Story by Cappy Toestti | Photo by Paul M. Howey
Nonprofit organizations throughout Asheville and the surrounding area nourish the people within our communities, caring for those in need, protecting our historic heritage, educating young and old, and nurturing our cultural soul. Each month, The Laurel brings you the story behind one of these agencies.
Tracy Elliot and Kermit, who just found a loving home right after this photograph was taken.
Listening with an open mind makes good sense, especially when taking the helm of an organization with a proven track record of success in the community. That’s exactly what Tracy Elliott did when he was hired last May as the new executive director at the Asheville Humane Society.
“There’s such wisdom and a wealth of knowledge right here with our staff and volunteers,” says Tracy. “So the first thing I did was follow them about, listening to what they had to say about all aspects of the operation and what we can do together in continuing to help animals. They’re literally out there in the trenches every day and know firsthand what’s going on and what needs to be done. It’s important that each one knows their input is vital to our organization.”
Two AHS employees—Angie Wilt, director of operations, and Jim Fulton, associate director of development—stopped by Tracy’s office soon after his arrival to discuss an idea. They wanted AHS to step out of the box and reach out to individuals who may never have the opportunity or inclination to stop by the facility.
“We keep detailed records on all incoming animals,” Angie reported. “Right now, the zip code with the highest number of surrendered and found dogs and cats is 28806, the Emma community west of Asheville. We’d like to address the situation with a proactive approach to helping pets and people in that neighborhood and then branch out to all areas of the county.”
The following weeks included several brainstorming sessions that resulted in outlining a plan of action, formulating a budget, and coming up with fundraising ideas. It all resulted in a campaign named Thrive! Together, and a straightforward mission statement: “We believe that pets and their people deserve a safe and healthy community in which to live and thrive…together.” Thrive! Together focuses on making certain that animals in our community will be safe, healthy, and thriving.
Reaching out to people in their own neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the campaign. A crew of three people from AHS began knocking on doors and learning from people what it was they needed to keep their pets safe and healthy. At first, some would close their doors, fearful perhaps of being reprimanded or maybe wondering if their animals might be taken away from them. Slowly, however, word spread and people began to realize these folks from the AHS were newfound friends who offered not only a listening ear, but also pertinent information and solid solutions to the important issues involved with having a pet.
Many of these conversations began on the front steps and then moved into living rooms as individuals began to trust the team. They learned about resources for low cost medical care and vaccinations, information on spay and neutering procedures, and flea control and deworming issues. They were delighted with the gifts of leashes and collars, blankets, pet food donations for emergencies, and a list of food pantries that offer free dog and cat kibble and canned food.
Tracy says the people were also touched to learn that a van and driver were available for free transport to veterinary clinics when needed. This is especially appreciated, as the lack of reliable transportation can be a hurdle when one needs to get a pet to the doctor for medical treatment and procedures.
Neighbors soon began sharing information with others, becoming ambassadors themselves for the program that’s already proving a grassroots approach can help people and their pets thrive together. Importantly, the number of surrendered and runaway animals has decreased considerably in just the first few months of the program.
It’s all about trust and being there to listen and help. That’s what friends do.
Asheville Humane Society’s Adoption and Education center is located at 14 Forever Friend Lane. To learn more, visit ashevillehumane.org.
