Fundraiser in loving memory of James Bennett

On October 28th, 2023, tragedy struck a small town in Saskatchewan and a building fire claimed the life of James and his pets, leaving behind his loving partner of 20 years, friends, farm and family. To honor his memory, I have started this fundraiser with benefit directly to Moose Jaw Humane Society, an organization he respected and adopted from. His partner confirmed this would honor his memory and legacy.

I met James and Sheahan after finally approaching them at auction close to a decade ago; we quickly became friends and spent at least one Sunday a month enjoying tea, (mostly) homemade cookies and amazing conversation for the better part of 7 years. Nothing could have prepared me to hear from Sheahan and get such terrible news.

I don't pretend to know dates and the entirety of James' accomplishments, but what I do know was he spent his life as a veterinarian, helping and treating animals as a soul-led passion. He worked with Regina Humane Society after retiring from his own practice, and saved countless abandoned cats that found their way to their aptly named Broken Cat Farm, to which he arrived in 2010. I also know he was a mentor of mine when it came to what I could do at home for my animals on the farm, he helped me figure out what to ask for and what to have on hand, and he even came to save a stuck kid before I got comfortable pulling my own. My children are lucky to have grown with him through their small years, seeing him at auction, sharing breakfasts and milk and cookies by his side, and I know he did much the same with Sheahan's Grandchildren.

He was also Sheahan's best friend. Their lives were so deeply and comfortably intertwined and I always loved watching their interactions, seeing their dreams unfold and being inspired by their love for life and the farm. They were amazing companions, dedicated and loving, humble and appreciative. Together they raised goats, ducks, geese, chickens, guineas, rode horses, cut hay, restored their land and worked to preserve, increase and maintain habitat for many wild birds and other critters. They rescued cats dumped on their road-side farm and gave them a new lease on life, and cared for their indoor cats and bulldogs with deep love in their hearts.

I hope you will share your stories of James below.

Nothing can fill the void this tragedy has created, however in honor of James and all he was to so many people, I have routed the funds to Moose Jaw Humane Society. Sheahan agreed he would be so happy to see funds directed to them. Donations can also be made directly to MJHS through their website at MJHS.ca and include or mention its in honor of James Bennett. On their website you can choose where you make a direct impact, opting to buy supplies, help spay/neuter or sponsor a pet's adoption. Please consider sharing this to anyone who may contribute. I have set the initial goal for $2,010, inspired by his arrival to the farm and life he so loved.

While I know this tribute doesn't even begin to highlight his accomplishment, I hope it expresses how very much he will be missed and offers some sort of consolation to those grieving him.