Who We Are and How We Got Here.

There’s a misconception about Humane Society of Blue Ridge that we hear from time to time.

Because “Humane Society” is in our name, some people assume we’re a local branch of a large national organization.

We’re not.

Humane Society of Blue Ridge is an independent, private nonprofit that was created right here in Blue Ridge. We are not funded by a national humane society and there isn’t a larger organization behind the scenes covering the cost of caring for the animals who come through our doors.

In fact, our story started much closer to home.

In 2007, Anne Williamson had an idea. She believed our community needed a humane society of its own.

Anne rallied people around that idea and together, they did the work to bring Humane Society of Blue Ridge to life. What started with a group of local people who believed animals in our community deserved better has grown into the organization you know today.

If it weren't for Anne and the people who stood beside her in those early days, Humane Society of Blue Ridge simply wouldn't be here.

Nearly 20 years later, we're still here for the same reason.

Our community.

Every dog and cat in our care is supported by people who choose to make this work possible. We rely on donations, grants, fundraising and the continued generosity of the people and businesses around us.

Those dollars provide food, shelter and medical care. They help us spay and neuter animals, care for the sick and injured and give animals the time they need to find the right home. They also help us reach beyond the walls of our Adoption Center through programs and services that support pets and people throughout our community.

Some animals may only be with us for a few days or weeks.

Others need us for months.

No matter how long they stay, the responsibility of caring for them is ours and we couldn't do it without you.

Our Thrift Store is another important part of that story.

When you donate gently used items or shop at Humane Society of Blue Ridge Thrift Store, you're doing more than finding a great deal or giving something a second life. The store helps generate funding that supports our mission and the animals in our care.

A donated couch can help buy food.

A Saturday afternoon spent thrifting can help provide medical care.

A volunteer shift can help keep an important source of funding going.

It all connects back to the animals.

Grants also allow us to take on projects, expand programs and meet needs that might otherwise be out of reach. But grant funding isn't automatic. We apply for it, compete for it and when awarded, those funds are often designated for a specific purpose.

That's why everyday community support matters so much.

A $10 donation matters. Shopping at the Thrift Store matters. Volunteering matters. Fostering matters. Attending one of our fundraisers matters. Sharing the photo of an adoptable dog or cat matters.

There are a lot of ways to be part of this organization that don't involve writing a big check.

And maybe that's the most important part of our story.

Humane Society of Blue Ridge wasn't created by a national organization coming into Blue Ridge and deciding to open a shelter.

It started because someone who lived here saw a need.

Anne Williamson had an idea. People in this community believed in it enough to help her build it.

Almost two decades later, that's still how Humane Society of Blue Ridge works.

Local people helping local animals.

What Anne and that original group started in 2007 has been carried forward by years of staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, donors, shoppers, local businesses and supporters who decided they wanted to be part of it.

We are incredibly grateful for what they started.

And we're incredibly grateful to all of you who keep it going.