THE H.E.A.R.T. OF NC GIVING BACK
Contributed by David Stroud, Executive Director, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society
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The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s new HEART of North Carolina rescue vehicle promises to improve the health of strays and unwanted pets throughout the twin communities.
he Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is raising funds for a new mobile animal rescue and medical unit – the “H.E.A.R.T. of North Carolina – Humane/Emergency/ Adoption/Rescue/Transport.” The new mobile rescue vehicle will feature an onboard surgical suite with capacity for 27 animals. The primary purpose of the H.E.A.R.T. of North Carolina will be to provide low-cost spay/neuter procedures and vaccinations for an anticipated 500-1,000 animals each year. When not in use as a medical unit, the 36-foot trailer and tow vehicle will allow more animals to travel to the shelter’s well-known “Stop-N-Adopts.” Serving as an ambassador for the Highlands and Cashiers communities, the H.E.A.R.T. of North Carolina will also participate in multi-agency rescues of animals from unlicensed breeders and puppy mills, and can also provide safe refuge and transport for animals during times of natural disasters. “This new mobile medical and rescue vehicle is going to make a huge positive difference in the lives of people and pets in our community,” says David Stroud, executive director for the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. “The H.E.A.R.T. of North Carolina will save lives, keep pets healthy
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and protected, prevent unwanted pet overpopulation, and find more forever homes for the animals in our care.” Other animal advocates have also weighed in with their support for this much-needed animal rescue and medical vehicle. “It is so exciting to see the good work that the CashiersHighlands Humane Society is doing for the animals and the community,” says Kim Alboum, NC State Director of the Humane Society of the United States. “This new vehicle is yet another step to responsible care for all the animals including spay/neuter, emergency services and community outreach.” Carl Leveridge, former President of the Atlanta Humane Society says, “This mobile unit will give CHHS the flexibility to assist with adoptions, animal intake, emergencies of all types and will be a big help in bringing the humane equation of too many animals and not enough homes into balance. Spaying and neutering animals is the best solution to allow every animal in need to find a home.” The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is located just off Highway 64 East, two miles from the Cashiers Crossroads, behind Reid Real Estate. For more information, call (828) 743-5752 or visit www.chhumanesociety.org.