Alison Yazer

In the 1940s in Beaver County when an animal outlived its usefulness or became burdensome, drowning or dumping it was acceptable. This was intolerable to Lois Glenn Wolfe who would take stray dogs to her home where wooden barrels served as kennels. After nursing the dogs to health, she would have them sterilized at her own expense and found them homes by relying on friends or neighbors. In 1947, Lois convinced a group of friends that Beaver County needed an animal shelter. After much hard work, the BCHS received its corporate charter as a tax-exempt charitable organization in August 1950. Lois died in 2004 at the age of 92, but her vision lives on in our mission: “To protect all domestic animals by providing shelter and care; adoption services; investigation, correction or prosecution of cruelty or abuse situations; education programs; and promotion of the concepts of kindness and respect for all living creatures throughout Beaver County.” Our former shelter was first occupied in 1968 where it continued to expand and improve. A TLC Fund was created in 2003. With renewal applications for annual dog licenses through the County Treasurer, dog owners are asked to donate to the Fund, which is earmarked for medical services of stray animals. With the addition of a full-time veterinarian in 2004, animals received comprehensive medical and convalescent care daily. Our ability to provide veterinary services has increased the average stay from 48 hours several decades ago to almost unlimited today. Immediate medical care makes the animals more attractive to potential adopters and directly impacts the adoptions. Leading the fight to combat the animal overpopulation in Beaver County, we are proud of the BCHS’s progress and accomplishments but recognize the need to continue addressing the challenges facing animal sheltering in the 21st century. The new, state-of-the-art shelter opened in February 2013 and positions the BCHS to carry out its mission well into the future.