Adoption Event Saturday, April 30
On March 24, four Asheville Humane Society employees assisted Asheville Animal Services in liberating 55 frightened, under-socialized, urine-burned, and feces-matted Shih Tzu/Poodle mixes from a home in North Asheville. After being granted custody last week, Asheville Humane Society has announced an “Oodles of Shih-Poodles” adoption event on April 30 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and the first 37 dogs will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Adoption fees for the Shih-Poos will be $100 on Saturday. In celebration of “National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day,” all other animals in Asheville Humane Society’s Adoption Center will have their adoption fees waived for the day.
The Shih-Poos have already been through medical and behavior assessments in preparation for their adoption, and they have come a long way from were they were a month ago. Angie Wilt, Director of Operations at Asheville Humane Society, was part of the rescue crew. “We loaded our van with crates and other supplies and met two Asheville Animal Services officers at the North Asheville home,” she said. “Once the warrants were served and AAS was permitted entry, we soon realized that there were far more dogs than expected, with 55 dogs dispersed in groups all over the house. The smell of ammonia from years of urine and feces buildup soaking and encrusting the walls and floors was overwhelming.”
When Sharon Wood, Asheville Humane Society’s volunteer groomer, first saw the dogs, she was shocked at the condition they were in. “These dogs were among the most neglected dogs I’ve seen in over 16 years of professional grooming,” said Sharon. “The filth, the smell, the overgrown nails, and the severely matted fur all over their bodies suggested that these dogs hadn’t been brushed, bathed, or given a haircut. But once they were cleaned and groomed, they felt much better and quickly began to flourish. They now seem happy, playful, energetic, and eager to interact with people.”
Above and beyond normal expenditures such as vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries, an additional $12,000 – $15,000 will be spent on medical care such as dental procedures, bladder stone surgeries, medications, wound care and bloodwork. AHS is asking for donations to help with medical treatments and is very grateful for those who have donated, volunteered, and offered assistance already! If you would like to donate, please visit the “Shih-Poos Need You!” Paw it Forward page: https://pawitforward.everydayhero.com/us/shih-poos-need-you. Read the whole story here or visit ashevillehumane.org.
What: Oodles of Shih-Poodles Adoption Event
When: Saturday, April 30 from 10 am to 6 pm
Who: Asheville Humane Society
Where: AHS Adoption Center at 14 Forever Friend Lane
Why: To meet and adopt a Shih-Poo!