Supporting SPCA for almost 50 years and counting!

A lifelong love of animals

Pauline has had animals in her life as long as she can remember.

Growing up, her family had a cat, a Corgi, a Foxy cross, an Angora goat (she lived to 21 years), and a budgie.

Pauline was much younger than her siblings, so animals were her playmates, and she loved them like they were her siblings.

Now, with her husband, Bryce, they love a cat, a dog, and two birds. Animals are a huge part of their lives. Pauline says, “They are such good company, such a comfort when comfort is needed, and my dog Jake gets me out walking every day. My husband and I have no children, so I like to fuss over animals - they are quite spoilt!”

A lifelong commitment to SPCA

Pauline has supported SPCA for almost 50 years! Incredible!

Her interest started which she was a child after reading “Pause” magazine (SPCA’s supporter magazine in the 1950s). In 1979 Pauline joined SPCA’s committee at the former Waihi branch, and held multiple roles – Treasurer, Inspector, Kennel Worker, and Fundraiser – until 2007 when she retired. That’s a long time!

Pauline recalls that team members supported each other through the harder callouts when she worked as an Inspector. It was very important to debrief before going to an address and again afterwards, for any learning they could take from it. She also found it was crucial to see the funny side of some the situations too, otherwise it would make the job harder.

The biggest highlight though, was seeing sick injured, abused, and vulnerable animals thriving in their news homes. “It brought such joy seeing these neglected and abused animals being rehomed with people and families who were going to love and care for them”.

A commitment that leaves a legacy

Pauline and Bryce decided to name the SPCA as the sole benefactor in their Wills. They don’t have children, and they want their lifelong love of animals to continue past their lifetime.

They believe in the work SPCA does and want their legacy to help fight for animal welfare and protect all animals.

“Over the decades, we have seen all the changes regarding laws protecting animals, and how SPCA has advocated for different animal issues. It is just wonderful watching SPCA stand up for all these unloved, neglected, and abused animals and hearing about them finding new homes. We want SPCA to continue their work and advocacy in fighting for all animals, and we know our gifts in our Wills will help with that”.

Thank you so much, Pauline, for all your almost 50 years of support and dedication to SPCA, and your lifetime of love for animals.

It is only because of Giving Hearts members like you and Pauline that SPCA can help and support the vulnerable animals that we do. We are privileged to share the impact these special gifts make. Your gifts in Wills are our lifeblood to giving these vulnerable animals the second chance at life they deserve. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much.