Hopewell Humane Society, Inc.
History – The Progression
It appears the origin of Hopewell Humane Society is largely rooted in folklore. Many Hopewell seniors agree, “It has always been there.” However, no one knows exactly when or how it began. Each person has stories to share. The stories are rooted in love and emotion. They speak of the people, the animals, and the bond between them.
The earliest documentation found shows that Hopewell Humane Society was established in 1960. The first person who began to build a formal organization was Bolden B. Furr in 1968. He was the first president of the Hopewell Humane Society. He convinced the city to lease an old building to Hopewell Humane Society for one dollar a year to be used to house the animals. During his tenure, he used the opportunity to educate the public and to improve the care of homeless animals in our city. He not only educated the public but himself as well. After retirement, when most people slow down, he continued to improve himself and set an example for those that knew him. He became a veterinary assistant in order to provide medical care. Also, he became a state humane investigator in order to better assist animal control’s investigations of animal cruelty. Volunteers were encouraged by Mr. Furr. People who didn’t have the time to volunteer were given the opportunity to help by becoming a member of the Hopewell Humane Society for a yearly fee. Community relation programs were implemented. Restaurants were asked to provide scraps. Businesses donated carpet for bedding. An exterminator was recruited to help with unwanted pests. Veterinarians worked with him providing health care for the animals that came through the shelter. After many years of dedication, Mr. Furr passed away in 1989.
After Mr. Furr’s death from cancer in 1989 the Hopewell Humane Society lost it focus. Volunteers became discouraged and quit. There was no one to take care of the shelter and the animals. HHS was foundering and almost closed. At this time, B. Mays Marks and Wanda Andrews learned that the shelter was scheduled to be closed. They jumped in to keep it going. Mr. Marks was elected President of the Board of Directors, and he and Mrs. Andrews recruited others to help keep the shelter open.
Donald Lawton was recruited. He and Mays Marks made quite a team. These two truly energetic animal lovers stepped up to the plate! Mays Marks and Donald Lawton, Jr., were instrumental in reorganizing the Hopewell Humane Society and getting it back on its feet. For quite a while, these two dedicated individuals went to the shelter before and after work each day to feed and care for the animals.
During this time and through the early 90’s, new members were recruited and a new Board of Directors was elected. Mr. Marks became the president. HHS became partnered with the United Way of Hopewell. This organization helped to support us and gave us the opportunity to continue helping the animals and community. The Hopewell-Prince George United Way continues to support us.
Because the facility itself was old and in poor condition, the Board of Directors voted to begin working for a new facility. The organization had fundraisers and received donations toward this goal. We publicized what we were doing in many ways including attending community functions such as HOORAY FOR HOPEWELL which was held each year in downtown Hopewell.
As time moved on, Mr. Marks stepped down and Donald Lawton became President of the Board of Directors. Officers were elected and served on the board to further improve the care of the animals.
Adoptions were slow until mid-90’s when two board members (Debbie Moseley and Carol Betzler) helped develop a partnership with Petsmart Charities to help Hopewell Humane Society get good adoptive homes for its animals. This program permits Hopewell Humane to house cats/kittens in the Adoption Center at the Petsmart store on Car Mia Way in Chesterfield County. We are able to house them there 24/7 with volunteers cleaning and caring for the animals with help and support from the staff of Petsmart. This partnership began in approximately 1995 and is still in effect. Over the period of time from mid-90’s to June, 2007, Hopewell has adopted out approximately 3,200 animals through the Petsmart stores.
Progress has continued through the years.
A detailed oriented record management system has been implemented to assist in the tracking of shelter animals. It provides a summary of the intake, boarding, and disposition of each animal. It was created to improve the record keeping of the shelter to provide the information needed in a yearly report required by the Virginia Department of Agriculture. Animal welfare has become a profession, not just something to do. Everyone associated with a compliant shelter must maintain a criminal history that is clear of any animal violations. This includes active members, employees, and applicants for adoption. Compliant shelters are also subject to unannounced inspections to assure the high standard is maintained. During the inspection, the Department of Agriculture representative evaluates the facility, grounds, animal care, documentation, and record keeping. The evaluation is mailed back with comments, expectations, and violations if applicable. Hopewell Humane Society has always been compliant and met the standards of the Department of Agriculture.
Mr. Furr’s goal of community interaction is still encouraged. Currently Hopewell Humane Society is supported by many organizations, businesses, and individuals. Hopewell Humane Society does not receive any government funding or funding from any parent organization! Many individuals support our shelter through United Way. Money may be bequeathed or donated in memory or honor of friends or relatives. HHS benefactors have been the backbone of this organization and our progress is due to their continued support. Currently we are befriended by retailers who donate their products; blue and white collar professionals who provide their expertise and services; and wholesalers who provide promotional material. Lastly, many civic organizations, scholastic groups, public service departments, and churches provide goods and services.
Many things have changed since Mr. Furr inspired dreams in the heart and minds of the citizens of Hopewell. His greatest dream was fulfilled in the summer of 2006 when Hopewell Humane began negotiations for a new building. In December of 2006 the building at 3412 Oaklawn Boulevard was purchased. Between March and April of 2007, the animals were moved to their new home.
While many things have changed, many things stay the same. Hopewell Humane Society still has the same needs in the new shelter and still needs public support now more than ever. With a new larger facility comes new and larger responsibility. The new facility still gives Hopewell Humane Society room to expand into the future and leaves a legacy to be maintained.
Renovations are an ongoing labor of love. There are many things we need to complete. In April of 2008, through the generous support of the Petersburg-Colonial Heights SPCA, we were able to install new energy efficient windows in the main building. Many additional projects are in the planning stages. We believe that with the help of our community and volunteers that our essential work will continue.
Revised 10/2009
