Changes are coming to the Nova Scotia SPCA Shelter in Yarmouth.
The provincial organization is overseeing how best to spend an $800,000 bequest from the late Eleanor Dyke.
The Dyke family jewelry store was a prominent fixture on Main Street in Yarmouth for over a hundred years.
Mrs. Dyke’s love for animals was no secret.
A local committee has been formed and will work over the winter months in the planning stages.
Provincial SPCA executive director Elizabeth Murphy says a well-attended meeting recently brought forward some great ideas
including more open space for the animals.
“We have this generous bequest that we are stewarding. We held a meeting at the Yarmouth Library to get public input and engage the public in the
process. I was really pleased. There was a great turnout and some very constructive input. We now have a committee of four people to help us in the process. It is really very important to the Nova Scotia SPCA that the way we utilize this donation, that we are ensuring that we are creating a change that will engage the community and be what the community needs and wants it to be.”
Murphy says the Yarmouth shelter needs more physical space for both animals and people.
“Creating a nice outdoor space would make if more open to volunteers to walk the dogs. We could have some trainers come in. Other suggestions were a “catio” or in-door free roam room and community rooms.”
She says the organization working with the local committee will ensure the money from the bequest is spent in the most cost
effective manner.
