In 1902, a small group of public-spirited people in Boulder spoke to the need for an organization to care for animals. Dogs ran in packs, and many residents considered them a nuisance. Those who favored a humane society soon realized that their task was far greater than creating a shelter for dogs and cats. The animal advocates first had to change the mindset of many of Boulder’s residents.

This year, the Humane Society of Boulder Valley is celebrating its 120th anniversary, a good time to reflect on longtime society president Anna Belle Morris. When she died in 1959, the Camera stated, “She grew rich in the rewards money can’t buy and left the community better than she found it.”

The organization’s commitment to serving the community remains the same today.

As the oldest continuously operating humane society in Colorado, HSBV grew out of an even older Colorado organization —— the State Bureau of Child and Animal Protection. Boulder’s humane society, however, kept its focus solely on animals.

Newspapers reported on dog poisonings, and society members urged schoolchildren to report people who harmed animals. The society then offered rewards for the abusers’ arrests.

In addition to teaching kindness to residents, the newly formed organization’s first goal was to build a shelter for homeless dogs and cats. But the nonprofit lacked the funds. Thirty years later, in 1932, they received a $50,000 estate gift from former Boulder resident and dog owner Kate Harbeck. She had moved to New York City but, in Boulder, she and her late husband were known for holding elaborate funerals for their three dogs —— Beauty, Jim, and Rover.

Continuing with its advocacy program, the humane society held a “Be Kind to Animals Week” in April 1933. Three months later, the Camera reported that the society was represented in a Fourth of July parade by a decorated car displaying ‘Be Kind to Animals’ slogans.The Boulder County Humane Society, as it was called at the time, quickly made up for lost time. In 1934, its members purchased a 67-acre tract, northeast of the intersection of 48th Street and Arapahoe Avenue. There, the organization built its first animal shelter —— a small stone building with kennels in the back —— as well as an adjacent pet cemetery.

The humane society outgrew its Arapahoe Avenue location in 1972 and moved to a new building at 2323 55th St. Remains from the pet cemetery were relocated, as well. In 2001, a state-of-the-art facility replaced the former building.

Meanwhile, programs and philosophies evolved from awareness and basic care to a wide range of services that continue to build on the dreams of the founders.

“In the intervening years, HSBV focused on ending pet overpopulation,” stated Jan McHugh-Smith, HSBV’s CEO in a recent interview. “Today’s services extend beyond adoptions, and include a veterinary hospital, a training and behavior program, disaster response, and safety net services to keep pets and people together.”

McHugh-Smith added, “As a local nonprofit, we depend on community donations to operate. We’re grateful for the community’s support over the last 120 years and hope to serve the pets and people who need us for another 120 years.”

For information on the many services offered, as well as how you can help, see boulderhumane.org/120years/.