Animal Haven of Asheville is recognized as an established, successful, and thriving farm sanctuary nowadays, but back in late 1999 and early 2000, two individuals had the temerity to think they could establish a sanctuary. What can we learn from Trina Hudson about how this came about? Interviewer and long-time volunteer Diane Van Helden spoke with Trina in December 2025.
Barb Bellows and Trina Hudson, Co-Founders of Animal Haven of Asheville
Diane Van Helden (DVH): Give us some details about the background stories of you and Barb. Where did you grow up, where did you work prior to moving to Asheville? What kind of jobs did you have?
Trina Hudson (TH): Barb was born in Virginia but lived in Illinois and New York due to her father’s job and spent most of her adult life in Cape Cod, MA, Florida, and Asheville. I was born in Upstate New York, near Saratoga, lived there until I went off to college in Florida and have been in Asheville for 29 years. Barb has always been in some type of animal services job except for seven years when she and I had our own business. I majored in Gerontology in college and worked in nursing/assisted living homes and in the animal services field. Our jobs ranged from shelter attendant, cruelty investigator, animal control officer, and were 2 of the ten people from across the country selected by American Humane Association to be on their Disaster Relief Team.
DVH: What events occurred that made you and Barb think a sanctuary was needed and that you could succeed in establishing one?
TH: While working here in Asheville, Barb as the Shelter Director and myself as Animal Control Director we realized that there was no place to humanely house stray farm animals and that often cruelty cases involving farm animals were not being investigated and pursued for the same reason – no place to hold them until the case went through the court system. We knew of the need and knew there was no organization in WNC for these animals. We didn’t always know that we would succeed in this venture but did know it was something we both felt strongly about and when we set our minds on something, it takes a lot to deter us from reaching our goal.
DVH: What kind of support did you receive from the local community? Were you surprised by the number of people who showed up for you in this undertaking?
TH: I think that was the most skeptical part for us when starting Animal Haven. We had only lived here four years, didn’t know the community that well except for the organizations involved in the rescue of domestic animals, and were unsure how receptive the community would be to the idea of rescuing farm animals and possibly adopting them out as “pets”, not for breeding and eating. To say we were pleasantly surprised by the community’s support as time went on is an understatement. The people we met, the relationships established through networking, as well as the financial support and in-kind contributions, have been in-credible, allowing Animal Haven to be a success for the 25 years and counting.
DVH: What are some of your memories from the early days? What worries did you have? What kinds of “miracles” happened that kept your dreams alive?
TH: One of our first memories was back in 2002 when WLOS called us to ask for help with some farm animals. We were barely underway in setting up structures, fencing, etc. but responded. Over the course of that weekend, we rescued and brought 87 animals to the sanctuary – 71 potbelly pigs, goats, dogs with puppies, and doves.
The most recent miracle was the rescue of Nicholas and Mistletoe, 2 sheep abandoned on a mountain. It took us 2 weeks, setting up a pen with food in it, and lots of luck. That’s all Barb wanted for Christmas (her last one) and her wish came true.
DVH: Was there any time when you felt that you would not be able to continue?
TH: The only time I honestly felt that way was when Barb became sick. I should have known better though as the Animal Haven volunteers stepped up in a big way and kept us going.
DVH: If someone were to get in touch with you about setting up an animal sanctuary or rescue operation, what advice would you have?
TH: Start small, don’t get in over your head. Do this well and when you feel comfortable, then expand. Choose quality of life for each animal rather than quantity (trying to save them all).
DVH: What are your hopes for the future?
TH: For Animal Haven – that our dream, our values, our goals never die, and our organization remains strong and viable. For the animals – that ALL animals are seen as sentient beings and able to live a cruelty free life.
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