Watauga Humane Society

05/31/2026

Hippo was first adopted from our adoption center in 2022 and recently returned after four years in a home. We were told he’d been causing neighborhood mayhem, but the dog we’ve gotten to know over the past few weeks seems much more interested in collecting belly rubs than stirring up trouble.

He’s sweet, affectionate, and devoted to whoever is offering love in the moment. Hippo has excellent house manners and has been an absolute joy to have around.

We’re still learning about his dog-to-dog social skills. He seems interested in other dogs, but a bit unsure of how to interact with them—like someone who missed the class on canine etiquette. Our best guess is he simply hasn’t had much experience around other dogs.

Hippo is a senior guy with a heart full of love, a face you can’t help but smile at, and a serious need of someone to love. Other than that, he’s pretty close to perfect.

Hippo's care is generously sponsored by Chris, Kathie, and Kristel Rider, who chose to honor the memory of Kinsey Greene by helping animals find comfort, care, and safety.

Hippo is an 8-year-old, 73 pound, neutered male pup who has been in our care for 22 days.

Available for adoption or foster in BOONE NC.

05/30/2026

Bud was surrendered to us after his owner realized one very important thing:Bud was not built for a tethered life.

Having spent most of his time outdoors, this boy became pretty skilled at chewing through restraints and appointing himself mayor of the neighborhood. Containment was nearly a suggestion with loosely defined boundaries, while afternoon adventures were mandatory.

Bud has that unmistakable “where are we going next?” kind of spirit. He’s done well meeting other dogs, though he’s still young and full of enthusiastic energy, so a meet-and-greet with potential dog housemates would be wise. He’s joined staff and volunteers on day trips and quickly established himself as a professional passenger prince; nose out the window, ears flapping, ready to launch himself into the nearest river or open field at a moment’s notice.

He doesn’t just enjoy the outdoors. He commits to it!

Bud did test positive for Lyme disease, which sounds far scarier than it often is. With treatment, routine vet care, and some monitoring along the way, many dogs live long, happy lives with very few complications. Right now, he’s finishing up a round of antibiotics and searching for a foster home where he can finally experience some of the comforts we suspect he’s been missing all along.

A couch. A routine. A nap that isn’t weather-dependent.

Maybe even the life-changing experience of realizing couches exist.

Something tells us Bud is going to settle into indoor living very quickly — right after one last lap around the yard.

A heartfelt thank you to Amy Lea for sponsoring Bud in memory of Dash. 🤍

Bud is a 50 pound, 1-year-old, neutered male pup who has been in our care for 55 days.

Available for adoption in BOONE NC.

05/29/2026

Raven prances around the yard like a dog who already knows she’s the best girl in the room.

And she’s probably right.

Unlike some dogs who arrive at the adoption center ready to reinvent themselves, Raven already has herself pretty well figured out. She knows how to live indoors, respects boundaries, and from everything we’ve been told, is an excellent houseguest. The kind who settles into the home like she’s been paying rent.

Raven has lived happily in an apartment before and seems to have mastered the delicate balance between enjoying her daily walks and becoming a complete and total couch potato afterward. Ideally in the softest spot available. Preferably one she can slowly reshape into a Raven-sized crater over time.

While she’s done well meeting other dogs on leash, she hasn’t had many opportunities to really let loose and frolic with another pup out in the world.

Raven would do best in an adult-only home for now, as tiny humans make her a little uncertain and she hasn’t spent much time around older children either. What she really wants is a calm place to land, a good couch, and someone who appreciates a dog with both grace and very strong opinions on comfort.

Sponsored by Bynum Merritt in memory of Hana. 🐾� A beautiful way to honor a beloved companion while helping another animal find their way forward.

Raven is a 6-year-old, spayed female pup, who has been in our care for 9 days.

Available for adoption in BOONE NC.

05/29/2026

Colin has been with us for a little over 100 days now. And although we love him dearly, we really wish this sweet boy could find the home he’s been looking for.

Colin came to us as a stray, and while we’re fairly certain he wandered over from Wilkes, we don’t know much about where he came from before the adoption center. We posted, shared, waited, and hoped someone might come looking for him. No one ever did. That part hurts the heart a little.

What we do know is that Colin is the definition of a big baby. Endlessly sweet, very food motivated, and clearly taught his basic manners, it certainly feels like he would make an excellent houseguest. He’s happiest curled up in a giant fluffy bed with your hand resting on his head like he’s waited all day for it.

Colin does have a high prey drive, so a home without cats is best. As for dog friends… honestly, it’s a bit of a mystery. He’s loved some and side-eyed others for reasons known only to Colin, so any dog siblings would need his personal approval first.

Thank you so much to Anna Worley for sponsoring Colin and making his days here a little cozier while he waits for his person. 🤍

Colin is a 60 pound, 6-year-old, neutered male pup who has been in our care for 109 Days.

Available for adoption or foster in BOONE NC.

05/29/2026

Stopping by today? Who isn’t?

Swing by and meet Hutch, Maggie, and a few of their friends as they show off their best summer style dance move. ☀️🐾

We’ll be here until 2:00 PM collecting much-needed supplies for the pets of Watauga County. Whether you’re picking up groceries, garden supplies, or that one thing you came in for and somehow left without, we’d love to see you.

05/29/2026

About Maggie’s last video….

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

As we close out our 2025/2026 fiscal year, one thing stands out more than anything else: the growing medical needs of the animals coming through our doors.

When an injured animal arrives at the adoption center, there’s no debate to be had. We can’t deny care. That would be inhumane. So, without hesitation, and knowing this community stands beside us, we say yes and give them the best chance at a long, healthy life.

One of those animals was Hank the Cowdog.

The moment we met him, we knew something was seriously wrong with his leg. What started as one appointment quickly turned into surgery, then another after veterinarians discovered his femur and hip were badly shattered leaving him with bone fragments that needed to be removed.

We don’t know what happened to Hank before he got here. He can’t tell us. But that’s part of our responsibility: being a voice for the voiceless.

And Hank is far from the only one. This year alone, we’ve faced more than a dozen major medical cases. As we prepare for the next fiscal year, we already know our medical budget will need to grow significantly so we can continue showing up for the homeless pets of Watauga County.

Without you, that simply wouldn’t be possible. 🐾

Donate Today 👉 https://secure.qgiv.com/for/wataugahumanesociety/

05/28/2026

Join us at the adoption center on June 1st from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM for our low-cost vaccine clinic with Dr. Alex Wechsler from Animal Hospital of Boone.

No appointments are needed, services will be offered first come, first served for a quick and easy visit.

Available services include:
1-year Rabies vaccine (dogs & cats): $12�
Bordetella vaccine (dogs): $12�
Microchips: $15�
DAPP vaccines for dogs: Free while supplies last�
FVRCP vaccines for cats: Free while supplies last

Cats and dogs are both welcome.

Rabies tags are required, so please bring proof if you have it available. If not, one can be issued during your visit.

These clinics are one of our favorite ways to support the people and pets in our community, a few vaccines, a few treats, a little bravery, and hopefully minimal dramatic sighing from your pets. 🤍

312 Paws Way | Boone Nc
June 1st 2026
11:00 Am - 2:00 Pm/