Beautiful Memories

Two Local Heroes Help Honour Many Others

Passion flows naturally from impact and outcomes. Having a vision – taking the time to think about not only what we have done in the past but what we can do in the future is a threshold statement for two of our donors.

Both companies, Alpha Masonry and Bardal Funeral Homes, had a vision that they wanted to achieve. While one company came to us with an innovative idea they would like to fund, the other company listened to our idea and decided to build it. Both visionaries – both committed – and both offering our shelter a way to memorialize the very special people and pets we have cherished and loved .

Alpha Masonry and owner Gus Kourtoulus have restored the Legislative Building, refurbished the Golden Boy and other large projects such as the new Hydro building, new stadium, Wesley Hall, and R.R.C.C. downtown campus. Despite his very busy schedule, our idea of building a permanent structure to recognize those who have left a bequest of $10,000 or more to the animals was something he wanted to commit to. Bequests left to the shelter are very, very special to us. It is the highest honour indeed to be named in someone’s will and to know the animals have not been forgotten. Gus and his company chose to support this effort and we are forever grateful for the wonderful outdoor gathering area for which the beautiful stone hearth is the centerpiece. Gus took our vision and turned it into a reality – a beautiful one and one that will provide many reflective moments for the years to come.

While Gus supported our vision, Kevin Sweryd of Bardal Funeral Homes came to us with his own vision. While attending a conference in another province, Kevin realized that there was no pet scattering gardens in Winnipeg. His thought was, what better place than The Winnipeg Humane Society to be a permanent resting place for part or all of a beloved pet’s ashes? As Kevin explained, “often people take a pet’s ashes to the lake or bury them in the back yard – and then move”. His idea of providing a permanent resting place where you know you can visit may offer comfort and peace of mind for those bereaved pet owners. The WHS thought this was a lovely idea and Kevin moved forward to design and build a Pet Scattering Garden on our property. Kevin not only designed and built our garden, but has undergone a promise for its on-going upkeep. Both gentlemen recognized the importance of remembrance and of giving back.

Both gentlemen are animal lovers whose past and present animal companions have helped give meaning to their lives. We are forever grateful for people like Gus and Kevin who bring to us new ideas, who help us fulfill our own dreams and whose support we know we can count on.

Yes – The WHS is all about the animals in need – but it’s also about the memories of our loved ones who loved those animals and the beloved companion animals themselves who are no longer with us.

Thank you Gus Kourtoulous and Kevin Sweryd for providing us with structures where we can cherish memories.

Please note: The Pet Memorial Scattering Garden is by appointment only. Please call 982-2041 for further information.