True to its founder’s love of animals, nearly a century later See Ya Later Ranch winery continues to help those who can’t speak for themselves.
Ranch reps were at the South Okanagan Similkameen branch of the SPCA in Penticton Wednesday to drop off another cheque, this time in the amount of just over $1,100.
“The total donations are in the tens of thousands of dollars,” said Stephanie Salsnek of See Ya Later Ranch, tallying up the amount of money donated since the program started over a decade ago.
The money is raised through the sale of the white wine called Jimmy My Pal, the name of Major Hugh Fraser’s beloved pet dog, just one of many canines who came to live at the ranch during his time there and still do. From each bottle of Jimmy My Pal sold at the winery, 50 cents is ear marked for the SPCA.
Fraser, who was described as a colourful character “known to all in the Valley for his philanthropic ways and passion for parties” purchased the land the winery and vineyard are on now near Okanagan Falls in 1920 and lived there for the next 45 years before moving to Penticton.
It was during that time he became a patron of the SPCA, serving as its president for five years.
In addition to the monetary donations, the Ranch also gives homes to some of the SPCA dogs, the latest adoption is Lola, a big, friendly golden retriever who found her forever home there last June. Rosie, a blonde Labrador, also lives at the winery.
Related: See Ya Later Ranch hosting SPCA fundraiser
Also as it did in the past, See Ya Later still caters to the four-legged best friends with visitors welcome to bring their own dogs along to play in the Barking Lot.
There is also a pet cemetery on the property were Fraser’s dogs were given a “grand burial” after their passing, some even including headstones.
The oldest grave marker belongs to Jimmy My Pal who lived from 1917 to 1921.
Related: Paws for a Cause gears up for Penticton event
The small golden dog with wings pictured on the labels of See Ya Later Ranch VQA wines “pays homage to Major Fraser’s beloved pets.”
The winery is currently in its winter season and the tasting room and wine shop, located in the Major’s 1900’s hand-split stone home are open Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting again Feb. 1 where Jimmy My Pal can be purchased in support of the SPCA.
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Mark Brett | Reporter
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