Putting a dent in euthanasia
by Jennifer Allen
Special to The Mountaineer

Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, the animal advocacy group recently formed to end euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in Haywood County, unveiled its logo during a recent board meeting. The logo cleverly features the silhouette of a German shepherd, the inspiration and namesake behind the Sarge’s effort.

Sarge was remanded over to the Haywood County Animal Shelter last year by his owner. A Breed Rescue volunteer identified him as a young, healthy purebred shepherd and marked him for rescue. Despite best efforts, Sarge was euthanized just one hour before rescue transport arrived.

The incident was not the first of its kind. Volunteers wanted to ensure this would not happen again. Sarge’s founding members Nancy Bulluck and Rosa Allomong began meeting with animal welfare advocates last July, discussing ways to guard against unnecessary euthanasia.

The small movement grew quickly. By September there were 12 core members meeting twice a month, laboring under the name of Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation.

The group drafted its mission statement and outlined details to make the goal a reality. Board members were selected and officials were elected last December. The organization was endorsed by both the Haywood Animal Welfare Association (HAWA) and Animal Compassion Network (ACN).

“We created a vision of what we wanted for these animals and made a commitment to achieve it as soon as possible,” said Nancy Bulluck.

Specifically, the people of Sarge’s plan to purchase property and build a foster center to house adoptable dogs and cats from the Haywood County Animal Shelter — those whose time has run out.

They will not accept animals from the public. They will not be in the business of animal control. Rather, Sarge’s plans to fill the one need not adequately addressed at the existing county facility: animal welfare.

Members envision a clean center with plenty of room for dogs and cats to live and play during their stay. Volunteers will be on site to groom, train and provide care for each animal. Families planning to adopt will be able to meet with their potential pet in a private area where they can spend quality time with them and truly evaluate compatibility.

Sarge’s received nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in late January, allowing the group to apply for grants and to begin the business of fundraising to finance their endeavor.

Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation is currently soliciting membership for its cause. Organization leaders have made arrangements with local businesses, such as the Dog House of Waynesville, to offer promotional discounts to Sarge supporters, making membership more appealing.


Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation board members include, standing: Herb Trenka, president; Sten Lundgren, and Doyle Teague, vice president. Seated are Anita Snyder, recording secretary; Joyce Cope, Gary Allen, Nancy Bulluck, founder and CEO; Tish O'Connor and Rosa Allomong, cofounder and corresponding secretary. Members not pictured include Nancy Rhoades, treasurer; Joanne Gregory and Carol Fultz. The group's mission is to build a foster center where adoptable animals in Haywood County can stay until a good home is found.

They have opened a specialty booth called “The Litter Box” at the Balsam Antique Mall, featuring select collectible goods, choice antiques and exceptional resale items to raise money for the project.

A benefit yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at the Maggie Valley First United Methodist Church. And Sarge’s will sponsor its First Annual Dog Walk this August in Waynesville — a sponsorship-driven walkathon featuring specialty vendors, entertainment and demonstrations.

With regard to finances, Allomong said the group is “making real progress.’

“But we are using discretion. We’ll have a better idea of where we are and when we can open for business after the summer fundraisers,” she said.

In the meantime, board members are visiting with other animal rescue groups, learning how to avoid pitfalls and adopting successful strategies. They are taking small, cautious steps to ensure that they realize their goal.

Members are also looking at properties, considering acreage and location to best serve their charges, as well as families looking for pets. An offer of land use was recently submitted to the group; they are currently weighing options.

Beginning in May, Sarge’s will be setting up booths in Haywood County to distribute information, answer questions and ask for support. They will also be seeking out additional volunteers. Those with fundraising proficiency, public relations experience and good people skills are especially needed and are encouraged to step forward to donate their time and talents.

Reprinted with permission from the Mountaineer.