Clarke County Humane Foundation

OUR HISTORY

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In 2000 Clarke County Board of Supervisors’ member, Barbara Byrd, was tasked with the challenge of bringing the Animal Shelter into state compliance or having the county fined. Byrd pulled together a group of interested citizens from across the county and the collective decision was made to build a new shelter rather than face the renovation of the sub-standard building on its small parcel of land east of Berryville.

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The group’s initial step was the formation of the Clarke County Humane Foundation (CCHF), which has been supported by the public since its inception 25 years ago. Its mission, then and now, has been to assist the Clarke Animal Shelter in caring for the homeless, stray and abused animals of the county. The CCHF supports spay and neuter programs, medical attention for sick and injured adoptable animals, exercises activities to broaden avenues for adoption, as well as humane education programs.

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The CCHF’s first board consisted of driving force and leader Vidy Lloyd and dedicated volunteers Peggy Cone, Becky McCoy, Nancy Simpson, Leslie McLean and Barbara Byrd, who was the county’s representative to the board. Later George Ohrstrom (now the CCHF’s president), Mary Shockey and Bill McLean joined the board. The board is currently composed of George Ohrstrom, Bill and Leslie McLean, Barbara Byrd, Carol Sullivan, Wendy Wright, Terri Trimble Catlett, Sarah Ramsey and Linda Roberts. 

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Twenty-five years ago Peggy Cone worked with Clarke resident Betty Casey, who donated to the CCHF 10 acres of land off Ramsburg Lane on the west side of Berryville, and fund-raising for the new shelter began in earnest. Over $800,000 was raised and the county board of supervisors voted to give $200,000, which had been put aside to renovate the old Shelter. 

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The shelter’s floor plan was designed by veterinarian Bill Davis and Rob Kern of Millwood, an architect and engineer. Shockey Construction began work in March of 2004 and the new shelter was complete by October of that year. 

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