The SPCA Swift Current is honoured to recognize a remarkable legacy of compassion through a generous $60,000 donation from Jim Pratt, who has sponsored the Cat Atrium in memory of his late wife, Bev. Pratt (1953–2016). The space will proudly bear the dedication "In Memory of Bev. Pratt."

Jim shared that the period in Bev’s name was intentional, the way she always wrote it, just as intentional as the way she cared for cats.

Known by many as the "Kitten Whisperer," Bev. devoted countless hours to fostering orphaned and vulnerable kittens through the SPCA. Fellow volunteers remember that whenever bottle babies arrived needing around-the-clock care, Bev. would take them first. She would wake several times throughout the night to feed newborn kittens, providing the constant care they needed to survive. Once they were eating on their own and no longer dependent on the bottle, she would call another volunteer to take over their care working as a team and making room in her home for the next litter of fragile newborns that needed saving.

One volunteer who worked alongside Bev. recalled: "She loved her baby kittens and was so sad if one didn't make it. She had a tough exterior but a heart of gold. Bev. was a workhorse. You could always rely on her to show up and do the work. She was an amazing person."

The new Cat Atrium is a fitting tribute to her legacy. Designed as a bright, welcoming space where cats and kittens can heal, socialize, and prepare for adoption, it will help provide the best possible start for thousands of future animals as they begin their journey toward loving homes.

Jim's gift is more than a sponsorship of a room - it is an investment in the future of animal welfare across Southwest Saskatchewan and a lasting tribute to a woman whose compassion continues to inspire others.

The SPCA Swift Current extends its heartfelt gratitude to Jim Pratt for ensuring that Bev.'s love for cats will continue to make a difference for generations to come.

As Jim so beautifully described her, she truly was a "Cat Lover Forever."

SPCA Swift Current is incredibly grateful to SouthWest Paving and the John and Iris Slusar Family for paving the area that will become a new dog run and play space at the Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter.

This generous contribution brings us one step closer to our $7.5 million Homeward Bound Capital Campaign goal, meaning we are now $20,000 closer to paving the path home for animals in need across Southwest Saskatchewan.

SouthWest Paving has been a longtime friend of the SPCA, generously supporting improvements to the kennels at our current shelter and once again stepping forward to invest in the future of animal welfare in our region. Their commitment to giving back to the community is truly inspiring.

Thanks to community-minded businesses like SouthWest Paving, future shelter dogs will have a safe place to stretch their legs, play, decompress, and simply enjoy being dogs while they wait for their forever homes.

SPCA Swift Current is incredibly grateful to announce a generous $50,000 gift from the Garcia family in support of the Homeward Bound capital campaign to help build the Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter.

The donation will sponsor the shelter’s Whelping Room, which will be named Tata’s Treehouse in memory of Francisco Garcia’s late father, Carlos. The name honours a man who loved animals and reflects the Garcia family’s commitment to creating a brighter future for vulnerable pets in southwest Saskatchewan.

Tata’s Treehouse will provide a safe, quiet, and supportive environment for mother dogs and their puppies during one of the most vulnerable stages of life. The dedicated space has been thoughtfully designed to support comfort, healing, and healthy beginnings while allowing staff and volunteers to provide specialized care when it is needed most.

The gift is particularly meaningful given Francisco’s background in medicine and the family’s longstanding commitment to community service. Creating environments where individuals can heal and thrive is a principle that extends beyond healthcare and is reflected in the care animals will receive at the new shelter.

The Garcia family has also been actively involved in supporting the Swift Current community through volunteerism and charitable giving. Tara’s commitment to local organizations has positively impacted numerous community initiatives over the years, and this donation is another reflection of the family’s dedication to giving back.

As devoted pet owners, the Garcia family understands the powerful bond between people and animals. Their support will help ensure countless dogs and puppies receive the care, safety, and compassion they need as they begin their journey toward loving homes.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Garcia family for their generosity and support of our new shelter,” said SPCA Swift Current President David Zammit. “Tata’s Treehouse will have a lasting impact on the lives of animals in our care, and it is a wonderful tribute to Carlos’s memory and love of animals.”

The donation will help SPCA Swift Current continue building a modern shelter designed to better serve animals and the community for generations to come.

To learn more about the Homeward Bound campaign, sponsorship opportunities, or leaving a legacy gift, visit www.spcahomewardbound.ca or contact info@spcaswiftcurrent.ca

The SPCA Swift Current is proud to announce that the Homeward Bound Capital Campaign has officially surpassed $5.5 million toward its $7.5 million goal for the new Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter.

This significant milestone represents the collective generosity of hundreds of donors, businesses, service clubs, foundations, volunteers, and animal lovers who have come together to support one of the largest animal welfare projects ever undertaken in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Construction of the new shelter is nearing completion, and the facility is already transforming from a vision into a reality. Once opened, the shelter will dramatically expand the SPCA's capacity to care for animals, increasing space from 14 dog kennels and 56 cat kennels to accommodate 33 dogs and 150+ cats. The new facility will also feature dedicated adoption spaces, improved quarantine, isolation and veterinary centre areas, enhanced animal enrichment opportunities, modern building systems, and a welcoming environment for adopters, volunteers, and visitors.

While reaching $5.5 million is a major achievement, $2 million remains to be raised before the project can be fully realized. The remaining funds will be used to furnish and equip the new shelter and crematorium, purchase stainless steel cat kennels and specialized animal care and veterinary equipment, outfit staff and volunteer spaces, and help ensure the facility can sustainably operate at its expanded capacity to care for more animals in need. These final investments are essential to transforming the building into a fully functional animal shelter capable of serving the region for generations to come.

Community members who would like to support the campaign can contribute at a variety of levels. Donations of $1,000 or more receive permanent recognition on the Founding Donor Wall, while gifts of $5,000 and above qualify for elevated Companion Level recognition. Limited room naming opportunities for larger gifts also remain available for individuals, families, and businesses wishing to leave a lasting legacy within the new shelter.

The Homeward Bound Capital Campaign continues to be entirely community funded, and every contribution helps bring the finish line closer. As construction progresses toward completion, the SPCA Swift Current invites the community to join in helping fetch the final $2 million needed to fully open the doors of the Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter and create a lasting impact on animal welfare across Southwest Saskatchewan.

To learn more or make a donation, visit spcahomewardbound.ca.

SPCA Swift Current is pleased to recognize Barbara Lindsay for her generous sponsorship of the Reception Area within the new Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter as part of the Homeward Bound Capital Campaign.

Barb’s gift is a meaningful tribute to the memory of her late partner, Denis, and their beloved dog Chaz, who was a cherished member of their family for 14 years. Inspired by the unconditional love pets provide and the important role they play in our lives, Barb chose to support a space that will help create a welcoming experience for animals and the people who care about them.

The Reception Area will be one of the first spaces visitors encounter when entering the new shelter and represents a significant improvement over the current facility. At the existing shelter, reception functions are often carried out within a small, multi-purpose space that must accommodate a variety of activities at once. The new Reception Area has been thoughtfully designed to provide a more welcoming, organized, and private environment for adopters, pet owners, volunteers, donors, and community members. By creating a calmer and more functional first point of contact, the new reception area will help improve the experience for both people and animals while allowing staff and volunteers to better serve the community.

Barb’s contribution to SPCA Swift Current extends well beyond this sponsorship. As a former volunteer member of the Board of Directors and a dedicated volunteer, she has long supported the organization's mission and remains passionate about animal welfare and the volunteers who make the SPCA’s work possible.

Through this sponsorship, the memories of Denis and Chaz will continue to be reflected in a space that will welcome thousands of visitors for years to come. Their legacy will help create positive first impressions, meaningful connections, and brighter futures for animals across Southwest Saskatchewan.

SPCA Swift Current extends its sincere gratitude to Barbara Lindsay for helping make the Homeward Bound vision a reality.

The SPCA Swift Current is pleased to announce that the Cat Adoption Centre within the new Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter has received a significant sponsorship from a generous donor.

Designed to create a brighter, more enriching future for cats in Southwest Saskatchewan, the Cat Adoption Centre includes three interconnected spaces - the Community Cat Play Room, Cat Plaza, and Cat Atrium. Together, these areas will provide cats with more room to move, play, explore, socialize, and simply be themselves while they wait for their forever homes.

A major improvement over the current shelter is the addition of six large cat suites. These suites provide extra space for cats who need a quieter environment, are staying longer, or would benefit from additional room to relax. They also allow bonded pairs, siblings, and companion cats to remain together, reducing stress and improving their chances of being adopted together.

Features such as natural light, heated floors, improved airflow, larger living spaces, and dedicated enrichment areas will help keep cats comfortable, healthy, and engaged while in our care.

The new space will also enhance the adoption experience for visitors. Volunteers and families will be able to spend meaningful time with cats in welcoming, interactive environments where personalities can shine. Rather than viewing cats only through kennel bars, adopters will have opportunities to see them playing, relaxing, and interacting naturally, helping create stronger connections and better adoption matches.

Together, these spaces will allow the shelter to care for more cats, improve animal wellbeing, reduce stress, and increase adoption success while fostering meaningful connections between animals and the people who will welcome them home.

As the Homeward Bound Capital Campaign continues, community support remains essential to furnishing, equipping, and sustainably operating the new facility. The SPCA Swift Current extends its sincere appreciation to this donor for helping create a brighter future for cats and the families who will one day welcome them home.

If you are interested in learning more about naming opportunities email info@spcahomewardbound.ca

SPCA Swift Current is proud to recognize W.W. Smith Insurance Inc. for their generous support of the Homeward Bound Capital Campaign through sponsorship of one of the staff offices in the new shelter facility.

W.W. Smith Insurance has been a longtime supporter of SPCA Swift Current and has continued to step up for animals in need through many of the organization’s fundraising initiatives over the years. From supporting popular events like Cupcake Day and the adorable SPCA Pet Calendars, to contributing to the annual Radiothon fundraiser, their ongoing commitment has helped make a meaningful impact in the community.

This year, the organization’s longtime Radiothon fundraiser is being reimagined and expanded into the new “Cause for the Paws” event - an expanded community fundraising initiative designed to bring together businesses, supporters, and animal lovers from across the region in support of the SPCA and the Homeward Bound project.

While adoption spaces and animal care areas are often the most visible parts of a shelter, dedicated staff workspaces are equally important to daily operations. Private office areas allow staff to coordinate adoptions, volunteer schedules, communicate with fosters and partner organizations, manage donations and administrative work, and support the many behind-the-scenes tasks required to keep the shelter running efficiently.

As the new facility continues to take shape, support from businesses like W.W. Smith Insurance is helping ensure the shelter is not only built, but fully equipped to sustainably expand its capacity to care for animals across Southwest Saskatchewan.

Naming opportunities and donor recognition spaces are still available throughout the new facility. For more information email info@spcahomewardbound.ca

As construction nears completion on the new Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter, we were proud to welcome past board members and dedicated supporters for a behind-the-scenes tour this past weekend. The reaction said it all - plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” as guests saw firsthand just how far this project has come.

Among those in attendance were representatives from some of our incredible fundraising partners, including the Rogue Cruisers, ACT, Rusty Cage Fun Run, and Haunted Town - groups that, alongside many others, have played a vital role in supporting the SPCA and helping bring this once-in-a-generation project to life.

We were also honoured to host past board members who have supported the organization over the years. One couple even traveled over four hours to attend — a meaningful reminder that this facility has been years in the making. For many, it represents something they once only hoped for, and their leadership and dedication helped lay the groundwork to make it a reality today.

During the tour, guests explored features that will transform animal care in Southwest Saskatchewan, including:

• Expanded capacity to serve more animals

• Separate, purpose-built spaces to reduce stress and improve quality of life

• Dedicated quarantine and isolation areas with improved air handling

• Enhanced meet-and-greet spaces for better adoption experiences

• Improved staff and volunteer areas for efficiency and safety

• On-site veterinary care for faster treatment and recovery

These upgrades mark a major step forward — for both the animals in our care and the people who support them. 

As we the building nears completion, we are offering a limited number of private tours for individuals, families, and businesses interested in becoming part of this project. These tours are designed for those considering becoming Founding Donors or exploring room naming opportunities - and who want to see firsthand how their support can shape the future of animal welfare in our region. Walking through the space brings the impact to life.

• Founding Donors ($1,000+) receive permanent recognition on the donor wall

• Contributions starting at $10,000+ may be eligible for dedicated space and room naming opportunities
  
  

This is your opportunity to be part of a lasting legacy within a facility that will serve animals and our community for years to come.  Be part of the journey.

To arrange a tour, please contact: info@spcahomewardbound.ca

The SPCA Swift Current is excited to share a look into the future Robert M. Dahl Family Adoption Centre - a dedicated adoption space within the new Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter designed to help animals connect with their future families.

This space has been made possible through a truly significant gift, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity behind it. This contribution will have a lasting impact on animals and our community across Southwest Saskatchewan for years to come.

The Adoption Centre is thoughtfully designed to be bright, welcoming, and low-stress for both animals and people. With 21 dog suites, six communal cat suites, and capacity for more than 50 cat kennels - along with meet-and-greet and play areas - this space will support hundreds of successful adoptions each year.

Features such as natural light, enhanced air filtration, heated floors, and carefully planned layouts will create a calmer environment, improving both animal well-being and the overall adoption experience.

This marks a significant step forward from our current space, allowing us to better support adopters, volunteers, and staff while helping more animals find safe, loving homes.

Spaces like this are made possible through the generosity of donors who are helping bring the Homeward Bound Campaign to life - one space at a time.

If you are interested in learning more about naming opportunities or supporting this project, we would love to connect with you. 

The SPCA Swift Current is proud to recognize Caroll Wallace, a former board member and long-time supporter, for her generous gift of over $20,000 to the Homeward Bound - A Community Journey for Paws in Need capital campaign.

Caroll has been part of the SPCA Swift Current family for many years. She played an active role during a previous chapter of growth - including involvement in the capital efforts surrounding the SPCA Bookstore - and is now once again helping shape the future of animal welfare in our community.

Her recent gift supports the Dog Kitchen in the new Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter, and is made in honour of her beloved dog, Fred. Caroll adopted Fred from the SPCA in 2005 when he was four years old. He remained by her side until his passing in 2022, living a life filled with love - the kind every animal deserves.

The Dog Kitchen will be a vital part of daily shelter operations, providing a dedicated space for food preparation, organization, and sanitation. Caroll’s gift is a beautiful example of how donors can honour the animals who have impacted their lives while helping create better outcomes for those still waiting.

Because of supporters like Caroll, the Homeward Bound Campaign continues to gain momentum - turning a long-held vision into a reality that will serve animals and our community for generations to come.

If you have a beloved pet you would like to honour, we would be honoured to help you create a lasting tribute while making a meaningful difference for animals in need.

Together, we are building a future where every animal has a chance at a safe, healthy, and loving life.

The SPCA Swift Current is proud to recognize Keri Fisher and Sean Rhoads for their generous $25,000 donation to the Homeward Bound capital campaign. Their contribution secures the naming rights to the Kitty Kitchen in the new Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter.

Keri, originally from Swift Current, and her husband Sean have long supported the SPCA. This year, they chose to deepen that support in a meaningful way - helping bring an essential space within the new shelter to life.

The Kitty Kitchen will play a vital role in the daily care of animals. It will serve as a dedicated space for food preparation, organization, and sanitation - improving efficiency for staff and volunteers while helping ensure every cat receives proper nutrition and care. With better organization, hygiene, and workflow, this space directly supports healthier outcomes and a higher standard of care for animals during their time at the shelter.

Gifts like Keri and Sean’s are helping turn this once-in-a-generation project into reality. Thanks to the generosity of donors across our community, we are building a facility that will better serve animals in Southwest Saskatchewan.

If you’ve been considering getting involved, now is the time. Become a Founding Donor and leave a lasting mark on this incredible community project.

From all of us at the SPCA Swift Current - thank you to Keri and Sean, and to every donor helping make this vision a reality. Together, we are building something truly special.

Homeward Bound Launch Breakfast a Sold-Out Success

The Swift Current SPCA’s Homeward Bound Campaign Launch Breakfast, held on November 13, 2025 at Living Sky Casino, was a sold-out event with all 250 tickets snapped up by enthusiastic supporters.

During the breakfast, the SPCA proudly announced the official name of the new facility — the Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter — in recognition of the generous bequest from the Estate of Lori Stauber and the ongoing compassion of the Swift Current community.

Tyler Lemieux, SPCA Vice President, spoke about the importance of moving forward with construction now to meet the community’s growing animal care needs. He highlighted the shelter’s focus on sustainability through municipal partnerships, the creation of an on-site crematorium and memorial space, and the critical role of local donors in ensuring a strong, compassionate future for animal welfare in the Southwest.

The SPCA extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended and continue to support this “Community Journey for Paws in Need.”

The event was proudly sponsored by Anderson & Company.

April 2025

We officially broke ground on the Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter on April 26th, 2025. 

This marks the beginning of a transformational new chapter, as our current building is outdated and no longer meeting the needs of the animals, staff, or community. Over the years, the wear and tear have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a clean and healthy environment. 

With shovels in hand, we've taken the first step. We're looking for a few major partners and naming rights to come forward. We'll be sharing updates throughout the community journey for paws in need. 

Thanks to the unwavering support of our volunteer board, generous donors, dedicated staff, and municipal leaders, we are taking bold steps forward. We are deeply grateful for the support of this community and look forward to building something truly special together.