History

Bide Awhile Animal Shelter was launched in 1969 by a small group of people that recognized a growing problem and took it on. Increasing numbers of stray and abandoned animals were in desperate need of care and safe haven.

In the beginning, Dr. Audrey Shaw, a veterinarian, shared her Spryfield clinic's back room and this small group began sheltering animals in need. Other temporary locations were also used.

In 1972, the six founding members took out a mortgage, enabling the Shelter to make its permanent home on Eaton Avenue in Dartmouth – an act of incredible generosity and dedication that many of us couldn't or wouldn't undertake.

Mrs. Harriet Montgomery, Miss Barbara Bell, Mrs Lorraine Kaplan, Miss Ruth Chisholm, Miss Rosalinde Warren and Miss Grace Burfitt had a dream that "one day, no animal will ever be turned away".

The new space, in a rundown older house was in significant need of repair. Considerable renovations were required to meet acceptable standards. Materials and labour were begged and donated.

Funding was scarce and Mrs. Montgomery, the Shelter's first manager, spent cautiously and saved vigorously.

In the early days, all animal care was provided by volunteers. Many would do a "shift" at the Shelter in their "spare" time after their own day’s work; cleaning kennels, feeding, medicating, scrubbing and fundraising. Animals received individual attention and playtime – important development for successful adoption into a loving home.

Bide Awhile was incorporated as a Society in 1970, allowing the Shelter to conduct professional business. A statement of the Society’s purpose, its Memorandum of Association, was written and by-laws were drafted as required by the Societies Act of Nova Scotia.

More than 30 years later, Bide Awhile is synonymous with compassionate care for animals in our community. The frequently renovated home in Dartmouth now houses paid staff tending to greater numbers of animals in need, with improved care facilities.

Volunteers remain the driving force of the Shelter. Still, animals are turned away as we cannot possibly meet the current critical need. Bide Awhile is committed to finding solutions by working closely with animals and people, and promoting public education and awareness of animal welfare issues in the community.