A Century Young!

Anyone or thing that makes it to 100 years old must be doing something right! In my neck of the woods, Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals, a beloved no-kill pet shelter, has reached the century mark and is facing its second century with a focus on getting it message and mission out to the general public.

Francisvale touts itself as the oldest, continuously operating no-kill shelter in the United States. As the legend goes, it was founded by Harriet McClellan in 1909 and named for their dog, Francis, a stray whom they adopted while on their way to the theater in Philadelphia on New Year's Eve, 1897. Their carriage happened to pass by a puppy shivering in a snowbank. They adopted it on the spot and named it Francis. He was such a fabulous dog that he inspired Harriet to open a shelter for other stray dogs. Francisvale was founded on the grounds it occupies now along Philadelphia's Main Line.

The property is tucked away on a hillside and is known predominantly for its pet cemetery with small tombstones marking the graves of beloved cats and dogs. There are a few horses buried there as well along with a monkey. Many do not realize that the property is also home to a small but well-run shelter for 25 dogs and 45 cats. The average stay for dogs is three days and new screening policies have resulted in fewer returns.

Within the last few years, a new generation of volunteers has brought Francisvale into the 21st century both in terms of visibility and improvements. Dogs are housed in air-conditioned kennels with outside runs, fed twice a day and tucked in with a blanket and toy at night. Cats are permitted to roam at will inside their white shingled cottage.

One of the most recent "converts" to the Francisvale bandwagon is Shana Bowa, the ex-wife of former Phillies first baseman, Larry Bowa, who loves animals and volunteers regularly at the shelter. She has helped lend a higher profile to the previously tucked away, gem, that was reluctant to tout its existence or its success since its capacity is so small.

Nonetheless, 100 years is a significant milestone so they clearly must be doing a lot of things rights. Happy Birthday Francisvale and here's to the next century!