New name, logo and board for Chester animal shelter

After 15 years as The Animal Rescue and Protection Society of Chester, TARPS has changed its name to  Webster’s House Animal Shelter, unveiled a new logo and elected a new board of directors.

The animal shelter, located at 1758 Route 103S in Chester, is primarily a cat facility although it does take in various other small animals. The name Webster’s House Animal Shelter represents what the shelter considers an important part of its mission. Special needs, injured or chronically ill animals that might be euthanized at another shelter will be given a chance of life at Webster’s House.

What began as the Webster Fund for cats that need extra medical care or long term health care became the genesis of the shelter’s name. It reflects the original reason for starting the shelter — a lone animal that was scheduled for euthanization that a group of concerned volunteers tried unsuccessfully to save. This laid the foundation of their shelter, which went on to save hundreds of other animals that could have suffered the same fate.

Early in March, a new volunteer board of directors took their seats to steer Webster’s House for the next few years. The newly elected president is Mary Findley, a Springfield resident. Filling out the board is Matt Morrill, vice president, from Rockingham; Springfield resident Charlie Kramp is treasurer; Remington Fecteau from Charlestown, N.H., is secretary; and Lore Higgins from Milford, Ct., and Betsy Perry from Grafton are directors.

When asked about the name change, shelter manager Mary Donaldson said, “It reflects a very important part of our mission and highlights our commitment to stray and abandoned animals that other shelters might not be willing to invest in. I’m very excited to have the fresh energy of the new board and passion they bring to the table. Their enthusiasm is contagious, so I already feel energized.”

The shelter asks the public’s patience during the change over. For more information call Webster’s House Animal Shelter at 802-875-7777 or visit its new facebook page at www.facebook.com/WebstersHouse.