The moment you’ve all been waiting for…we are now OPEN FOR WALK-INS! š„³ We are thrilled to re-open our doors to the public for walk-in dog and cat adoptions Monday-Friday. As always, you can still view our adoptable animals online through our website, www.foothillshumanesociety.org. š» While our staff adjusts to this change, we are still requesting appointments on Saturdays. We are eager to help you find your next furry friend! š¶ā¤ļøš±
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Terrie!
Meet Terrie Eilbeckā¦
Terrie has a heart of gold! She goes beyond the āextra mileā for our precious felines at FHS. Terrie is not only a weekly volunteer who comes in every Thursday to wash pet bowls, linens, litter boxes, scoops, toys; followed by drying, folding, and putting away, but she is also a dedicated and devoted FOSTER MOM. Terrie answers the call to foster kittens from neonates to adolescent, often at a momentās notice. She spends sleepless hours supplying the needs of these babies and she is willing to sacrifice a good nightās sleep for the well-being of each cat. Every kitten who has been cared for by Terrie reaps the benefits of being socialized with humans and other cats, which in turn makes them more loving and adoptable cats.
We thank you, Terrie, for your years of service and for making many, many cats happier and healthier. You have been a beacon of light and your dependable dedication gives the staff a reason to exhale. You know better than many, there are no guarantees when it comes to shelter life and the sweet critters who inhabit it, and we are grateful beyond words to you for your flexibility, loyalty, and compassion.
Congratulations Terrie! Hats off to YOU and your faithful support!!
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Jeanne!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTMeet Jeanne Peters! Jeanne Peters embodies the selfless compassion that makes someone the perfect FOSTER MOM! Her sense of service and complete dedication to kittens and puppies is revered by the Foothills staff and the ultimate adopters of the animals she has lovingly cared for. Jeanne does not hesitate when foster pleas go out, be it tiny newborns who have lost their mama and require a bottle every two hours, to stray pups who need a human and playful touch to lessen their fears and increase their confidence. The word āNOā is rarely in Jeanneās world and only then due to a conflict in her schedule. She has given her time, love, patience, and total energy to helping those who cannot help themselves, and we are so grateful for her and so blessed to have her as a FHS FOSTER MOM.
Please join us as we celebrate Jeanneās accomplishments and salute her never-ending drive to help the precious animals. Thank you, Jeanne.
URGENT: We Need Puppy Fosters!
Hot Diggity-Dawg!Ā We have some AWESOME Pups at Foothills Humane Society right now!
But hereās our dilemma…we are literally running out of space!! Some of our amazing pups could definitely use a vacation from shelter life. A temporary loving home life combined with advanced social skills will not only help with our space, but will also make the dogs more adoptable and find them homes quicker!
We provide all necessary supplies for fostering! All you need is a loving home and transportation. You can foster for as short or as long as you’d like! Apply to be a foster parent here.
Foothills Humane Society Celebrates the Completion of New Digs for Dogs Building with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Columbus, NC ā Foothills Humane Society (FHS) had its ribbon-cutting ceremony for the New Digs for Dogs building on Thursday, May 6th. The new 4,000 square foot building has 28 kennels split into 3 different sections. There is even a puppy section complete with its own HVAC system allowing for segregation of mothers and puppies from other adult dogs. Each kennel has epoxy walls and floors for easy sanitation, which ultimately reduces the risk of disease in the shelter dogs. Large windows provide natural lighting that reduces stress and allows for great views of the outdoors. There is access to covered outdoor runs for the dogs that allows them to spend time playing outside in all weather conditions. The building also has a veterinary exam room, laundry room, food storage room, and dog shower. New Digs for Dogs was partially funded by a matching grant by the Polk County Community Foundation.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by numerous supporters and benefactors of FHS as well as Polk Countyās Commissioners and Animal Control. It was followed by a reception cohosted by the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Food was provided by Katie D’s NY Deli, wine tasting was provided by Mountain Brook Vineyards, and flowers were provided by The Garden Patch. Pictured in the ribbon cutting is FHS Executive Director Bill Coleman, board members Beth Laughridge, Richard & Susan Wallahora, Diane Balding, Kathy Toomey, Sami Bolton, Barbara Claussen, Eric Straus, benefactor Stuart Evans, and Polk County Commissioners Tommy Melton, Paul Beiler, David Moore, and Andre Overholt.
Foothills Humane Society (FHS) is a private non-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization located on 11 acres nestle in the bucolic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Polk County, North Carolina. Our Mission is to shelter and care for stray and surrendered companion animals within our community; prevent cruelty to animals; reunite lost animals with their owners, adopt animals to qualified homes or place them with reputable rescue organizations; and educate the public about responsible animal ownership and population control. For more information, please call (828) 863-4444 or visit https://www.foothillshumanesociety.org/
Tryon Hounds & Foothills Humane Society Announce Partnership to Rehome Retired Foxhounds
Tryon NC – Tryon Hounds and Foothills Humane Society have formed a unique partnership to work together on the important mission of rehoming retired foxhounds.
Homeward Hounds, the Tryon Hounds’ rehoming program, has been established to prepare hounds for a stress-free transition from life in the pack to life as a pet in a wonderful forever home.
āTryon Hounds is dedicated to the health and welfare of every houndā, said Beth Blackwell, Tryon Houndsā Huntsman. āIt is a great honor and responsibility to care for each houndĀ for their entire lifetime. This responsibility includes finding loving homes for the houndsĀ that are no longer active in the packā, added Blackwell.
The Homeward Hounds program starts with Tryon Hounds Huntsman, Board members and volunteers working with each individual hound to prepare them for the transition from hunting to companion animal. The proper training and continued socialization will ensure a successful transition into the home.
āWe are delighted to work with the Tryon Houndsā Homeward Hounds projectā, said Bill Coleman, Executive Director for Foothills Humane Society. Ā āWe share the same core values and recognize that the management of the adoption process is paramount to the success of the adoptionā, added Coleman.
There are many hounds that have hunted in organized packs that have transitioned to wonderful, loving pets. Tryon Hounds and Foothills Humane Society together are dedicated to making this the norm rather than the exception.
About the Tryon Hounds:Ā Foxhunting is the cornerstone of the Tryon areaās rich equestrian heritage and it all started 95 years ago with the Tryon Hounds. Established in 1926 and recognized by the Master of Foxhounds Association in 1936, the Tryon Hounds is one of the oldest and most prestigious hunts in the southeast. For more information about Tryon Hounds, please visit www.tryonhounds.com. For more information about Homeward Hounds, please visit www.homewardhounds.org.
About Foothills Humane Society: Founded in 1957, our mission is to shelter and care for stray and surrendered companion animals within our community; prevent cruelty to animals; reunite lost animals with their owners, adopt animals to qualified homes or place them with reputable rescue organizations; and educate the public about responsible animal ownership and population control.