Dunedin's new-look puppy run, and the donor who made it possible

For over 70 years, Dunedin’s SPCA Centre has worked out of the same building, but in 2019 the Centre finally started the redevelopment and refurbishment it so desperately needed.

Thanks to the late Marjorie Beath’s gift in her Will, the Dunedin Centre has been completed with the refurbishment and expanding of the dog run. The old dog run, alongside the old buildings, had health and safety issues for both dogs and humans and was no longer fit for purpose.

The newly completed puppy run and outdoor area are now finished with a non-porous material, making it easier to clean than the former concrete area. The new floor surface has rubber matting, which makes it kinder on canine paws and far more comfortable for the staff to sit on when socialising and working with canine residents.

The puppy run is now fully covered with a solid wall erected at one end of the area. The extra space enables the staff to exercise the puppies and dogs every day, regardless of the weather. This means that for both the dogs and SPCA team, it is a much safer place with the capacity for movement under shelter that they so desperately needed.

This incredible improvement work was only possible because of Marjorie's kindhearted gift left in her Will. Upon its completion, the Dunedin SPCA team was delighted to welcome her husband Mike and her son Andrew to visit the space she built, and the difference her gift has made to dogs in need. They were onsite to witness the final painting of the puppy run.

While visiting, the pair chatted to our team about Marjorie’s love of animals, and it was wonderful to hear more about her, and how animals played such a key role in her life. Marjorie spent her whole childhood on a sheep farm in Otago, and held onto her love of animals throughout her life, with pets that included a sheep and cats over the years.

Thanks to her wonderful gift in Marjorie’s Will, and to her Mike and Andrew, the Dunedin SPCA Centre now has a puppy run to be proud of, that caters to all of their canine needs. The difference it will make to rescue dogs' time in our care for years to come is immense.

We can’t thank the Beath family enough for their generosity through Marjorie’s gift. Each person’s gift in their Will gives SPCA the chance to makes the changes needed to help support the animals that come through our doors. No matter how small the donation, SPCA are always able to put it to use where our Centres need it the most.

Every gift in a Will can be a lifesaver, a warm blanket, security to an animal. Gifts in Wills enable SPCA to continue helping and protecting animals in need.

If you would like to receive information about leaving a gift in your Will, or you would like to let us know you have left a gift in your Will, please do contact us on 021 598 313 or by email to givinghearts@spca.nz. You can also read more about Gifts in Wills for SPCA, including answers to frequently asked questions over at www.spca.nz/legacy.