A few months ago, the BC SPCA took over the care of 27 horses that had been living in an open field and suffering from neglect. Sadly, the horses were not only in need of critical medical care and nourishment, they were also in need of love. Cases of neglect on this scale can incur exceptional costs – from transport and boarding to medical care as the horses are nursed back to health. The BC SPCA is fortunate that someone, or rather someone’s legacy, came to the rescue.
Dr. Joan Tailyour, one of the first female veterinarians in Canada, was born in Edmonton, Alberta and raised in the Okanagan Valley. Following a long family tradition of Military service, Joan enlisted as an Officer in the women’s division of the RCAF in 1942.
After several wartime postings, Joan was discharged and attended the Ontario Veterinary College, graduating with a D.V.M. in 1950. She then spent many years with the Health of Animals Branch in Ottawa. In addition to being a world traveler, she was an active and competitive horsewoman throughout her life, and became well-known across Canada for her riding skills and her knowledge about horses.
Eventually Dr. Tailyour retired to Kelowna, yet her love for animals, especially horses, endured. Upon her peaceful passing at age 102, a memorial fund was created in order to assist others in promoting and preserving the well-being of animals in British Columbia.
Though Dr. Tailyour is no longer able to care for animals in-person, her legacy will continue through a generous endowment fund she created with the Central Okanagan Foundation. The foundation, which thoughtfully stewards the endowment fund, gifted the BC SPCA $20,000 to aid in the rehabilitation of these recently seized horses. We are sincerely grateful to both the Central Okanagan Foundation and Dr. Tailyour for their amazing support. Because of them, many of the horses have been given a second chance at a life they deserve.
For more information on our Generosity in Action program, please contact Erin Walkey, Director of Philanthropy, Revenue Development 1-800-665-1868.