Our Story

For decades, Mr. Pope has championed the wellbeing of animals in need, often stepping in at critical moments when shelters were struggling to expand, rebuild, or simply keep their doors open. In 2000, he established the Lyman Pope Jr. Foundation, a nonprofit devoted exclusively to supporting animal shelters throughout the region. Since its inception, the foundation has provided transformative funding to multiple shelters across three New England states. Thanks to his remarkable generosity, five animal shelters now bear his name as Pope Memorial Humane Societies, a tribute not just to his philanthropy, but to his belief that animals deserve the very best care, comfort, and chance at a new life.

One of them being our very own shelter, right here in Dover, New Hampshire. Originally founded in 1984 as Cocheco Valley Humane Society, the

organization provided safe haven for countless animals but for years operated out of a small, aging piggery. As the shelter’s impact grew, so too did the urgency for a modern, purpose-built facility. Years of fundraising yielded progress, but the final hurdle seemed out of reach, until Mr. Pope stepped in.

In 2017, Mr. Pope’s extraordinary $1 million donation surpassed the shelter’s capital campaign goal and made the dream of a new shelter a reality. It was a moment that changed everything. In honor of his life-changing contribution and unwavering dedication to animal welfare, the organization was renamed Pope Memorial Humane Society–Cocheco Valley. That name now stands as a lasting symbol of hope, compassion, and community care.

Even after helping build the new shelter, Mr. Pope’s support did not end. In 2023, he made another landmark donation, this time to help the shelter grow even further. His gift laid the foundation for a 5,250-square-foot outdoor pavilion, a space that has allowed for increased enrichment, training, community events, play groups and adoptions, all while giving the animals fresh air and room to play and run free.

And yet, Lyman Pope’s legacy is only just beginning. His passion for animal welfare has inspired generations of his family to follow in his footsteps. His son and daughter-in-law have been longtime supporters of PMHS-CV and even welcomed their beloved pup, Frankie, into their home after adopting him from the shelter. This summer, Mr. Pope’s great-grandson visited to volunteer, continuing the family’s deep connection to the shelter’s mission. Through their involvement, the Pope family continues to honor his vision and ensure that his compassionate legacy lives on in both name and action.

To say Lyman Pope has saved lives is an understatement. He has created places where animals are not only safe but truly seen and loved. His generosity has built more than buildings, it has built second chances, happy endings, and a brighter future for thousands of animals and the people who care for them.

Through every gift, Lyman has reminded us what it means to lead with compassion, to give with purpose, and to leave a legacy that speaks not in words, but in wagging tails, grateful hearts, and lives forever changed.