Our Mission
Our mission is to be a no-kill shelter for homeless dogs and cats in the Big Canoe and surrounding community. We provide a safe, healthy, and positive environment until they find their forever homes. We assess each animal we take in, enhancing their health, appearance, and social skills. Our goal is to create suitable opportunities for adoption. We also offer outreach support and educate the public about humane animal care.
BCAR was originally established by a group of volunteers over 35 years ago. Way back then, there were many groups of stray dogs running through the mountains, including within Big Canoe. The volunteers stepped up, and what started as just a few kennels to house dogs has grown into a dog and cat shelter that can comfortably house up to 8 dogs in our kennels and dog runs and multiple cats at our Maggie’s House facility.
At the time BCAR was formed, there were no county shelters in the area. BCAR now has over 300 volunteers making sure the dogs and cats are well cared for, properly vetted, and moved into loving, forever homes. Read on to learn more about our current Board of Directors.
13
Years
Liz Wintter
Co-President &
Kennel Manager
12
Years
Tom Attaway
Co-President &
Medical Director
10
Years
Cecilia Fraschillo
Co-Manager of Cats & Cat Adoptions
9
Years
Henrietta Hall
Co-Manager of Cats & Cat Volunteers
15
Years
Debbie Lundstrom
Webmaster &
Social Media
8
Years
Jodette Endsley
Events
23
Years
Jim Hughes
Finance
7
Years
Jim Knapp
Maintenance
18
Years
Julie Cheek
Secretary
1
Year
Cindy LeFevre
Community Relations and Fundraising Director