BONNYVILLE - The Bonnyville SPCA celebrated a milestone anniversary on Aug. 23, marking 25 years in the community and opening their doors to the community with an open house event.
Lindsay McNaught, executive director with the SPCA, stated they regularly host an open house at the shelter to show the community their adoptable animals, explain to people how to foster an animal, and to recruit some new volunteers. Several volunteers, board members, and staff were on site to give tours of the facility and answer questions about the animals.
Members of the community stopped in with donations of litter boxes, dog food and leashes. Barbecued hotdogs were being served, and slices of celebration cake were also handed out.
In honour of the work being done by the SPCA, some people gave donations online, or places cash into a donation jar.
McNaught stated the shelter currently has over 50 volunteers.
"They come help out with the cats, or with events and fundraisers. . . People from businesses around the area come walk the dogs at lunch hour," she explains.
The shelter capacity, which holds 16 dogs and around 30 cats is usually full, she noted.
Newly hired staff member Kendra Gogowich stopped by the anniversary celebration because of her love of animals. She wasn't working on Saturday, but she dropped by with her family to be a part of the event.
"I really like working here. It's really nice to see all the animals and I get to pet them while I work."
Those who went inside the shelter were met by Howard, the resident 14-year-old cat who greeted everyone as they entered, and Lalya, a three-legged cat who is recovering from a leg operation.
Burbot, the dog, was also outside to share greetings and accept friendly pets on the head.
While the open house events aim to raise some funds for the shelter, Saturday's event was focused more on celebrating with the community.
Angel Paranteau, kennel attendant, who has worked at the shelter for over two years said, "I love working at the shelter because of the animals and the people who visit." It seemed that everyone in attendance agreed, cats and dogs included.
