Late Hanover couple’s $25,000 donation funds adoption improvements at county shelter
VENN
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Hanover County's animal shelter just got a $25,000 facelift courtesy of a local couple who, during their lifetime, were "devoted animal lovers."
The late Phyllis and Albert Bishop, who lived in Hanover for over 5 decades, were known for their support of animal shelters and pet-related charities, the county said in a press release.
In a final act of generosity, they left behind a $25,000 donation for the Hanover County Animal Protection Shelter.
These dollars were put towards a variety of "key improvements" to the shelter's adoption areas -- including the creation of a "get-acquainted" area where prospective adopters can socialize with cats and dogs.
June 9 ribbon-cutting at the Hanover County Animal Protection Shelter, celebrating improvements funded by the late Phyllis and Albert Bishop. (Photo: Hanover County Government)
June 9 ribbon-cutting at the Hanover County Animal Protection Shelter, celebrating improvements funded by the late Phyllis and Albert Bishop. (Photo: Hanover County Government)
"These spaces now feature colorful murals of cats and dogs previously adopted from the shelter, along with new furniture, providing a low-stress environment where families can bond with potential pets," the county said.
The Bishops' donation was also used to stock up a repurposed former Fire-EMS trailer, which the shelter uses to respond to animal cruelty cases.
County officials and shelter staff cut the ribbon on the improved adoption areas on Monday, June 9, alongside members of the Bishop family.
“Our parents loved all animals, especially dogs,” said family member Kelly Bishop White. “Over the years, they had one German shepherd and four Boxers — two of which were rescue dogs. In making this donation, they wanted to improve the quality of life for animals at the shelter waiting for their forever homes. Providing colorful, cheerful spaces where potential adopters and shelter animals can get to know one another would have made our parents very happy.”
June 9 ribbon-cutting at the Hanover County Animal Protection Shelter, celebrating improvements funded by the late Phyllis and Albert Bishop. (Photo: Hanover County Government)
Jeffrey S. Parker, chief of Animal Protection in Hanover, said he was endlessly thankful for the Bishops' kindness.
“This gift allows us to create a more comfortable and enriching environment — not just for the animals in our care, but for those hoping to welcome a new pet into their lives,” he said. “Additionally, the trailer will enable us to respond more efficiently to large-scale animal cruelty cases, instead of loading supplies into multiple trucks.”
