Heroes have emerged from the immense devastation caused by Helene in Western North Carolina. People who lost their homes, all their personal belongings, and loved ones continued to help people and animals in need.  

They rely on each other to get through this tough time and are an inspiration to us all. 

One Asheville Humane Society employee shared on Facebook what has occurred at the shelter over the past couple weeks, and it will bring you to tears for many reasons. 

Hurricane Helene caused unimaginable damage as it tore across several states. The historic storm has claimed the lives of over 90 people in North Carolina with dozens still missing. 

The post started by telling how three members of the animal care staff volunteered to stay at the shelter with the remaining animals to care for them as the hurricane hit. 

They worked all day and night to care for the animals and put their needs above their own. The employee states, "When I talked with one of these (literal) heroes, he talked about it as if it was the obvious thing to do. The animals needed care, and he cared for them. Simple as that." 

Several employees lost their homes and personal belongings, while others suffered devastating personal losses. However, they all showed up at the shelter to help. 

"And, for some wild reason, we showed up. The Humane Society showed up for us in return. I remember the embarrassment I felt showing up to work in the same outfit I had worn for four days straight. I had nothing else. I was clothed and supplied with every essential without judgment, despite only having been an employee for two weeks. In the midst of so much loss, I found a family," wrote the employee. "For all of us, it was home."

The shelter lost power and water and needed to find safe places for the animals in their care. Bissell Pet Foundation arranged a flight the following Monday that transported over 100 pets to safety. It was an emotional day for shelter employees and volunteers who had been caring for these precious animals. 

"We cried because we loved the animals. We cried because we were happy they were safe. We cried because the outpouring of support from the community, from other staff, from volunteers was moving in indescribable ways."

Over 10,000 pounds of pet food arrived, thanks in part to your donations, to help feed the animals at the shelter and provide food to pets impacted by the storm. 

It takes a village of kindhearted and devoted people to rescue and care for animals, especially during a crisis. These people are all heroes for helping animals amid all their personal losses. 

Asheville Humane Society is still without running water but is expecting it to return soon. Then they will open their doors to all the displaced pets and help their community as they rebuild even stronger. 

Recovery continues but it will take months and even years to rebuild what Helene destroyed. Join us in feeding pets impacted by the hurricanes by donating below.