Flood survivor Orion honored through Appalachian Humane Society

A flood-surviving dog and a longtime rescuer were honored as the Appalachian Highlands Humane Society's Winter Ball returned, raising more than $36,000. Sequins shimmered and puppies paraded across the stage as the Purrls and Paws Winter Ball returned on Feb. 2, filling the Heritage Center in Jonesborough with around 200 guests. The fundraiser marked the first time the organization has hosted the formal event since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Kate Kipp, events and volunteer coordination for the Appalachian Highlands Humane Society, said the winter ball had been a staple before the pandemic forced large gatherings to pause. "It's something that we used to do years ago," Kipp said. "We hosted the event for a number of years pre-COVID, so we haven't had a ball like this since 2020." While final totals are still being calculated, Kipp said the event has already generated significant support. She said this year's turnout exceeded expectations, with more than $36,000 raised for animals. Dr. Turney Williams, a board member of the Appalachian Humane Society, said the night was about more than dollars raised. "It's really not just a fundraising event," Williams said. "It's an opportunity to honor your employees and connect with the community. As you can imagine, the employees of the Humane Society work very hard – it can be difficult situations with animals." He said the event allowed supporters to connect with staff and board members outside the typical adoption setting. "The goal was to let people in the community come in and meet our employees and meet the board," Williams said. "Financially, it was very successful, and we were very pleased with the turnout and the entire event." The evening featured a silent auction, a fashion show where attendees' dogs "strut their stuff," and the presentation of two special awards. The Pam Roe Humane Hero Award, named for a longtime board member who helped grow the organization before her death, had not been presented in five years. Williams said this year's recipient, Mary James, has temporarily housed thousands of dogs over the years. "She's a lovely lady who has long been involved in animal rescue," Williams said. "She has had some 4,000 dogs go through her house and live there temporarily. She has an extraordinarily tolerant husband and a daughter who's very helpful. She's just devoted to animal rescue and knows a ton about how to treat and salvage sick animals." He said James is widely respected in the rescue community. "If there's any issues with any animals, everyone just asks, 'What would Mary do?'" Williams said. The Outstanding Animal Award went to Orion, a dog that survived catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene in 2024. Orion's owner, Steven Cloyd, went missing after floodwaters swept through parts of Washington County and was later found deceased. Williams said Orion was discovered far from home. "The dog survived and was found in a tree, 1.9 miles downstream from the owner's home," he said. "You can only imagine how long the dog had to swim and try to make contact with something. She is a lovely doodle dog with a lot of personality and behaved very well." Kipp said Orion's resilience has helped her family heal. "She survived great trials and tribulations and she currently is like the 'mommy' dog of the daycare program that she goes to," Kipp said. "Not only did she survive a great tragedy, but within her spirit, she's nurturing and caring to all the animals that she encounters. She's really helped her family heal and move forward in Steven's memory." Animals were introduced on stage and some also received special recognition. Williams said one group of puppies were highlighted for their fight against Parvo. "Parvo is a very deadly virus for a puppy, and the Humane Society ladies had managed to save nine related puppies," he said. "They were paraded on stage, and they will be available for adoption once they're ready." Kipp said proceeds from the ball support a wide range of services, from routine vaccinations to emergency medical care. "The animals that come through our program are microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, and then we facilitate the spaying and neutering of the animals before their adoption," Kipp said. "The animals that we take in are not always necessarily of the best health, so sometimes they need medications, IV fluids or sometimes urgent medical attention. "We work with some local veterinarians to make that possible. All of that money really just goes into the organization to support saving animals and helping the community around us." Williams said the organization also operates a food pantry for pet owners in need. "We provide food for animals to economically disadvantaged people that have animals and rely on our services," he said. "General medical needs, medications, vaccinations, minor surgeries, and some animals need major surgery. We do all sorts of things to promote animal welfare in the community." Looking ahead, Kipp said the group is preparing for its annual Speuter Fest, an event that brings together local artists, vendors and pet owners to promote spaying and neutering. "It's just a great way to kick off the season and promote education and wellness as far as the importance of spaying and neutering your pets to help decrease the overpopulation," she said. For those who want to help, Kipp said support can come in many forms. "People may help through donating and spreading awareness for spaying and neutering," she said. "Our food pantry runs primarily off of donations. Food is always welcome as long as it is unopened and within the expiration date. We always need towels, blankets, toys, treats, along with monetary donations as well."