First Place - Arthur Pearsall "Photo of Arthur's son's dog, Zema"

Second Place - Dave Baker - "Rounding 3rd base and headed for home!" - his black lab puppy, Emily

Thanks to all who entered the contest, Michele said it was difficult to judge because there were so many great photos.

“Of course we are disappointed,” said Terri Thompson, executive director for Blue Ridge Humane Society, “but we certainly understand. Diana’s career is tied to the news, and many times there isn’t an opportunity for a photojournalist to plan too far in advance.” Thompson went on to say, “We hope to encourage Diana to come to Hendersonville at a later date so that she can share her experiences of twenty years as a White House photographer.”

Michele Stephenson, TIME Magazine’s former director of photography, will still be attending and will be the sole judge for the “Give Us Your Best Shot” pet photo contest. Stephenson said, “I am excited to come to Hendersonville for Wags to Riches and to see the photos that have been sent in for the contest. I understand there are over 70 entries which shows what a pet friendly area WNC must be.”

In addition to Michele Stephenson, Blue Ridge Humane Society is pleased to announce that Diana Walker’s good friend, author Elise Lufkin, is going to participate in the events leading up to Wags to Riches. Lufkin recently published her third book, To The Rescue, Found Dogs With A Mission, with photographs by Diana Walker. The two have collaborated on two other books, Found Dogs: Tales of Strays Who Landed on Their Feet and Second Chances: More Tales of Found Dogs. Both books are collections of stories about rescued dogs and the many ways in which those dogs reward the kind and generous people who have helped them. To The Rescue continues and extends the subject with stories about unwanted animals – pound dogs, shelter dogs and random strays –that find good homes with people who help them to become therapy dogs and service dogs.

The public is invited to attend a presentation, “The Joys of Adopting Dogs From A Shelter or Rescue” by Elise Lufkin and Michele Stephenson on Saturday, October 22nd at 11:30AM at the Flat Rock Cinema. Lufkin and Stephenson will present photos and stories from Lufkin’s three books about the bond between once-abandoned dogs and their adoptive humans. From childhood on, Lufkin’s life has been filled with animals – dogs, cats, horses, even snakes. While working with shelter dogs to make them more adoptable, Elise saw the tragedy of pet overpopulation and how many dogs with real potential languish in shelters. Partly in reaction to this bleak side of the work, she began to focus on the happy endings and the success stories which will be highlighted in her presentation. Lufkin’s latest book will be available for purchase and can be personally autographed after the presentation.

Tickets for the presentation at the Flat Rock Cinema will be available at the door and are $8.00 per person. The Flat Rock Cinema offers table seating and a selection of lunch items (see the menu posted on their website) to enjoy during the presentation. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and concession sales during the presentation will be donated back to Blue Ridge Humane Society.

For more information on Wags to Riches or Elise Lufkin’s presentation call the Blue Ridge Humane Society office at 692-2639.

Titan’s Tales and Other Dog Adoption Love Stories pays tribute to shelter dogs, their caregivers and their new families.  Hilton Head Island, SC resident, Julie Chalpan (along with her husband, Keith), adopted Titan, now 15, a Jack Russell/beagle mix, thirteen years ago from a shelter near Atlanta, Ga.

Chalpan talked with people from all over the country who have adopted shelter dogs, including Henderson County Animal Shelter volunteer and Mills River resident, Kathy Ziprik.  Ziprik’s three dogs, Abby, Emma and Lacey are featured in the book.  Lacey, a basenji mix, was adopted by Ziprik from HCAS a couple of years ago.  In total, these 39 heartwarming stories, including Titan’s and Lacey’s, make up Titan’s Tales.

“This is a real labor of love for me,” says Chalpan.  “As Titan gets older, it became more and more important for me to write down his stories, and I thought it would be great to share others’ stories of how they were rescued by their dogs and the whole adoption experience.”

It quickly became a family project, as her husband, Keith, designed the book, her mother, a retired school teacher, helped with the editing process, and most importantly their dog, Titan, is the lead chapter.

Chalpan has been volunteering with local shelters and dog-related groups in Beaufort County, SC for more than a year now.  Before that, she was a supporter of the Gwinnett Humane Society from where they adopted Titan.  Titan was rescued by this no-kill shelter on his “kill day” from an animal control facility in north Atlanta.  The Chalpans are still in touch with the volunteer who rescued him that day, and in fact she wrote the foreword for the book.

“We are so grateful for Titan’s rescuer and thankful for all of the people who work tirelessly to save these wonderful dogs,” said Chalpan.  “The unconditional love and pure joy a dog can bring to you and your family is not to be missed, and I am blessed to have Titan in my life.”

When Chalpan isn’t writing books about dogs or playing with them, she runs her national public relations firm, Focus Unlimited PR.

For more information on Titan’s Tales and Other Dog Adoption Love Stories, please visit www.titanstales.com.   A portion of each book sold goes to help local shelter groups.

You would think with all she’s been through that she would be afraid of people. But, just the opposite, she is very friendly… wanting nothing more than to receive attention and be loved.

Please consider donating to Gertie and all the other animals that come to us needing so much care. Your donation will be used for medical supplies, vaccinations, food, or even veterinary care. Simply click the Paypal button on the left to donate securely using a credit card or your Paypal account. For Gertie and others like her, we thank you.

Egolf of Hendersonville at 401 Duncan Hill Road is hosting the ‘got love?’ Pet Adoption Day event. This event will showcase a few of the many dogs and cats at each shelter needing a loving home.  The ‘got love?’ Pet Adoption Day will be your chance to find a new four-legged member of the family that won’t ask to borrow the car, doesn’t talk back, and can be taught to mind!

During this event, bring your pet and have it microchipped for the special rate of $20.00 by a licensed vet.  A microchip is a permanent way to identify your pet should it get lost or stolen.  Your pet must be on a leash or in a crate.  Information on low-cost spay neuter services will be available, and the County has free spay neuter services for those who qualify.

Blue Ridge Humane Society will have information on their Foster Program for individuals interested in providing temporary homes for injured animals, those recovering from surgery, or those too young to integrate in to a shelter setting.  Staff from both shelters will counsel potential adopters on finding the right animal for you or your family’s lifestyle.

Bring a picnic lunch with lawn chairs or a blanket for some old-fashioned fun! No admission fee.

~ Special raffle items, winners announced at 12:30pm
~ Games for the kids
~ Fun for your dog (leash required/current on vaccinations)
~ Dog agility demonstration
~ Henderson County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit Demonstration
~ Fire Truck from Edneyville Fire Department
~ Dunking booth
~ Bounce House…..and much, much more!

Grade school children’s contest, “The Funniest Thing I Ever Saw An Animal Do” winners will be announced at the picnic.

For more information, please give us a call at 685-7107.

It’s a fact that kittens are in much greater demand than adult cats. While there are many benefits to adopting an adult cat, the fact remains that there are more adoptable cats than available loving homes. To help ensure that every adoptable cat finds a loving home, BRHS will waive the adoption fee for cats ages four months and older, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June. Through this promotion, BRHS hopes to “drive” more traffic to its Animal Adoption and Rescue Center (AARC). After all, BRHS certified pre-owned cats are better than new!

The limited time, no-cost cat adoption promotion was launched to correspond with the difficult summer months when animal welfare organizations are overwhelmed with the sheer number of homeless cats and kittens brought to their doors.

“The Certified Pre-Owned Cats’ program was designed to utilize humor in bringing awareness to an otherwise serious issue by capitalizing on the famous used car concept of ‘better than new,” said Terri Thompson, BRHS executive director. Thompson went on to say, “This creative campaign was actually designed by Michigan’s Humane Society (MHS). I heard about it and called their Director of Marketing and Communications, Michael Robbins, to ask permission to use their concept here. I appreciate their willingness to share their successful campaign which helped MHS find homes for record numbers of adult cats.”

Nicole Carper, director of operations at BRHS’s shelter said, “You find this concept of ‘better than new’ really is true when you look at all that BRHS invests in each animal, from veterinary care and treatment inclusive of vaccinations and sterilization surgery, to in-shelter training, and our adopter support program.”

BRHS Certified Pre-Owned Cats Program

Features and Specs:
• Standard 4-paw drive
• 100,000 purr warranty
• No-charge microchipping

Multi-Point Inspection:
• Spay/neuter surgery
• Age-appropriate vaccinations
• Medical check-up and behavior evaluation

Again, the waived adoption fee on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in June is for cats four months and older. As with every adoption, BRHS will conduct interviews with potential adopters to ensure each feline companion is placed in a loving, responsible home. The adoption fee for kittens under four months of age is $75. Kitten adoptions also include the complete BRHS adoption package.

BRHS encourages members of the community who are interested in adding a feline family member to visit its Animal Adoption and Rescue Center (AARC) Tuesday through Friday, from 10AM to 6PM; Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 5PM; closed Mondays.

The Celebration Week will kick off on Monday, June 13th with “Free Puppy Kisses” at the Thrift Store. Shelter staff will bring adoptable puppies to the store and customers are invited to get a free kiss! Throughout the day, look for special “kissed” discounts on items in the store. Registration to win a Father’s Day Package begins on Monday, with the winner announced on Saturday, June 18th. The package will include a round of golf for two at Cummings Cove Golf Course and a gift certificate to dine at the Tractor Shed.

Tuesday, June 14th don’t miss the in-store demonstration by Jan de la Rosa. Jan and her husband, Dave, own the retail store Honeysuckle Hollow. The store’s website describes Jan as someone who, “loves to embellish, using vintage objects and materials to create magical, one-of-a-kind works of art: collages, jewelry, scarves, nostalgic shadow boxes, charming hats, apparel and accessories.” Jan will display her creations and answer questions on Tuesday from 11a.m. through 2 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the BRHS Thrift Store on Wednesday, June 15th. The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce will conduct the ribbon cutting at 12:30p.m. Refreshments will be served. Wednesday is also the day that Lake Lure artist, Pauline Mullikin, will be in the store from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., with her handmade mixed-metal pet tags. Her business, “Every Pet Deserves A Little Bling” is featured on Etsy, the commerce website for handmade items. Mullikin will donate a portion of the sales for all pet tags sold that day.

Thursday, June 16th Blue Ridge Humane Society’s Thrift Store will host book signings for two different authors from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Franklin native, Jeanne Webster, wrote a book entitled, “Strays”, about a woman and her dog, Max. This book is endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States as a revealing journey about the importance of animals and our environment. Hendersonville resident, eleven year-old, Kinley Freeman, has written a book called “An Amazing Gift”. Her book is the story of a girl and her horse that receives magical powers. Both Webster and Freeman will be selling and signing their books.

The Animal Adoption and Rescue Center (AARC), Blue Ridge Humane Society’s animal shelter, created a free Pet Food Pantry to help those in our community who are having difficulty affording food for their pets. On Friday, June 17th, participate in the Pets In Need Food Drive at the Thrift Store. Bring a bag of unopened pet food to the store and receive a coupon for 15% off one thrift store item. Many area residents have taken advantage of BRHS’s free pet food pantry, so this food drive will allow the shelter staff to replenish the shelves.

The Grand Opening Celebration Week will wrap up with the Very Vogue Vintage Sale on Saturday, June 18th. Thrift Store volunteer, Christine Schuurman, is organizing the sale which will feature a large selection of vintage jewelry. She has also pulled donated vintage linens, clothing and accessories for the sale. The sale will begin when the store opens at 9:30 a.m. and continue until all items are sold.

The drawing for the winner of the Father’s Day Package will be held Saturday at 11 a.m., participants need not attend. The winner will be called to pick up the basket in time for Father’s Day.

For information on the Thrift Store or any of these events, call the Thrift Store at 828-692-3503 and ask for Karen or Inga.