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Animal Haven of Asheville
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Animal Haven of Asheville:
Biannual Newsletter – Celebrating 25 Years of Love, Rescue
& Resilience
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The Road to Recovery
After Helene
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As 2025 began, we were still deep in the
recovery process after Hurricane Helene swept through Western
North Carolina and left a lasting impact on the sanctuary.
While all of our animals remained safe, the damage to our
infrastructure was significant and required immediate
attention.
Throughout January, February, and March, our incredible
volunteers showed up again and again, clearing fallen trees,
hauling away debris, and repairing damaged fences on top of the
normal daily animal care efforts. Their efforts were nothing
short of inspiring. One of the largest and most essential
projects was rebuilding our access bridge, which had been
heavily compromised and washed away by floodwaters. Thanks to a
generous donation of materials from the organization Human
World for Animals, formerly known as The Humane Society of the
United States, and the skill and dedication of our very own
neighbor and handyman Joe, we now have a brand-new bridge
reinforced with steel beams. Joe also fortified the creek banks
with large boulders, enhancing both the beauty and strength of
the sanctuary creek landscape. The result is not only
structurally sound, but a striking reminder of what’s possible
when compassion and community come together!
Our new bridge reconnects us all. It stands as a symbol of
resilience, teamwork, and our unwavering commitment to the
animals who call Animal Haven home. While we remained closed to
the public during this phase of restoration, our thrift store
stayed open and active, offering our supporters a way to stay
connected and continue making a difference. In many ways, it
helped carry us through a challenging season, proving once
again that this community is the heart of everything we do.
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Ice Ice Baby: Cold
Days, Warm Hearts
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January brought freezing temperatures that
transformed the sanctuary into a sparkling, icy landscape.
While we humans bundled up to brave the cold, the animals had
the time of their lives. They played in the frosty air, pawed
and nibbled at ice patches, and reminded us that joy can be
found in every season.
As one of our supporters beautifully said, "Animals
possess the magical gift to remind us to live in the moment,
love unconditionally, and be in awe of the world." That
sentiment truly captures the heart of Animal Haven during those
frozen days.
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A Valentine’s Day to
Remember
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On February 15th, we hosted our first
on-site event of the year: Goat Kisses & Sweet Wishes,
starring our tiniest fan favorite, Jingles the Nigerian Dwarf
goat! Dressed in her Valentine’s best, Jingles posed for
photos, gave gentle kisses, and reminded everyone that even the
smallest residents can leave the biggest impressions.
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At the same time, we launched our
first-ever online Valentine’s contest, Farmyard Soulmates,
where followers from all over voted for their favorite bonded
animal pair. The winners? Our inseparable goat sisters Penny
and Petunia, who captured hearts with their devotion to one
another. Whether they’re grazing, cuddling, or strolling across
the field, you can always find them side by side. They are a
true testament to the meaning of soulmates and best friends!
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It’s hard to believe that in December
2024, Jingles was moments from a heartbreaking end. Our
veterinary team received a call about a blind Nigerian Dwarf
goat kid whose breeder requested euthanasia due to her
condition. Without hesitation, they reached out to us and we
said yes without blinking.
When she arrived, she was tiny and uncertain, but we quickly
discovered that this little girl had the heart of a giant. She
was named Jingles after a volunteer sang Jingle Bells and she
started joyfully swaying her head to the beat. Since then,
she’s blossomed into a vibrant, fearless, and affectionate
bundle of joy. She recognizes voices, loves snuggles, and can
run full-speed-ahead with remarkable confidence.
Jingles has become a symbol of second chances and a bit of a
celebrity around here. She’ll be front and center at our
upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration, ready for photo ops and
goat snuggles. And if you're stopping by the thrift store, keep
an eye out for her adorable face featured on limited-edition
merchandise. She’s ready to be the star she was born to be!
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Bubbles’
Snout-Painted Masterpieces
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Bubbles may be young, but she’s already
making a name for herself as an artist! This spunky little
Pigasso has discovered a passion for painting, creating
colorful snout-stamped works that are equal parts playful and
heartwarming. She’s so excited to share her creations with the
world and hopes her art, and a little piece of her heart, can
find a place in your home.
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But Bubbles’ story didn’t start in a
studio. It began on the side of a busy road!
Back in January 2024, we received a call from a kind-hearted
woman who had rescued a tiny black piglet running down a busy
street in Candler. After contacting the shelter, posting
flyers, and trying everything she could to find the piglet’s
family, no one came forward. That’s when she reached out to
Animal Haven and asked if we could help.
We welcomed Bubbles with open arms, and it didn’t take long for
her personality to shine. She is sweet, loving, and wildly
curious. She gets into everything, zipping around the sanctuary
with joyful energy and an endless appetite for mischief and
snacks. She’s even learned to sit, though it’s tough for her to
contain her excitement, especially when food is involved! From
a scary roadside beginning to a paint frenzied piglet with a
growing fanbase, Bubbles reminds us just how resilient and
creative rescued animals can be when given the chance.
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Teamwork Makes the
Dream Work
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In March, we had the pleasure of hosting
an amazing volunteer group from the University of New Haven
Women’s Rugby Team. Assistant Coach Carolyn Roach reached out
ahead of their tournament at Warren Wilson College, asking if
the team could lend a hand. On Thursday, March 13, all 24
players and coaches arrived at the sanctuary, ready to work.
They spent the morning feeding animals, cleaning out six small
barns and two large ones, hauling hay bales, refreshing water
buckets, and moving bags of compost. Their spirit and
enthusiasm made a big impression on us and on the animals.
After their work was done, Jingles came out to meet them and
soak up the attention. She played, posed for photos, and
charmed every single one of them. The team wrapped up their
visit with a trip through the thrift store. We are so grateful
to Head Coach Emily Record, Assistant Coach Roach, and the
entire team for their energy, kindness, and hard work. We went
to cheer them on the following day, and we’re happy to share
that they finished strong, taking second place in the
tournament!
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Community in Action:
Creek Clean-Up with GreenWorks
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On April 9, we partnered with GreenWorks
for a much-needed creek clean-up at the sanctuary. Volunteers
came together and made a huge impact, collecting multiple bags
of trash, three tires, lots of scrap wood, various metal
pieces, and even a rusted hot water heater. The list of
unexpected finds was long. We recovered Christmas decorations,
two basketballs, a full bottle of Chardonnay, and most
surprising of all, an intact egg.
We still have a way to go, but the amount of debris we cleared
out was impressive. A huge thank you to everyone who came out
and helped restore our beautiful creek area.
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Mountain Wisdom
Volunteer Spotlight
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On April 24th, we were grateful to welcome
the dedicated staff from Mountain Wisdom for a volunteer day at
Animal Haven. Mountain Wisdom is an organization committed to
helping teens grow through nature-based experiences and outdoor
challenges. While it was their first time volunteering at our
sanctuary, they’ve been active in the area helping other
organizations recover in the wake of Hurricane Helene, and we
were honored to have their support.
The team spent the day assisting with fence repairs around the
sanctuary, bringing hard work, heart, and a spirit of service.
We’re excited to welcome them back in early June and are proud
to support their mission. Know a young man ready for a
challenge that will stay with him for life? Learn more and sign
up on Mountain Wisdom's website.
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Join Us for Our 25th Anniversary Celebration
- Saturday,
May 31 from 1 to 5 pm
- Admission is
free!
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We’re turning 25, and we want you to be part
of this unforgettable day. For a quarter of a century, Animal
Haven of Asheville has been a refuge for animals in need and a
place where compassion leads the way. Now it's time to
celebrate the lives saved, the stories shared, and the
community that helped us get here.
Join us at the sanctuary for an afternoon filled with joy,
connection, and gratitude. This will be a heartfelt thank you
to every volunteer, donor, visitor, and animal lover who has
supported us along the way.
Here’s what to look forward to:
- Enjoy
delicious plant-based food and refreshing drinks from The
Smokin Onion food truck, along with mouthwatering vegan
treats from Dough House, Chill Pill, Campfire Girl and
others. Bring the whole family and explore a variety of
fun activities, including an interactive bingo-style game
where you can earn tickets for our 50/50 raffle. There
will be a temporary tattoo station, an art piece raffle,
and plenty of opportunities to meet and learn about the
animals at our special greeting stations. Plus, don’t miss
our time capsule station where you can write a message to
Trina and the sanctuary to be sealed away in honor of this
milestone anniversary.
- Stop by the
thrift store for exclusive 25th Anniversary merchandise,
including Bubbles’ snout-painted artwork, mugs, hats, and
a surprise item featuring our adorable Jingles. She’ll be
available for photos and snuggles all event long.
This celebration is a chance to honor where we’ve been,
embrace where we’re going, and gather together in the
spirit of love, rescue, and hope. Whether you’ve been with
us from the beginning or are just discovering our work, we
can’t wait to welcome you! Come for the animals.
Stay for the memories. Leave with a full heart.
Come hungry and arrive early!
The Smokin’ Onion food truck will be ready
to serve by 12:30 PM. Our 25th Anniversary Celebration
officially kicks off at 1:00 PM sharp with a heartfelt
dedication, a barn blessing, and a special ribbon-cutting
ceremony—followed by speeches celebrating 25 amazing years of
sanctuary life!
We encourage you to come a little early to
place your food order and get settled so you don’t miss a
moment of the festivities. Can’t wait to see you!
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The Barnraiser:
Honoring Barb’s Legacy
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As we celebrate 25 years, we will soon
launch our Barnraiser, a special campaign to build a new barn
in memory of our beloved co-founder, Barb Bellows. Alongside
Trina, Barb helped create Animal Haven as the safe, peaceful
home it is today for animals and people alike. Their vision was
clear: to build an oasis where every life mattered, and Barb’s
spirit continues to guide all that we do.
The barn will eventually provide expanded space for future
rescues, a dedicated medical area, and the kind of comfort,
care, and accommodations Barb always dreamed of offering.
Donations of any size are welcome. In addition to general
contributions, we are excited to soon offer special
opportunities for supporters to leave a lasting mark. Starting
at $50, you will be able to sponsor a piece of the new barn and
help us create a space that will serve animals for generations
to come.
Options likely will include having your
name, or the name of a loved one or special animal, engraved on
a reclaimed barn wood plank. You will also be able to sponsor a
stall, dedicate a barn door, or be part of a donor recognition
wall inside the new barn. Prices will vary depending on the
option and will be announced soon.
Every contribution will help build a
stronger future for the animals, and every name placed within
the barn will be part of the sanctuary’s story for years to
come. We cannot wait to share more details with you soon.
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The Universe
Delivered Again!
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As Trina often reminds us, Barb used to
say, “Just put it out there and the universe will deliver.” And
once again, she was right!
We had been searching for the perfect
companion for little Jingles as she prepares to transition to
outdoor living. Because of her small size and blindness, we
knew we had to be especially thoughtful about who that friend
would be. Then along came this sweet girl.
A couple of weeks ago, a Good Samaritan
found her shivering under their carport during a heavy
rainstorm. They searched for her family, and after she arrived
at Animal Haven, we continued the search, but no one ever came
forward. Her stray hold has now passed, and she’s officially
part of our sanctuary family!
Meet Karma Chaos,
affectionately known as KC! This little
powerhouse is full of sass, spunk, and unstoppable energy. The
“Chaos” part of her name quickly stuck — she has a special
talent for turning even an ordinary moment into a chaotic
adventure!
Even more exciting? KC is already fast
friends with Jingles! We are hopeful she’ll become the perfect
sight companion for Jingles as the two embark on this new
chapter. We can’t wait to share more as their sweet bond
continues to grow!
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Ooh La La Curiosity
Market: Art, Crafts, Music, and Animal Haven
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We are so excited to once again be part of
the Ooh La La Curiosity Market, an annual Asheville tradition
and a fundraiser that means so much to us at Animal Haven.
Sponsored by The Curiosity Shoppe and The Curious Traveler,
this market is not just a fabulous gathering of local artists,
it is also a beautiful way to support our mission.
Ooh La La Curiosity Market happens right
in the heart of downtown Asheville at Pritchard Park. On select
Saturdays from May through October, dozens of local artists
will fill the park with their incredible work, and three local
musicians will perform live at every market. It is such a fun,
vibrant atmosphere and a great way to spend a Saturday
supporting local creativity and community spirit.
We will have a table set up at every
market where you can come meet us, learn more about what we do,
and support the sanctuary. One of the highlights of the day is
a special raffle designed just for us. Each artist generously
donates one of their beautiful handmade pieces, and we gather
all the donations into one incredible raffle basket. Raffle
tickets are sold throughout the day, and at the end of each
market, we draw a winner. The lucky winner gets to take home
the entire contents of the raffle basket. All proceeds from
ticket sales go directly to help the animals here at Animal
Haven.
It is such a fun and meaningful way to
support rescue animals while also getting a chance to win a
basket full of Asheville’s artistic treasures.
We are so grateful to the amazing Chelsea
Mornning, owner of The Curiosity Shoppe and The Curious
Traveler, for organizing the Ooh La La Curiosity Market and
choosing to support Animal Haven year after year. You can learn
more about them on Facebook:
The Curiosity
Shoppe
The Curious
Traveler
Here are the 2025 Ooh La La Curiosity
Market dates:
May 10 and 24
June 7 and 21
July 5 and 19
August 2 and 30
September 6 and 20
October 4, 11, 18, and 25
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We said a couple tearful goodbyes in our
first quarter this year:
- Luis, our
gentle, special-needs goat known for his piercing blue
eyes and kind soul, and
- Mark, our
charming, dapper goat who brought joy with his infectious
spirit and dazzling smile.
While saying goodbye is never easy, our
promise to every resident remains unwavering. Each animal in
our care is cherished, spoiled, and given the best medical
attention possible. When their quality of life declines, we
make those difficult decisions with love, compassion, and
dignity—because they deserve nothing less. And though they may
no longer walk beside us, their spirits stay rooted here,
watching over the herd and the humans who care for them,
helping ensure that Animal Haven remains the peaceful oasis it
has always been.
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Support a Resident,
Change a Life
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Our animal sponsorship program is one of
the most meaningful ways to support the sanctuary. First
launched online during Giving Tuesday, the program has grown
steadily, and we’re excited to offer monthly sponsorship
opportunities for many of our residents.
When you sponsor a sanctuary animal, you’re helping cover much
more than just food. Your support goes toward routine and
emergency veterinary care, safe housing, enrichment activities,
grooming, and the comfort and dignity every animal deserves.
You are giving them the life they were always meant to
live.
With your monthly donation, you’ll receive a beautiful 8x10
color photo of your sponsored animal, an official sponsorship
certificate, a VIP tour to meet your chosen resident in person,
and most importantly, a whole lot of love.
Whether you’re drawn to the artistic flair
of Bubbles, the brave resilience of Jingles, the charm of
Hector our eldest goat, or the deep bond shared by one of our
animal pairs, there is a resident ready to share their journey
with you. Sponsorships also make thoughtful gifts and are a
powerful way to stay connected to the lives you’re helping
change.
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Join Us: Volunteer
with Heart
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Animal Haven thrives because of the
compassion and dedication of our volunteers. From feeding
animals and cleaning barns to greeting shoppers in the thrift
store, volunteers are the heartbeat of our sanctuary—and we’re
always looking for more helping hands to join the family.
Volunteering at Animal Haven isn’t just about completing tasks.
It’s about connection, kindness, and the simple joy that comes
from giving back. Whether you're cuddling a curious goat,
organizing donations, or refilling feed bowls, you’re directly
contributing to the safety, comfort, and happiness of every
animal in our care. And the truth is, the animals aren’t the
only ones who benefit; volunteering is good for the soul.
You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll leave each visit with
your heart a little fuller.
We welcome volunteers of all experience
levels and walks of life. If you’re reliable, kind, and ready
to get a little dirty for a great cause, we’d love to meet you.
Whether you want to commit to a regular shift or lend a hand at
special events, there’s a place for you here.
Ready to get involved? Learn more about
volunteering with us.
Come for the animals. Stay for the
community. Leave with a heart full of purpose!
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Thank you for standing with us for 25
years and counting. Your kindness, generosity, and belief in
our mission make every rescue possible and every resident feel
safe and loved.
With deep gratitude,
Trina, Andrea and the Animal Haven Team
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Animal
Haven of Asheville
65 Lower Grassy Branch Road
720-626-5513
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