Noah's Animal Refuge Centre in Wilmer, A Sanctuary for Adoptable Animals

At Noah's Animal Refuge Centre in Wilmer, from left, founder Jacki Armstrong with Ricco and volunteer Linda Flowers giving Whirly a tummy-tickle

Noah's Animal Refuge Centre, founded by Jacki Armstrong of Semmes, is located at 5050 Glenwood Road in Wilmer.  It is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization "providing a healthy no-kill environment, safe shelter, rehabilitation and training to companion rescue animals in order to facilitate their adoption into a safe and loving forever home."

Armstrong opened the refuge in October 2014.  She prefers the term "refuge" to "shelter," she said, because the clean, comfortable, roomy "dog suites" with a sunshiny play yard is a happy place described in her brochure as "a sanctuary where lost souls find their way home, where broken hearts find a way to mend . . ."

So far, Armstrong has found homes for 30 of the dogs that have come from either the Mobile County Animal Shelter or been tied to the wooden privacy fence painted with its mural of brightly colored, whimsical flowers, animals and the motto:  "Be Kind to All God's Creatures."

There are about 15-20 spayed or neutered dogs happily living at Noah's Refuge right now, and the 8-10 regular volunteers know the name and personality of each pet who resides there.  And Armstrong said that the animals have a home there until they are adopted, and if they aren't placed, then Noah's Refuge IS their home.  Volunteers play with the animals; make sure their suites (and their bodies) are clean; that they have covers on their canvas and PVC pipe beds when it's  cool; that room mates are compatible; that they have food, fresh water and toys to play with.

There are many ways to help Noah's Animal Refuge Centre.  Adoption, of course, is number one on the list; all the animals are up-to-date on their shots, altered and ready for a new home.  One might consider becoming a volunteer; contact is vol@noahsanimalrefuge.com.  Donations of cash, dog food and toys are always appreciated; the mailing address for checks is P.O. Box 1202, Semmes, AL 36575.  

Or one might become a sponsor.  Call Armstrong at 251-307-5879 or email info@noahsanimalrefuge.com or log onto http://noahsanimalrefuge.com for more information.

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