Thirst for Good Partner Highlight: Asheville Humane Society
At Highland, Thirst for Good is about more than raising a glass—it’s about raising up the causes that make our community better. One of our longest-standing and most beloved partnerships is with Asheville Humane Society (AHS), an organization whose mission to care for the animals of Buncombe County lines up perfectly with our own commitment to giving back.
Whether it’s a wagging tail in our Meadow, a photo with Santa Paws in the Taproom, or a tailgate full of adoptable pups, our partnership with AHS gives our community even more reasons to gather, celebrate, and do good together.
Who is Asheville Humane Society?
Since 1984, Asheville Humane Society has dedicated itself to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve. As the only open-intake animal shelter in Buncombe County, AHS is there for every stray, every surrender, and every animal in need, no exceptions. But their work goes well beyond the shelter walls. Through personalized adoptions, community education, volunteering, fostering, emergency resources, and innovative care programs, AHS has grown into something bigger than a traditional shelter: a lifeline for pets and the people who love them.
Last year alone, their Adoption Center helped thousands of animals across dozens of species find loving homes. From behavior support for pets who need a little extra help to a relocation program that partners with shelters across the country, AHS meets the needs of Buncombe County’s animals at every stage of their journey. It’s a mission built on compassion, and it’s one we’re proud to support.
Our people, their mission
This partnership isn’t just something we do from the outside looking in. Many members of the Highland staff have personally fostered or adopted pets through Asheville Humane Society. That personal connection is part of what makes this partnership feel so natural. When we host events for AHS, we’re not just supporting a nonprofit, we’re supporting an organization that has helped bring some of our own coworkers’ pets into their lives.
Santa Paws: a Highland holiday tradition
Every year, we welcome guests and furry friends into our Taproom for one of our favorite traditions: Santa Paws. Guests bring their pets, their kids, and their whole crew for a chance at a memorable holiday photo with the iconic (and slightly mismatched) duo of jolly St. Nick and the lovably grumpy Grinch.
The photo package includes a professionally taken and edited digital photo, plus one-on-one time with Santa and the Grinch. It’s a low-key, high-joy way to kick off the holidays, and every photo taken helps raise funds for needy pets right here in Buncombe County. Grab a beer, bundle up your pup, and help us fill the Taproom with holiday spirit.
Looking back: Puppy Bowl Tailgate Party
Back in February, we teamed up with Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. to host the Puppy Bowl Tailgate Party, a free, dog-friendly celebration ahead of the Animal Planet Puppy Bowl. Guests got to scout the league’s most promising (and adorable) free agents before the big game.
The event featured a squad of adoptable “rookies” looking for their forever home draft, a local vendor market, and complimentary activities like a dog caricature artist for the perfect paw-trait. Attendees grabbed a brew, hit up the food trucks, snapped photos in our 360° camera booth, and picked up free Puppy Bowl swag to rep the cause. A portion of the proceeds went directly toward supporting AHS’s lifesaving mission, making it a perfect kickoff to a weekend of champions. Keep an eye on our events calendar for what we’ve got planned next.
Raise a glass for a good cause
Our partnership with Asheville Humane Society is proof that community, compassion, and a good beer go hand in hand. We’re grateful for everything AHS does for the animals of Buncombe County.
Want to get involved? Consider fostering, adopting, or volunteering with Asheville Humane Society at ashevillehumane.org.