About Angels to the Animals

Angels to the Animals is committed to encouraging and educating owners about creating a nurturing and humane environment for their pets, as well as finding loving, permanent homes for surrendered pets. Our mission is to protect and advocate for pets in need, and to build a humane community that promotes compassion, kindness, and a clear opportunity for quality life beyond chained, forgotten, 

and neglected animals in Lincoln County, NC.

Our team of volunteers provides frequent and consistent onsite care including food and water, shelter and straw, veterinary care including vaccinations, flea and tick control, heartworm testing and treatment, spay and neuter, as well as toys, and treats. 

Of course, all of this is accompanied by lots of love.

How Strangers Found Each Other ... And Found a Bigger Purpose

In June 2021, Denver, NC resident Jo Zarnoch met Mickey Mack as she attempted to retrieve her friends’ two dogs who had escaped through an open gate.  They began sharing stories and bonded immediately over their love for animals.

Mickey has a calling to save animals who need him.  On a weekly basis for the last six years using his social security savings, he has provided food and water, fresh straw and shelter to many abused, neglected, sad, and chained dogs in Lincoln County.

Jo made a promise to Mickey that he would never be alone again in his journey to help animals and nicknamed him “Angel” from the beginning.  She and her friend, Deb Fugate, organized two food drives, and with the NextDoor community site, 

much to their surprise, the response was overwhelming.

Melissa Lang was one person who showed up, and within a week, she was helping Mickey with on-site care for ten dogs and a pot belly pig.  Instead of finding these chained dogs, mostly pitbulls, to be mean and aggressive, she found them to be most loving and appreciative.

Mickey, Jo, Deb and Melissa created Angels to the Animals with the mission of helping needy animals 

by doing whatever they could to make their day a little brighter.  It was just the beginning!

The Core Team

The core team of volunteers quickly doubled in size. Angels to the Animals recognizes that while the work may seem endless and heartbreaking at times, the resulting joy in seeing a transformed, furry face and happy tail – on what once was a broken soul – is well worth it.

To donate, volunteer or foster an animal, please submit an application, and Angels to the Animals will promptly follow up with you. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping to give better lives to these sweet souls. 

Every little bit helps!