Our mission is simple, but extremely important:
Connecting People with Pets in Need.
Through grassroots efforts, we envision a future in which all companion animals find loving homes where they are able to receive the care and respect they deserve.
With over two decades of experience, Joelle is a prominent leader within the animal rescue community. Her incredible networking skills, ability to think quickly and creatively, and her endless devotion to helping cats and dogs is nothing short of amazing. As our Chief Lifesaving Officer, Joelle stays up to date with the progressive, best practices of animal sheltering and is responsible for leading our everyday lifesaving efforts.
Erica found her love of animal rescue in 2013 and has been dedicated to the field ever since. She started out as a kennel attendant, then quickly moved into adoption counseling, intake coordination and pet retention, so naturally she took on the role as our Director of Lifesaving Operations. She likes to think of herself as a rare breed as she enjoys working with pets AND people to make lasting adoption matches.
Denise entered the rescue world in 2014 as a volunteer working with dogs at Austin Pets Alive, but quickly moved into fostering cats and kittens. She has since fostered over 1,200 felines, mostly bottle babies, and with experience across 3 rescue organizations, she has taken a leadership/mentoring role as our Director of Feline Affairs.
BreeAnn has over 12 years of experience in animal rescue and has worked most all positions, including Animal Care Manager, front desk, adoptions, intake, medical, behavior, transport and logistics. She has also been on several emergency shelter deployments with the ASPCA to handle hoarding and dog fighting cases as well as natural disaster relief.
Karina prides herself on being able to think outside the litter box when devising brilliant campaigns to raise awareness for our mission. A self-certified crazy cat lady – you’ll rarely see her without her paw-sse of resident and foster cats.
Sheri has always enjoyed treasure hunting and working in thrift & antique stores. She also has experience working with animals and loves all the furry babies. Naturally, The Thrift Hound was an excellent fit for her, bringing both of those worlds together for a great cause!
Jessica is new to the rescue scene but has been caring for a local feral colony for years. Her passion for TNR and feline welfare led her to join our cause. With a heart dedicated to caring for those often overlooked, she strives to create a more compassionate community for our feline friends.
A native of WNC, Mariah lives a vegan lifestyle with her 3 dogs, cat, and son. She values a realistic education-based approach to animal rescue and enjoys matching fosters with their best-fit pet.
Emily is currently on the path to becoming a vet. She has chosen to specialize in shelter medicine, due to the passion for rescuing animals that MPR has given her. In her spare time, she is involved in wildlife rehabilitation and expanding her veterinary knowledge to better serve our community companions.
Luke is our tallest team member and reaches for the stars as he juggles multiple roles. When he’s not clowning around at work he can be found being the comfiest dog dad on his couch.
Hannah has been involved in animal rescue her whole life. She’s an Asheville local and spends her days off exploring the mountains we call home with her pitbull, Pie.
Click HERE for volunteer opportunities.