My columns usually focus on human beings, but this time, it’s nice to give a voice to those who don’t have one.
Did you know that former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s dog Yuki was the first rescue dog to live at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?
From what I understand, Yuki was found at a Texas gas station by Johnson. He and the family fell in love with the mixed-breed dog even after Miss Yuki reportedly peed on the Oval Office rug while the Shah of Iran was there on a formal visit.
The actual first rescue shelter dog to live in the White House (2018) was named Major. Former President Joe Biden adopted the German shepherd from the Delaware Humane Association’s shelter.
Closer to home, the Humane Society for Greater Nashua is a very active animal shelter that serves 16 communities where people can adopt dogs, cats, kittens, puppies and small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and reptiles.
The non-profit, located at 24 Ferry Road in Nashua, has been around for 125 years! That’s impressive, and so are the good deeds of the organization.
In 2024 alone, more than 500 animals were adopted there, and 122 animals (110 dogs and 12 cats) were saved from high-kill shelters in the South.
The Humane Society for Greater Nashua also does a lot more than animal surrender and adoption.
The organization also offers excellent veterinary services, affordable spay and neuter surgeries, vaccine clinics, canine training classes, kids’ programs and burial and cremation services.
Of course, like many nonprofits and businesses, when you’re thriving, you will eventually need more space. The current facility is almost 50 years old.
The Humane Society for Greater Nashua is hoping the 16 communities it serves in the Greater Nashua area will help it reach the final leg of its capital campaign. The organization is excited about the construction of a 10,000-square-foot building expansion and renovations to the existing shelter.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in November. Warrenstreet Architects, Inc. of Concord has designed the new state-of-the-art facility, and Harvey Construction of Bedford will manage its construction.
Doug Barry, the CEO and president of the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, has said the needs of Nashua and the area are growing, and he would like to see this vision come to life.
“Once this building is built, we’ll probably be one of the biggest humane societies or animal-related facilities in New Hampshire.”
The Humane Society for Greater Nashua is almost there, having raised more than $7.5 million toward its $9.6 million project.
The fine folks at the nonprofit are hoping the community can help them “unlock the $1 million match.”
“Thanks to the generosity of a few anonymous donors, $1 million of the funds raised will be unlocked when we receive another $1 million in donations,” says its website.
To learn more about this wonderful organization or to support its capital campaign, visit www.hsfn.org/support-our-expansion or call them at 603-889-2275.
In the meantime, the city recently held its 113th Inauguration at the Nashua Center for the Arts, where New Hampshire Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander presided as the master of ceremonies. Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess, Corporation Counsel Steve Bolton and newly elected and returning city officials gathered for the event, which was free and open to the public.
Nashua’s Board of Aldermen for 2026: President Lori Wilshire, Vice President Ben Clemons, Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’Brien, Sr., Alderwoman-at-Large Shoshanna Kelly, Alderwoman-at-Large Alicia Gregg, Alderwoman-at-Large Amber Morgan and Ward Aldermen, Stephen Chess, Richard S. Dowd, Patricia Klee, Thomas Lopez, Paula Johnson, Vengerflutta Smith, Tim Sennott, Derek Thibeault and John Sullivan.
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