The Animal Care Team is the backbone of Asheville Humane Society. From feeding, cleaning, and monitoring, to bonding, playing, and walking, our Animal Care Team members are essential to keeping our organization afloat. Every Monday we will be highlighting a team member who has shown exceptional care and dedication to the animals in our care and our mission.
Meet Adrian
Animal Care Team Member
Adrian began his journey with AHS as an intern and came back a few years later to apply for an animal care team member position. He is very thorough and asks the best questions. During his time in animal care, he has learned so much and continues to gain knowledge on animal behavior and the best care practices in the animal welfare world.
What does it mean to you to work in animal care?
Working in animal care is being that first line of defense for the animals. We see these animals, and they see us, every day. We do everything we can so each animal in our care is getting their needs met; whether that’s notifying medical or behavior of health concerns, preparing special diets, or spending a little extra time outside. It about meeting their physical needs, but their emotional needs as well.
What are some of the best parts of your job?
The best part of working in animal care is seeing your hard work pay off. Watching shut down animals coming out of their shell, or when the training finally clicks. It’s when the animals in our care feel safe and comfortable enough to be themselves and have fun. My favorite is when they finally go home and you know they’re off to start their new life with their new family and that you helped get them there.
What are some of the hardest parts of your job?
The hardest part, I think, is when things don’t go the way you want or expect. When an adoption falls through, or an animal gets returned, or starts behaviorally or medically declining. It’s heartbreaking to do everything you can for an animal, and watch everyone around you do everything they can for an animal, but things still not work out.
Have you had any moment that has really stuck out to you as a reason you keep coming back? Or, why do you keep coming back?
Its the animals for sure, but it’s also the people. I feel very called to work with animals, I don’t know if I could do anything else, but I also definitely couldn’t do it without the people I work with. My team is full of wonderful, hard working people who I admire and inspire me to do my best :).
Why do you feel so passionately about animals?
I struggle with making human connections and it’s always been easier for me to spend time with and connect with animals, mostly dogs. Animals, specifically dogs, has also been a special interest of mine since I can remember. There is so much more to every animal than a lot of people think. They are so much more complex than we give them credit for and there’s still so much we don’t know. I know what it feels like to be misunderstood, so I want to be able to provide understanding and compassion to those who need it.
What do you want the public to know about your job?
It’s not easy! Emotionally or physically. If you know someone in sheltering maybe ask if they want a hug haha.
What do you want to say to our donors who impact our organization’s ability to provide the care that we do to the animals?
We appreciate you! Everyone here works so hard and cares so much, but there’s only so much we can do without money and resources. Every donation we get furthers the care our animals receive and expands the possibilities of what we can provide. Thank you!
Anything else you want to add?
There’s still so much stigma out there against shelter animals and dogs in particular. But, we have so many loving animals looking for their special person(s). Our adoptions team works so hard to make sure it’s the right fit, so if your looking for an animal companion, we’d love for you to come by and meet our adoptable friends!!
