Shelter Manager Surprised With Kindness During Hard Time

Nicole Swartzentruber didn't see it coming. The animal care manager at Stratford Perth Humane Society, who spends her days caring for abandoned animals and supporting overwhelmed colleagues, became the one being cared for.

Nicole's job stretches far beyond its official description. She oversees cleaning, feeding, and enrichment for every animal at the shelter while managing foster programs and supporting both animal services officers and the medical team.

As the only manager regularly on site in Stratford, Ontario, she also handles administrative work and jumps in wherever gaps appear. Her colleagues say her real superpower is simpler: she makes time to listen when someone needs to talk or share a laugh.

That steadiness became even more precious recently. Nicole lost someone close to her, and the weight of grief made her already demanding days harder.

A colleague noticed. Wanting to show Nicole how valued she is during this difficult chapter, they secretly nominated her for StratfordToday's Random Acts of Kindness program.

The surprise hit hard. StratfordToday arrived with gift cards for dinners out and a bouquet of flowers, thanking Nicole for being the steady presence everyone relies on.

"I was shocked. I was overcome with emotion," Nicole said. "I'm touched and humbled."

Sunny's Take

For someone who gives so much, being recognized felt unexpected. Nicole didn't become an animal care manager for awards or attention.

"Animals have always been my passion," she explained. "They have no voice and they need somebody to advocate for them. That's what I'm here for."

The gesture reminded her that while she advocates for animals who can't speak for themselves, her colleagues see her advocacy too. They notice the extra hours, the patient listening, the willingness to help when everyone else is stretched thin.

"To know that somebody from this organization felt that I deserve recognition is very humbling," she said. "I feel blessed to work here every day."

The surprise was made possible by Bentley's Bar Inn & Restaurant, Fellini's Italian Cucina, and Zehrs Stratford. Their sponsorship gave Nicole's colleague the chance to turn appreciation into action.

Sometimes the people holding everything together need someone to hold them up too.