“It’s not always petting puppies,” says Animal Care Team member Grace. It’s hard, messy work that leaves bruises and… mystery stains. But it’s also the joy of nursing an emaciated dog back to health and the moment they finally meet their “person.” This is the real, rewarding work of animal care.

Meet Miranda. For this Animal Care Team member, the most rewarding part isn’t just hanging out with animals all day—it’s watching them grow. From building on a behavior specialist’s work to seeing a scared pet gain confidence, Miranda thrives on the collaborative, patient dedication it takes to prepare every animal for a forever home.

Savannah has been a dedicated Animal Care Team member since 2018. For her, the best part is offering a stressed dog a treat or a walk—small acts of care that help them relax and feel happy. The hardest part is the bittersweet goodbye when they find their perfect home.

Rye believes in the power of an outlet. For the energetic “it takes a village” dogs, they make time for extra walks and play, seeing firsthand how it transforms behavior. They advocate for the overlooked, asking us to see the great heart in every pet, not just the most conventional one.

Meet Asher. For him, working in animal care is a “privilege”—a way to give back after the profound friendship of his childhood dog, Fergus. While balancing efficiency and care can be hard, he feels inspired daily by the incredible staff and community that make this meaningful work possible.

Please join us in welcoming Western NC native Laresa Griffin as our new Director of Fundraising and Engagement! With deep roots in the community and a career dedicated to philanthropy, she is poised to connect donors with our life-saving work.

In just a few months, SeAnna made an incredible impact, fostering and even adopting from AHS. For her, animal care is about “nurturing the companions that nurture us.” While we’ll miss her dearly, we’re thrilled to cheer her on as she begins her next chapter at veterinary school.

For two years, Brandy’s passion has fueled early mornings and attentive care, especially for our cats. She finds profound reward in watching a sick or fearful animal heal and transform into “the best animal they can be” before finding a forever home, calling it one of the toughest yet most satisfying jobs.