I cannot disagree with the sentiment of our subject line. There is nothing more telling about a society than how it treats the most vulnerable. In this case, we are talking about our animals, also referred to as companions, pets, man’s best friend, emotional support, and so forth.
The unconditional and unwavering devotion of animals, in particular dogs, is boundless. Not one single day has elapsed without thoughts of our dearly departed, faithful friends – Lola, Luca, Daisy, and Mickey. We are fortunate to encounter these furry comrades via pictures, stories, and treasured moments. However, their loss requires a resilience reserved for the sanguine among us, those whose core avoids isolation and embraces hopeful perspectives.
It is to these kind souls, we, The Pear Tree Project, have dedicated this newsletter; the rescue shelters, and how they began their mission, and the women behind the movement. We are better because of them and that is the triple truth, Ruth.
How did the dog rescue movement begin?
1824: The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is formed in Britain, giving birth to an organized welfare group for dogs. This sets the foundation for a shift in people’s perspective about dogs.
1866: The SPCA makes its way to the US. Henry Bergh forms the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Most people ridicule and oppose him, or simply show indifference towards animal welfare, but the ASPCA continues to grow.
1869: The very first official animal shelter in the country is formed by the Women’s SPCA of Pennsylvania.
1877: The American Humane Association is formed.
1954: The Humane Society of the United States is formed.
1960s and 1970s: Private animal shelters are formed in addition to the municipal ones available in an effort to bring in strays and find them homes. Public opinion about strays starts to shift and people begin to view them as potential pets rather than public health hazards.
Let’s take a little deeper dive into first haven.
Caroline Earl White started the first US animal shelter in 1869, along with a group of 30 female animal activists. White and a small group of women started by addressing the mistreatment of carriage horses in Philadelphia in the 1800’s. Horses were not seen as pets, but as a means of transportation. The women could not stand by any longer and see the gentle animals mistreated.
“Animals have certain rights, as inalienable as those of man to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said White.
Through fundraisers and hard work, the women were able to build 35 drinking fountains throughout Philadelphia for horses and small animals. In addition, they created horse watering station carts that offered free water to working horses. Many of the fountains are still standing and in use today.
Within a year of first speaking up for carriage horses, the women founded the first U.S. animal shelter. The Women’s Branch of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in Philadelphia and took in stray dogs and cats. In addition to helping the stray animals find their owners or new homes, the women believed that educating people was the “best weapon against animal abuse”.
They established the first humane education program, “The Band Of Mercy,” that taught children to be kind to animals and report abuse.
The shelter is still operating today but under a different name, Women’s Animal Center, and moved to a larger facility in Bensalem, PA. The shelter continues the legacy of their founder by providing education programs to teach people how to humanely care for pets. April 14, 2019 marked 150 years that the first shelter opened its doors. CEO Catherine Malkemes and Suzanne L. Bush, president of the board of directors, celebrated by recognizing the amazing work of the original founders.
Dog shelters are complex and multilayered. Many of them are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of dogs entering through their doors or rescued from deplorable conditions.
There are rescues dedicated to larger breed dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with disabilities. However, puppies by far, are the most sought after. To our dismay, many dogs enter shelter life and never leave, (high-kill).
Thankfully, foster homes are now implemented as an alternative to lingering in dog cages. The benefit of foster homes is multifold, dogs are socialized, house trained, receive medical attention and care, and most of all they have the opportunity to destress, (shelter life is not easy).
If you have the means and are committed to bettering the life of an animal, please adopt.
“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.“
Did You Know? In 2025, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters, with 4.2 million being adopted. Large dogs continue to be the slowest-moving population in shelters. Euthanasia rates have generally declined in the past five years, dropping from 13% in 2019 to 8% in 2024.