Most know about the very special place that we call the MetroWest Humane Society over on Pond Street in Ashland. A place that has long served various cats in search of their forever homes. However, the MWHS is more than just a building that takes in little felines; its mission is to advocate for animal welfare while focusing on the well-being of cats in the MetroWest Boston area, including finding loving homes or providing lifelong care, while educating the community and reducing the feral/stray cat population. And now, in 2026, this incredible, volunteer-run organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary. 

Board members Maria Balzarini and Carol Shapiro were more than happy to share the story of what is now the MetroWest Humane Society, which began on September 14, 1976, when a small group of devoted animal lovers came together to form the Framingham Animal Humane Society. Their mission was simple: help local cats and dogs in need and find them loving homes. Without a shelter of their own, volunteers opened their basements, attics, and spare rooms to animals in need. It was challenging work, but the commitment of those early volunteers never wavered. By the 1980s, the organization had begun focusing heavily on feral cats, including a large colony rescued from Union Avenue in Framingham in 1985. Volunteers learned as they went, even gathering around Board President Carol Marchione’s dining room table to figure out how to syringe-feed kittens. It was, as one longtime volunteer remembered, a true labor of love.

As the number of animals needing help grew, so did the organization. In 1985, FAHS moved into the upper floor of Southborough Kennels, where volunteers carried gallons of water up two flights of stairs because there was no running water. The cages were made of chicken wire, but for the volunteers, this was their first real shelter and a major milestone. Nine years later, the organization purchased a small house in Ashland, raising money through countless events and fundraisers. The cats were housed on one floor, with volunteers building cages themselves from wood and chicken wire. The space quickly filled, sometimes with more than 100 cats in the shelter, but once again, the volunteers made it work. Looking back, those early years were filled with challenges, creativity, and plenty of hard work—but above all, they were built on a shared belief that every animal deserved a chance. 

By 2000, the rescue work had expanded well beyond Framingham, and the Board of Directors decided that a new name was in order. On Jan. 1, 2001, the Framingham Animal Humane Society officially became the MetroWest Humane Society. In 2003, Sheryl Merchant became the Board President and continued to grow the organization.

In 2007, a generous donation, combined with a successful fundraising campaign, made it possible to completely renovate and expand the building at 30 Pond Street, increasing it from one floor to three. The project created the shelter that exists today, including an isolation room, kitten room, an office, a store, and spacious free-roaming areas. The entire third floor was dedicated to shy and feral cats, giving even more animals a safe and comfortable place to heal, grow, and find their way home.

Over the past two decades, MWHS has continued to evolve through changes in leadership, volunteers, and staff. After the unexpected passing of Sheryl Merchant in 2015, her dear friend and longtime Board member Leslie Croci-Reed became Board President and shepherded MWHS into its fifth decade. When Leslie and her daughter relocated out of state in 2022, the Board elected Maria Balzarini as MWHS President. 

The organization’s incredibly generous donors have helped fund the shelter and program operations every year and always step up whenever there is a special need, such as when an animal requires complicated surgery to recover from a life-threatening injury or condition. The volunteers are the most loving, compassionate individuals who selflessly do whatever it takes to improve the lives of the cats. The dedicated shelter staff keeps the shelter running smoothly and ensures the best quality of life for every cat. Of course, the compassionate veterinarians and their wonderful staffs have supported MWHS throughout the years, and MWHS is most grateful for their work – without them, far fewer cats would have been saved. MWHS Boards of Directors have provided the leadership needed to steer MWHS through a rapidly changing world and has guided MWHS to where it is today. And of course, MWHS is most grateful for the support from the community. MWHS started with a small dream, has grown through time, and is still going strong because of all the people who have helped. 

And for the future? At MWHS, they will continue tirelessly to rescue, trap, foster, spay, neuter, heal, socialize, care for, love, and find homes for cats in need, helping the community. They hope you will continue to support this vital work. MWHS is looking forward to achieving remarkable things together in the next 50 years!

MWHS needs your help!

To commemorate MetroWest Humane Society’s first 50 years, they plan to create a “History of the MetroWest Humane Society” page on their website, and they would love your help! 

If you have stories, memories, or photographs from your time at MWHS, they would love for you to share them. Please send your stories and/or photos to [email protected]. Thank you for helping tell the MetroWest Humane Society story!