cleaning up the shelter. We are preparing the animals for transportation to other shelters and rescue organizations, as well as to be adopted by local residents. All of the animals have received veterinary check-ups from faculty and students from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and all but one passed! Teams are now are assessing the animals to ensure good matches between the dogs and cats and the adopters or receiving shelters.

Some of these critters are so cute. For example, take a look at my new friend Prowler here. Many of these animals are so starved for affection and just want to play and cuddle! There were more than 600 animals on this property when the state began to intervene. And, while the former shelter managers were able to find homes for many of the animals, they never had sufficient staff to provide the animals with more than life-sustaining care. All of us want nothing more than to help these animals find good families that will help them adjust to the pleasures of living with people.

Stay tuned for more stories from Hendersonville. EARS North Central Regional Director Diann Wellman and EARS Ohio State Coordinator Bonnie Morrison are here and I know they have stories they would like to share with you about the special animals in our care. The state officials and our local friends are taking great care of us and our national partners. We are very lucky to work with such dedicated people. They really appreciate everything that United Animal Nations does for the animals!