Photos by: Asheville Humane Society
The devastation following Hurricane Helene is indescribable, with entire neighborhoods submerged under water. Residents have lost their homes, pets, and loved ones. Many, including those at the Asheville Humane Society (AHS) in North Carolina, were left without running water, electricity, cell service, internet, or gas for days. For some, these challenges continue.
Hurricane Helene, now the second deadliest U.S. hurricane in 55 years after Hurricane Katrina, has claimed at least 200 lives across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue in flood-isolated areas.
AHS, the only open-admission shelter in Buncombe County, had over 100 animals in its care when the hurricane hit. Within hours, the shelter’s water supply was cut off.
Led by Director of Operations Jen Walter, the AHS staff worked tirelessly to care for the animals. Despite the lack of water, they found ways to keep the animals fed, walked, and comforted. Staff members slept overnight in the conference room, maintaining routines as best they could, cleaning kennels with towels and blankets, using any available resources they had. However, without running water, providing adequate care became increasingly difficult.
In an extraordinary turn of events, the BISSELL Pet Foundation reached out and informed AHS they would send two planes full of supplies— for humans and animals—and evacuate the animals to safe locations with electricity, running water, and stable infrastructure.
“The news was met with tears. It was an emotional moment of relief amidst the chaos,” said Jessica Moore, Senior Manager of Business Partnerships for AHS.
On Monday morning, the BISSELL Pet Foundation arrived with over 1,000 pounds of supplies for the animals and staff. After unloading, they evacuated 40 dogs, 57 cats, and all of the “pocket” animals to Forsyth Humane Society, Charlotte Humane Society, and SPCA Wake County. Volunteers from across Asheville rallied to help, using their own vehicles to transport the animals to the airport, as AHS staff were running low on gas.
“This is our bright spot. This is our happiness” said Walter. “We love our animals enough to let them go, because their happiness is our purpose.”
Throughout the week, staff and volunteers continued to show extraordinary commitment, dedicating hours of their time despite personal hardships. Many had lost everything, yet still showed up asking, “How else can I help? What more can I do?”
Despite the massive destruction, the hurricane united the community in powerful ways. Many people who had never volunteered or adopted from AHS before stepped up, dedicating ten or more hours to assist the animals.
Stories of communities coming together continue to offer much-needed hope. Local restaurants are providing free food, breweries are storing supplies for distribution, and Walmart delivered four pallets of bottled water to AHS just before they ran out. Pet stores like Patton Ave Pet Co. have opened their doors, and businesses are sharing WiFi to help families reconnect. These inspirational acts continue to emerge.
