The Greytown SPCA exists today because of one woman’s unwavering love for animals and her fierce determination to protect them.

Sylvan Havemann, affectionately known as the “Greytown animal lady,” was more than just a founder, she was the heart and soul of our shelter. For over 40 years, dedicated every spare moment to the rescue, care, and protection of animals in around Greytown. What started as a few hand-built kennels behind her home, grew into a sanctuary for dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, and the many creatures that crossed her path.

She sacrificed holidays and weekends, always putting the animals first. With no funding and little help in the beginning, Sylvan built the SPCA from scratch because, simply put, the animals needed her. In the early 1980s, she registered the Greytown SPCA and later moved it to Mimosa Farm, a tranquil, tree-lined haven where animals could truly heal and thrive. But Sylvan didn’t just create a shelter, she created a space for people too. A place where families could walk among animals, where children could learn the values of empathy and care, and where every interaction reminded us that kindness matters.

As a single mother of two, Sylvan juggled raising her children, working full-time, studying law, and running the SPCA, all with grit and grace. She gave 100% of to the animals. They were her family too. Because of Sylvan, every tail has a chance to wag again.