Appalachian Animal Rescue Friends - AARF (Formerly: Southern West Virginia Humane Society)

Beginning in 1999, a handful of animal advocates joined together to help abandoned, neglected, & abused animals in West Virginia. Our group, when first organized, was named the Southern WV Humane Society. In late 2003, we changed our name to Appalachian Animal Rescue Friends. We are a registered 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization. There are NO animal shelters (kill or otherwise) in this region of rural Appalachia. Animals are left to starve in the mountains. "Problem" animals are poisoned, shot, or condemned to a neighboring county's kill shelter. Scores of homeless dogs roam the roads & backwoods. The problem is staggering.

Without any public assistance or government funding, our small group of volunteers have single handedly cared for hundreds of animals. Because we do not have a shelter, all our animals stay in pens on rented land. The rented land has no running water or electricity. To compound the situation, the property owner has has threatened to evict us. Despite these obstacles our efforts continue! Abandoned animals are taken in, nursed back to health and placed in loving, permanent homes. We also care for sick or neglected animals at their homes, to ensure their owners can keep them.

Our most urgent need is to create a shelter where rescued animals can be safely cared for by volunteers. AARF has purchased 6 acres of land to build an adoption center and sanctuary. But we need to build a shelter so the animals can be safe and comfortable. Donations can be sent to AARF * Rt. 1 Box 78B * Delbarton, WV 25670

"I adopted a dog from Alexis, & she did a wonderful job. Everyone that meets me asks where I got such a wonderful dog. When I tell them West VA they are amazed. That just goes to show you how dedicated Alexis & her gang are to finding homes for her dogs. Shelters in NY ask anywhere from $100 to $250 to adopt a dog. I live on a fixed income and there was no way I could afford to adopt a dog at that price. For the puny amount of $50 Alexis DROVE to NY with a friend & on the way placed 4 dogs." Lori & "Pal" of NY

Note: PO Boxes will not show correctly on the map below.