On the Move in 2023
By Susan Spisak
Augusta’s Kennebec Valley Humane Society, KVHS, began in 1927 by Miss Mabel Connor. With the help of others, they established the Augusta Humane Society, which then became KVHS. By 1961, the society was able to build a facility for animals on Pet Haven Lane. The original building was named in honor of Miss Connor, and later the Bradstreet-Carpenter Wing was added.
KVHS has a mission of creating a kinder community by encouraging the animal-human bond. To achieve this, they place their homeless animals with terrific adopters anxious to nurture them. This offers the pets healing, hope, and second chances.
Melanie Randall, KVHS’s Director of Development, said they’re proud of their many accomplishments, including their 97% placement rate last year. Pet Haven Lane has served them well, but they’ve grown by leaps and bounds. They’re not only an animal control facility for stray, abandoned, and owner-surrendered animals for over twenty communities, but they also take in at-risk dogs from a Georgia rescue partner. The powers that be at KVHS knew it was time for larger, updated accommodations.
So, in 2019 they purchased 77 acres of farmland on Leighton Road. The actual campaign began as a soft push due to the pandemic, but as things loosened, it charged forward, and this past summer, ground was broken.
Today, the “Building Happily Ever Afters” $7.7 million capital campaign has reached 87% of its goal. That’s thanks in part to KVHS’s long-time friends and avid supporters, Charlie and Nancy Shuman, along with their children and business, Charlie's Family of Dealerships. (They presented KVHS with a check for $750,000.00 this past November, which was the first installment of their $2 million dollar gift.)
“We’re thrilled,” said Melanie. “They’re incredible humans and dear friends,” she added of the Shuman family. To honor them, the state-of-the-art facility will be named the Nancy Shuman Animal Shelter, and it will be operational by the fall of 2023.
“Each area of the new facility has been thoughtfully considered and will provide the best experience for each resident including new kennel spaces, natural sunlight, and amazing air quality.”
There’s space for 50 dogs and 145 cats, pocket pets, an animal control area, administrative offices, and a multipurpose room. They’ll offer on-site services for the community which will include vaccination clinics, spay/neuter surgeries, and educational offerings for schools and civic groups. The acreage is a wonderful bonus for the dogs—they’ll get plenty of beneficial exercise with the volunteers.
For those looking for a new best friend, check out KVHS adoptable pets. Dogs are spayed or neutered and are behaviorally assessed. They’re dewormed and screened for heartworm, Lyme and ehrlichia. Microchipping is available for a nominal fee. Before the adoption is complete, landlords will be contacted for renters. If there’s a resident dog, a meet and greet is mandatory.
KVHS welcomes/needs adopters, fosters, volunteers, and medical and building donations. Watch the website for the grand opening of the Nancy Shuman Animal Shelter. They invite you to their much anticipated 30th Annual Mutt Strut on May 13 at 10 am at the Youth Memorial Park & Buker Community Fields—they’re excited to celebrate! Mutt Strut 2023 will show you what it is to have a pup in the park—don’t miss it! Check pethavenlane.org for links to all areas of interest.