Barbara Kay Bellows

Barbara Kay Bellows, co-owner of Animal Haven of Asheville and passionate animal advocate, passed away at home on March 21, 2023, at the age of 69, following a short and stubborn showdown with cancer. Like most adversity in her life, she faced this head-on with her usual mix of defiance and biting wit, refusing to back down. Determined to see that her beloved animals and Animal Haven were safe and secure for the future, she achieved that goal before her formidable foe finally prevailed.

Barb is survived by her partner of 38 years, Trina Hudson, and her sisters, Karen Walker, and Nancy Bellows-Cudak. She is also survived by her menagerie of animals: Bronwyn, Bailey, – her 2 Irish Wolfhounds, and 3 other dogs; Peaches and 4 cats; Chloe and 22 pigs; Rosie and 14 hens; Hector and 20 goats; Clyde and Lizzie, the geese; and Laura, the guinea pig. Barb was predeceased by her dad and mom, Stanley and Catherine Bellows; and her two brothers, Brian and Jay.

Barb’s love for animals was known to be larger than her love for humans; all you had to do was ask her! She was an active member of the Irish Wolfhound Breed Rescue having rescued and raised over 10 of them herself. She began her public crusade of animal rescue in Florida in the mid 70’s in the Daytona Beach area. While there, she served as an animal control officer, shelter director, and animal cruelty investigator. During her employment in Volusia County, Barb became the first animal cruelty investigator in the entire state of Florida to win a felony conviction in an animal cruelty case. Known for her tireless efforts on behalf of the animals, Barb was chosen as 1 of 10 participants in the United States by the American Humane Association for the Disaster Animal Response Team (DART), which dispatches emergency services during disaster to provide temporary shelter for animals and front-line veterinary care, DART works with local, state, and national agencies to help families and their animals with medical, food, and housing assistance. Barb assisted in many local and state disasters, the largest of which was Hurricane Andrew in 1992. She was very humbled yet proud of her service.

Upon moving to North Carolina in the late 90’s, Barb realized her lifelong dream of owning an animal sanctuary, and thus was born Animal Haven of Asheville. With her partner, Trina Hudson, she started with a patch of land, a few outbuildings, and an old house; the first animals taken in were 4 pigs and a goat from a cruelty case. Since then, Animal Haven has grown to house over 100 animals, all rescues, cruelty cases, or abandoned animals simply left at the farm in the middle of the night. Barb worked 24/7 for the animals and as part of her efforts, opened a thrift shop to help raise money to feed and care for them. At first, the shop – the first ever in Asheville solely in support of an animal sanctuary – was in a rental space, then in their own home, and finally in a beautiful building built on site. Barb was recently able to take a final ride around the farm in Ceecee (the UTV) to be with the animals again and enjoy her life’s work – the scope of her accomplishments is beyond words. Barb touched – literally – every animal, living and passed, every building, fence, gate, post, hay bale, feed bag, – she was the heart and soul of the farm.

Knowing how much Barb loved bonfires, a celebration of life – a memorial bonfire – will take place at a later date.

Trina would like to send out very special thanks to Hospice Karen, otherwise known as “Special K,” and Dr. Colodanato. And of course, to the volunteers at Animal Haven, who are the backbone both literally and spiritually of its existence.

In remembrance of Barb’s life, donations can be made to Animal Haven of Asheville, PO Box 9697, Asheville, NC 28815.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.