PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Humane Society will rename its animal shelter the Dr. John C. Reynolds Adoption and Education Center in honor of the late veterinarian. 

 

Dr. Reynolds died last December in a kayaking accident but his family announced on Tuesday that it will gift the shelter $500,000 in response its "Forever Family" fundraising campaign with a challenge to the community to match this amount. 

 

The $1 million raised will secure rights to name the animal shelter at 214 Barker Road.

 

"We were blessed to know Dr. Reynolds as a veterinarian, Berkshire Humane Society Board of Directors member and a friend," said Executive Director John Perreault. "His death was a shock to us and to many people in the community. We miss him and are grateful to Dr. Reynolds' family for honoring him in such a meaningful way while providing the opportunity for others to do so as well."

 

Dr. Reynolds was closely associated with Berkshire Humane Society since he established Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital in 1996. He became a member of the society's board of directors in 2012 and four years later was named Berkshire Humane Society Volunteer of the Year.

 

"Having this shelter named after Dr. Reynolds would have meant the world to him," Perreault said. "It will carry on his significant legacy for many years to come."

 

Each donation to the Dr. John C. Reynolds Adoption and Education Center will be matched, dollar for dollar, doubling each gift's impact.

 

The Forever Family Campaign seeks to raise a total of $3.5 million to secure a better future for homeless animals and pet lovers in and around Berkshire County. The campaign is accepting donations to create a strong endowment, expand and update the 22-year-old animal shelter at 214 Barker Road and invest in programs to save pet lives.

 

More information on how to contribute to the Dr. John C. Reynolds Adoption and Education Center fund can be found here.