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**Hopewell Humane Society, Inc.** Hopewell Humane Society has long been part of the fabric of the Hopewell community. Many longtime residents often say, “It has always been there.” While the exact origins are not fully documented, what is clear is that the organization was built through decades of dedication, compassion, and community support. The earliest records indicate that Hopewell Humane Society was formally established in 1960. The first major step toward developing a structured organization occurred in 1968 under the leadership of Bolden B. Furr, who became the organization’s first president. Mr. Furr played a pivotal role in shaping Hopewell Humane Society into a functioning animal welfare organization. Through his efforts, the City of Hopewell leased an older building to the organization for one dollar per year to provide shelter for homeless animals. Mr. Furr was deeply committed to both education and animal welfare. He worked to improve public awareness about humane treatment of animals while also advancing his own knowledge. After retiring, he became a veterinary assistant to provide hands-on medical care and later served as a state humane investigator to assist with animal cruelty cases alongside animal control authorities. His leadership inspired volunteers and community members alike. Those unable to volunteer were encouraged to support the organization through annual memberships, donations, and community involvement. Local businesses contributed materials, restaurants donated food scraps, exterminators assisted with pest control, and veterinarians provided medical services. Mr. Furr’s dedication continued until his passing in 1989. Following his death, Hopewell Humane Society faced significant challenges. Volunteer support declined, resources were strained, and the shelter came close to closing. At this critical moment, B. Mays Marks and Wanda Andrews stepped forward to keep the organization operating. Mr. Marks was elected President of the Board of Directors, and together with Mrs. Andrews and other community members, they worked tirelessly to stabilize the shelter. Donald Lawton, Jr. soon joined their efforts, forming a strong leadership team with Mr. Marks. During this period, these dedicated individuals often cared for the animals before and after their regular work hours to ensure the shelter remained open. Through the early 1990s, new members were recruited and a new Board of Directors was established. Hopewell Humane Society became a partner agency of the United Way of Hopewell (now Hopewell-Prince George United Way), which continues to provide valuable support to this day. As the original facility aged and deteriorated, the Board began planning for a new location. Fundraising efforts increased, and the organization actively participated in community events such as Hooray for Hopewell to raise awareness and support. Leadership transitioned over time, and Donald Lawton, Jr. later became President of the Board of Directors. Continued board involvement and community engagement helped improve both operations and animal care. In the mid-1990s, board members Debbie Moseley and Carol Betzler helped establish a partnership with PetSmart Charities. This collaboration allowed Hopewell Humane Society to place cats and kittens in the PetSmart Adoption Center in Chesterfield County, significantly increasing adoption opportunities. Since the partnership began around 1995, thousands of animals have found homes through this program. Over the years, Hopewell Humane Society continued to modernize its operations. A detailed record-management system was implemented to track animal intake, care, and outcomes. These records also support required reporting to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). As animal welfare standards evolved, compliance requirements increased, including background checks for personnel and routine facility inspections. Hopewell Humane Society has consistently worked to meet these standards and maintain compliance. Community support remains the foundation of the organization. Hopewell Humane Society does not receive government funding or support from a parent organization. Instead, it relies on donations, memorial contributions, United Way support, grants, and the generosity of individuals, businesses, and civic groups. Retailers donate supplies, professionals provide services, and volunteers contribute countless hours of care. One of Mr. Furr’s greatest dreams was realized in 2006 when Hopewell Humane Society began negotiations for a new facility. In December 2006, the organization purchased the property located at 3412 Oaklawn Boulevard. Between March and April 2007, the animals were moved into their new home. While facilities and operations have evolved over time, the core mission remains unchanged. Hopewell Humane Society continues to depend on community support to care for homeless animals and improve animal welfare throughout the region. The larger facility brought new opportunities, but also increased responsibilities, requiring ongoing maintenance, improvements, and community partnership. Renovations and improvements have continued through the years. In April 2008, with generous assistance from the Petersburg-Colonial Heights SPCA, new energy-efficient windows were installed. Additional projects have followed, supported by donors and volunteers committed to the organization’s future. Today, Hopewell Humane Society carries forward a legacy built on compassion, resilience, and community involvement. The organization remains dedicated to providing safe shelter, medical care, and loving homes for animals in need — just as envisioned by those who laid its foundation decades ago. *Originally documented and revised October 2009. Updated for clarity and historical continuity.* |
