On Sunday, December 8 from 11 AM to 12 PM, there will be a Pet Honoring Memorial Service at Bright Star Studio, 1712 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville. This is a simple service to remember, bless and honor each pet, their family and our special relationship with them. It is free to add your pet to be honored, and pictures of pets can be added to the ceremony table. Open to the public, the Pet Honoring Memorial Service can be attended in person at Bright Star Studio. You can attend remotely by phone by calling: 1-857-232-0159, ext. 329054.

The Pet Honoring Memorial Service is held at Bright Star Studio the second Sunday of each month. For more information, visit: https://brightstarstudio.net/pet-memorial-service/

Image: Pixabay.com

On Sunday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 15 from 6 to 8 PM, your pet can be photographed with Santa at Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Road in Asheville.

Bring your furry friend to meet Santa and capture the moment with a FREE photo package, courtesy of Asheville Outlets. Santa will be waiting inside the Food Court at his holiday home and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will be on-hand to share information on how you can volunteer, foster, or adopt a pet this holiday season.

This event is free to attend. All pets must be on a leash or carrier.

Image: Asheville Outlets

On Saturday, November 16 from 10 AM to 3:30, Watauga Humane Society will be holding a holiday market/craft show to benefit SNIPS low-cost spay/neuter programs for pets in Watauga and Ashe Counties. The event will be held at the Main Gym and Commons lunchroom area in Watauga High School, 300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone, NC 28607

Harvest- and holiday-themed original crafts will be featured at this sale, with everything from Thanksgiving and Christmas ornaments, decorations and home accents, coaster and trivet sets, to birdseed wreaths, wooden wine bottle holders, pottery bowls and cups, bowl cozies, catnip toys and kick sticks, doggy bandanas and squeaky toys, credit card wallets, quilted travel bags, and a huge array of hand-made jewelry. Prices range from $.50 - $25, with most items under $5. Don’t miss this huge sale!

Wine & Whiskers 2019, presented by David Greiner and James Gray, will be held on Saturday, November 9 from 3 to 5 PM at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 15 Hemlock Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC.

The event will feature food, wine, a silent art auction, and socializing with animal lovers across Mitchell County and beyond. The event benefits Mitchell County Animal Rescue.

This week (November 3 - 10) is National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week. As a dog lover in the Carolina mountains, you are probably already familiar with your local animal shelter or rescue organization. This is the week to show the folks who work there and the animals they serve some love!

Here are ten ways to show your appreciation for your local animal shelter, provided by Rebecca Simmons of the Humane Society of the United States and appearing on Petfinder.com:

1. Adopt a Best Friend. Animals make great companions, but having a pet is a big responsibility and it involves a lifelong commitment. Find out if you have what it takes to provide a safe and loving home and learn more about adopting from your local animal shelter. When you’re ready to adopt go to https://www.petfinder.com to find pets in your area.
2. Take a Tour. Never been inside an animal shelter? Take an hour or two out of your day to stop by your local shelter during public hours and see firsthand how things work. If you’d like to become more involved, find out how you can become a volunteer.
3. Keep on Giving. Many animal shelters struggle financially so every penny helps. Donating to your local shelter is as simple as writing a check and dropping it in the mail or picking up an item on the shelter’s wish list during your next shopping trip.
4. Connect with Kids. Help children learn about the importance of being kind to animals. Find out how easy it is to educate—whether it’s an entire classroom or a single child.
5. Be Committed. Providing quality food, water and shelter is important, but it’s not the only thing involved in being a responsible and caring pet guardian. It’s also essential that your pet has current identification tags and is properly confined or supervised while outdoors. Keep your pet healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations by visiting the veterinarian regularly and give your pet lots of love and attention.
6. Expect the Unexpected. Local shelters are most often on the front lines during natural disasters such as hurricanes. Would you know what to do in the event of a flood, tornado or fire? Learn how to help animals in your community, including your own pet, whether it’s a disaster, an emergency or an accident.
7. Stay Alert. Your local animal shelter and animal control agency not only take in homeless animals, but also rescue injured, abused or neglected critters. Assist them by helping injured animals in your neighborhood, and letting them know if you suspect animal cruelty in your community.
8. Spread the Word. Does the community that your local shelter serves understand and appreciate the shelter’s dedication to animals? Tell your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors about the importance of supporting animal shelters and their staff.
9. Do Your Part. Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the number of homeless pets in your community. Your local animal shelter can help you learn more about why spaying/neutering is important and how you can find affordable options.
10. Two Simple Words. The words “thank you” are powerful. But since animals can’t speak, it’s up to community members to let shelter workers know just how much their commitment to animals is appreciated. Send a letter, card or e-mail to your local shelter and let them know you care.

Image: Pixabay.com

The fresh chill of fall is here and with it comes the warm fuzzy feelings of Give!Local.

Join Mountain Xpress and the Give!Local partner nonprofits for the big kickoff celebration at the Salvage Station on Thursday Oct. 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM for an evening of fun and fundraising!

The celebration marks Give!Local's fifth exciting year. You will be able to get to know 45 nonprofit partners and better understand the work they do in the community. Asheville Humane Society and Blue Ridge Humane Society are participating organizations. There will also be a silent auction filled with fabulous things and performances by Heather Taylor and Asheville Choral Society.

The event is free to attend. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Salvage Station.

For questions, please contact Mountain Xpress at 828-251-1333 or email givelocal@mountainx.com

On Tuesday, October 15 from 6 to 8 PM, a special "Pawty with a Purpose" will be held at Daphne at Twisted Laurel, 130 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Join KellerWilliams Biltmore Village and Daphne at Twisted Laurel in a benefit for Asheville Humane Society. There will be food/drink pairings, silent auctions, raffles, and networking.

Click here for more information, including "tasting" choices, and to buy tickets.

It’s fore the animals, so get out there and play!

Saturday, October 19, 2019, 10 AM - 2 PM

Dust off your miniature golf skills for the ultimate challenge and conquest of bragging rights as the Hendersonville Putt-Putt Champion! Enjoy the fun miniature golf course at the Champions Golf Center while supporting the Blue Ridge Humane Society. All proceeds from the tournament will help fund our annual medical expense budget for animals waiting adoption. After you play enjoy your included lunch, visits with some of our animals, and other games and activities!

Registration:

• Categories: Youth, Family, Open/Business. Individual and Team Registration Available.
• Individual Fee: $55 adults, $35 youth
• Team Fees: $220 foursome, $140 youth foursome, $180 family foursome of adult/child combo. Includes meal, raffle ticket, and awards!

Event Schedule:

9 am Tee Time:

• 12 and Under: 1 Round
• 13+: 2 Rounds
• Family: 2 rounds
• Open/business: 2 rounds
• Awards following

Ongoing games and activities all day including closet to the pin, hole in one, cornhole, and more!

Additional information and registration: https://www.blueridgehumane.org/calendar/hendersonville-putt-putt-open-2/

Bark in the Park! will be held on Sunday, October 6 from 1 to 5 PM at Mark Watson Park in Sylva, NC. There'll be lots of fun and activities, including:

• Sheep herding
• Disc dogs
• Agility and barn hunt demos
• AKC "Trick Dog" Testing
• K9 Officer
• Therapy Dogs
• Pet Photographer
• Local Rescue Organizations
• Costume Contest
• Games
• Vendors
• Raffles
• And more!

There will also be a pet food drive, so please bring along kibble and canned food.

Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine, but dogs need to be leashed and current on vaccinations.

Okay, so as a responsible dog owner, you know you need to walk your dog every day anyway... but please make a special effort to do it this week.

Why? Because this is "National Walk Your Dog Week" (October 1 - 7), celebrated the first week of October since 2010. Here's some information about why it was founded from the week's Facebook page:

Image: Pixabay.com

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.foothillshumanesociety.org/event/par-tee-for-pets-golf-tournament/

It's the 11th Annual Furry Friends Benefit Bash for the benefits of Haywood County animals!

Join Sarge's Animal Rescue for an evening of fabulous food, fun, music and both live and silent auctions! Bring your friends, have a great time and help save Haywood County Animals! The event will take place at the Laurel Ridge Country Club, 49 Cupp Lane, Waynesville, NC 28786 from 6 to 10 pm on Thursday, October 3, 2019. Tickets are $80 each for a full dinner. Cash bar is available.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https://www.sargeanimals.org/event/11thffbb/

Join the paw-ty on Sunday, September 29 from 3 to 7 PM!

Asheville Humane Society is celebrating 35 years of saving lives, and the organization wants to thank YOU for making their work possible! Bring the whole family (pets included!) for a fun-filled day at The Meadow at Highland Brewing! This FREE community celebration will take place in the Meadow next to Highland's taproom and will include:

• Live performances by Ben Phan and the Jim Arrendell Dance Band

• Local food trucks & The Hop Ice Cream

• Contests and games for you and your pet

• Kid-friendly activities

And, of course, craft beer will be available for purchase from Highland Brewing!

The Meadow at Highland Brewing is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC 28803.

Come to the paw-ty of the year on September 29! 

Join BMW of Asheville at Bold Rock Mills River on Saturday, September 21st from 2 PM to 10 PM for Rockin' for Rescue, a charity benefit for Asheville Humane Society and starring Grand Theft Audio, The Analog Playback, The Remainders, & 2 Broke Kings!

This dog- and kid-friendly event is free and open to the public (donations to AHS are welcome)! There will be plenty of food and drink options to enjoy throughout the day, raffle items from BMW of Asheville and other area businesses, local pet businesses, and of course, Roscoe the rescue pittie will be the star of the show! This year's event t-shirt will be for sale for $15. We hope to see you there!

Location: Bold Rock Cider, 72 School House Road, Mills River, NC 

On Sunday, September 8, join Asheville Humane Society and Asheville Parks & Recreation for the 6th Annual Doggie Dip at the Recreation Park Pool located at 65 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville 28805. 

Dogs 35 pounds and under swim from 12-2pm. Dogs 36 pounds or more swim from 2:30-5pm. The event is rain or shine, but will be canceled in the event of lightning. You’ll need your vet records to show that your pooch is current on vaccinations and has been spayed or neutered-NO EXCEPTIONS! Cost is $5 per dog including one handler through September 7 and $10 per dog and handler the day of the event. Admission for spectators is only $1. A portion of the proceeds benefit Asheville Humane Society.

Location: Recreation Park Pool, 65 Gashes Creek 

For more information visit http://b.link/DoggieDip19. If you have trouble registering call 828-259-5800.
Questions contact: Candy Hensley Shaw at 828-259-5826, chensleyshaw@ashevillenc.gov.

It’s a big day for local dogs and the people who love them!

Mark your calendar with a paw print – Saturday, September 7 from Noon to 4 PM at Salvage Station, 466 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28804.

Mix 96.5’s Dog Day Afternoon, presented by Prestige Subaru, is all for the dogs. For one day only, Asheville’s Salvage Station will allow dogs to enjoy its beautiful spot on the riverside, to help support local animal rescue.

Come see the amazing rescue dogs from Canines In The Clouds perform their high-flying feats, presented by the vet-tech program at A-B Tech.

Dog Day Afternoon also features training trips, pet products, and tasty treats for both pets and their people.

Meet loving pets hoping to find forever homes as well. Dr. Peter Pang, the bowtie dentist at Asheville Holistic Dentist, is donating adoption fees. Rescues taking part include Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue, Mountain Pet Rescue and Sarge’s Animal Rescue

Tickets are just $8 at the entrance. Kids under 10 and all dogs get in free. You can also get your tickets in advance online.

Join Mitchell County Animal Rescue for "Paws in the Park" on Saturday, August 24 on the Creek Walk in Bakersville to celebrate thirty-five years of serving animals in need.

This free "Thank You" event is for all the community support MCAR has received that made it possible to do what they do each and every day. There will be food, music, storytelling, a bouncy house, and a "Strut Your Mutt" dog walk event.
Get your family and friends to sponsor you and your pooch while you strut your stuff and help the pets at MCAR!

Fun family activities will include:

• Strut Your Mutt” dog walk event  

• Dog contests: longest ears, best howl, best costume, talent show

• Dog party - with dog treats

• Pet photo shoot

• Food: Hot dogs, “Pupcorn,” and more

• Music by Hot Duck Soup

• Storytelling by Sherry Lovett

• For kids - inflatable bouncy house 

• For kids -  animal-themed art project/ art table, face painting

For more information visit https://www.mitchellcountyanimalrescue.org/paws-in-the-park

Full Moon Farm is an organization dedicated to the well being of the wolfdog (wolf hybrid). Situated on 17 beautiful mountain acres in Black Mountain, NC, the sactuary operates as a not-for-profit organization for abused and refused wolfdogs who find themselves in need of love, shelter, and care through no fault of their own. Full Moon Farm provides a safe haven for animals that cannot be placed into homes for the rest of their lives. 

You have the opportunity to visit this unique farm during the Full Moon Farm "Howl-In" on Saturday, August 17. Gates open at 3 PM and tours of the Farm begin at 3:15 PM.  Potluck supper begins at 5:00 PM.  A $5 donation includes main dish and water/soft drinks. Bring a side dish and join the fun! Visit the Gift Den for handcrafted jewelry and artwork.

For information and directions, call (828) 664-9818 or email info@fullmoonfarm.org (Please note: On the day of the event, it is best to call, as the email account will be unmonitored).

If you cannot attend, please note that Full Moon Farm is desperately in need of donations! For more about the organization, visit https://www.fullmoonfarm.org/ 

Image: Full Moon Farm

Join Blue Ridge Humane Society at "Wags to Riches," an evening of fun, food and drinks, dancing, silent auction and more to benefit the animals. The event will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 6 to 10 PM at the Hendersonville Country Club, 1860 Hebron Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

Visit https://www.blueridgehumane.org/ for more details.