However, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Asheville Humane Society and a touch of fate, this story ends with wagging tails rather than heartbreak. We were so moved by this recent account that we wanted to share their post with you exactly as they told it.
The Asheville Humane Society Story: Together for Every Tail
Kratos, a big black lab, rushes into the Community Sheltering Center lobby, feet tapping and tail wagging with excitement; he’s just caught sight of his family.
He makes a beeline for his “babies” — first gently offering his toy to the family’s toddler, then poking his head into the carrier to see the baby, before melting into the father’s arms — everyone safe and accounted for, now that they are together again.
“When I lost him near the highway, I was assuming the worst,” said his owner, fighting tears. “You have no idea how grateful I am that you found him.”
The day before, our team received his distraught call. The family was driving home to Ohio when their truck broke down on I-40 and Kratos jumped out. With night approaching and miles of highway, chances of finding him seemed slim.
But no matter how unlikely, our staff will always rise to the occasion.
The manager of our Community Sheltering Center was scrolling through lost animal Facebook pages when she saw a dog that matched the description of Kratos. Coincidentally, he also looked identical to Mattie, her “soul dog” she’d lost years earlier, so it felt personal.
By then, darkness and harsh winds had set in, with temperatures expected to drop to the mid-20s overnight. She couldn’t bear the thought of a frightened, dark-colored Lab in danger by the highway. Flashlight in hand, she went to the house of the kind woman who spotted Kratos and found him wandering nearby.
Meanwhile, Kratos’s family had stopped in Knoxville due to weather when they received the call that he’d been found. Overjoyed to hear he was safe, they planned to drive back at first light. Kratos spent the night with our staff member, comfortable but crying, missing his people.
While getting Kratos settled until his owners returned, our manager said it almost felt like a reunion for her too, like holding her own dog again. It's a reminder of why we all do this work: every animal deserves to be treated like one of our own because, in our hearts, they are.
We stand together for every animal who needs safety and for every person who calls us for help. Will you help us continue to answer every call? Donate today! https://www.ashevillehumane.org/
Image: Asheivlle Human Society
WNCTimes