Brother Wolf provides a home for animals in need

Tommy Pickles currently calls the building at 1366 US 221 North in Rutherfordton. So do Jingles, Cali and Sophie. Each of them awaits adoption from the Rutherford County Chamber of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.

Brother Wolf, which opened a chapter in Rutherford County in July 2016, is designed to help communities work toward a no kill model for animal control. In Rutherford County, Brother Wolf works with other pet agencies, like the Community Pet Center and PAWS, to provide a shelter for stray and owner surrendered pets.

Chapter Manager for Rutherford County is Karen Parker, who became involved in animal rescue after adopting a dog from the animal control shelter.

"There were two dogs there, both of which had been there 12 days. I adopted one, and two days later the other was euthanized .... I couldn't pretend that hadn't happened, so I began to get involved," she said.

Once Brother Wolf extended to Rutherford County, she applied to be the chapter manager. Along with two other employees and volunteers, the organization has taken in 136 animals - 91 of which have been adopted. It is the county's first no kill shelter.

"People ask 'well, what happens if no one adopts them?'" she said. "They will remain with us until someone does."

The shelter can house 14 dogs and 12 cats per state regulations, and is always at capacity, Parker continued.

"We have a waiting list that could refill this building five times," she said.

Volunteers are crucial to helping with the animals, providing foster care and love to each.

"Fosters help with our overflow and help us in the short-term to provide homes until their vaccinations are caught up or until they are old enough to be adopted," Parker explained. "We have fosters who are willing to do so until a home is found."

Karen Snyder, who had provided foster care for Tommy Pickles, a rat terrier, said that she enjoyed caring for animals until they could be adopted.

More volunteers are always needed to help, she added, whether it's through coming to the shelter and caring for animals and cleaning or as a foster pet parent.

"All that we ask is that they open their hearts or their homes and love them until we can find them a home or room here," she said.

Foster pet parents are provided all they need for the pet, from food and water to medical care and toys.

Brother Wolf is supported by community donations and by the Second Chances Thrift Store, where shoppers can find new and gently used items. Proceeds go back into the care of the animals at the shelter, which is located within the store.

Animals can be adopted during the organization's business hours, which are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each animal is tested for diseases, spayed or neutered, microchipped, given flea and tick prevention, deworming, etc. The adoption fee covers the cost of these services.

For info on adopting a pet from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue or how you can become involved, visit www.bwar.org, click on Rutherford County.