More Than a Shelter: Asheville Humane Employee Finds Hope After Losing Everything

Asheville -- Last September, as floodwaters surged around their apartment, Asheville Humane Society employee Colleen and her partner Brian faced every resident's nightmare.

While Brian heroically swam for help amidst rising waters and a neighbor's dwindling oxygen supply, Colleen scrambled to save what mattered most – their two cherished dogs – moments before the flood consumed their home. They lost their apartment, their cars, and nearly all their belongings in the disaster. Yet, as the community rallied, this devastating event marked only the beginning of an emotional journey filled with profound loss, unexpected challenges, and ultimately, the healing power of community and the unwavering love of animals. Read Colleen's powerful story, shared below, about resilience, grief, and finding family in the most unlikely circumstances through the support of Asheville Humane.

On September 27, Colleen and Brian watched as the water rose around their apartment. A neighbor began to panic as her oxygen supplies diminished. Brian swam to the fire station for help. Almost simultaneously, the water rushed inside, and Colleen scrambled to move what she could to safety - most importantly, their two dogs.
They lost their apartment, both of their cars, their belongings. Gone.
Colleen, an employee of Asheville Humane, found her way to the shelter in time to join the AHS team in flying 100 animals out to safety. Her first tear of the whole ordeal emerged in a gush of gratitude as BISSELL Pet Foundation unloaded supplies, and as she waved goodbye to animals they all loved.
In the coming months, Colleen heard the same question “How are you so positive?” She always had the same response “The dogs are okay. They’re my world.”
Well, within two months, Colleen’s youngest dog Lemonny, an AHS alumn, was diagnosed with kidney disease and passed within a month. 
Devastated doesn’t touch it.
Colleen wasn’t alone in her grief. Tadpole, Colleen’s oldest dog, has a disability and struggles socially. Without Lemonny, he seemed lost. He refused to get off the couch to greet people - he was unrecognizable. 
An animal care staff nudged Colleen to meet Bali, a parvo survivor and case study in resilience.
Colleen called Brian to come to the shelter. This was it.
Bali, now Buu, is sweet, derpy, affectionate, and Tadpole’s best friend. She bounces around him, accommodating his wonky version of play, and snuggles up with him - just to be. Tadpole? He is brighter than ever before. 
Asheville Humane doesn’t just serve animals - it serves community. In the wake of Helene, AHS was a lifeline for Colleen and thousands of people who benefited from supply drives, clinics, and the best hugs around. 
Amidst so much loss - we found family. 
We’re asking you to help others like Colleen, like Buu. Now is the time.
Thanks to a generous donor, your gifts are MATCHED UP TO $50,000 THIS MONTH. $25 is now $50, $50 is now $100 - please do not miss this incredible opportunity.
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Images above from asheville humane society social media post

Cover Image: WNCTimes