Ground Is Broken For The New Cocheco Valley Humane Society Animal Shelter

(Dover, NH) - After over a decade of planning and fundraising, work has begun on the new facility at the Strafford County Complex in Dover.

Staff and volunteers and County officials were joined by area business representatives for the groundbreaking ceremony. The new shelter will be known as the Pope Memorial Cocheco Valley Humane Society, named after Lyman J. Pope Junior, who made a $1-million donation to the facility.

Pope, seen here with his constant companion Max, has made generous donations to numerous shelters across New England.

The new 11-thousand square foot facility is being built on over 6 acres of land adjacent to the Strafford County Complex. It will replace the current shelter housed in the 100-year old former piggery at the County Farm.

Officials hope to be able to move into the new building by the end of the year.