OLD DOGS LOVE NEW TRICKS
When pets come into our lives, it’s not long before they make their way into our hearts as well. And soon, they become a part of us in a way that makes us wonder what we would do without them. All too quickly, gray hairs appear sprinkled across muzzles and extra naps in the sun […]
DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF THE BLACK CAT
“A philosopher is a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that isn’t there. A theologian is the man who finds it.” – H.L. Mencken For centuries, and across many cultures, black cats have represented the elusive unknown, gatekeepers of a knowledge just beyond our comprehension. With their mysterious reputations and […]
THE DAY THE RAIN CAME
PART 1: ASHEVILLE & APPALACHIA On Tuesday, September 24th, rain began to fall across the Blue Ridge Mountains. A slow moving front had settled over the area, fed by tropical moisture from a storm that was working its way inland from the Gulf of Mexico. That day, the storm was 500 miles and 30 hours […]
THE PLIGHT OF THE POTCAKE
When we think of white sand beaches, crystal blue water and cotton candy sunsets, a picture of paradise appears in our minds. Just envisioning ourselves in places like this has gotten us through countless Zoom meetings and the last minutes of grueling workouts. But island life isn’t always the carefree, easy life we often imagine. […]
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, THERE’S FIRE
It’s becoming difficult to deny that summer temperatures are increasing year after year, especially given the current heat waves that have settled across the U.S. in the past weeks. While the heat itself is dangerous, extremely dry conditions create droughts and produce high winds, escalating the risk of wildfires. Recent studies show fire season is […]
SCOUTS HONOR
As spring gives way to summer, schools let out for three sun filled months, and vacation plans are made, state and national parks prepare for their busy season, as many of them will be destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, traveling families and weekend visitors. Parks are particularly popular with those who want to enjoy the great […]
THE LONG ROAD TO RESCUE
Earlier this week, we celebrated National Dog Rescue Day. Not only is animal rescue the focus of our organization, but it’s also special to each member of our team because we all share our hearts and homes with a pet who came to us through rescue. They are daily reminders of how important our work […]
THERE WAS A FARMER HAD A DOG
When we think of pets living their happiest life, we often imagine dogs running through a field and cats chasing butterflies in tall grass. So, perhaps when rural animal shelters come to mind, we envision wide-open spaces, abundant nature, and a kind of quiet way of life for homeless pets conducive to healing and eventually […]
THE OLIVE BRANCH THAT BUILT A BRIDGE
PART I: I was in the kitchen of my childhood home, watching my sisters bustling around each other and thinking the hecticness of the holidays should be over by now, when my phone rang. We had a cross-country rescue that took us coast to coast just before Christmas and while that kept me busy well […]
WAR RARELY ENDS, THE BATTLEFIELD JUST CHANGES
The Yuletide season and approach of the New Year is a joyful time filled with family and friends for many of us, and it’s also a time of reflection as well. While I am one of the fortunate who spend the holidays back home, in the house I grew up surrounded by loved ones, my […]
