A dying wish was fulfilled recently as the Swift Current SPCA saw wagging tails and contented kittens in their new facility thanks to a generous donation from Lori Stauber’s estate. Stauber left approximately $4.5 million for the construction of the new shelter, which now bears her family’s name. The move from the old, deteriorating shelter to the modern Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter marked the realization of Stauber’s vision.
Alicia Smith, a friend of the Stauber family and secretary of the SPCA Swift Current board of directors, expressed how overwhelmed and happy Stauber would have been to see her dream come true. The decision to donate was influenced by Stauber’s concern for the deteriorating conditions of the old shelter, both for the animals and the staff.
The new shelter, with a capacity for 33 dogs and 150 cats, offers modern facilities including separate ventilation quarantine spaces, dog suites with glass windows, cat suites, and designated play areas. Swift Current SPCA’s executive director Cierra Schulman noted positive changes in the animals’ behavior since moving to the new facility.
Despite the completion of the new shelter, fundraising efforts continue for further outfitting, equipping a veterinary hospital, and renovating the old shelter. The plan includes a vet center with a surgical suite for generating revenue and a crematorium for end-of-life pet care. The SPCA also aims to increase municipal funding to enhance their services.
The shelter’s legacy extends beyond its function, with nods to the Stauber family’s pets, such as naming the dog bath “Katie’s Spa” after their late dog and painting the 13th dog kennel green in memory of Lyndon’s Saskatchewan Roughrider fandom. The Stauber Family Memorial Animal Shelter stands as a testament to Lori Stauber’s compassion and commitment to animal welfare.