Construction on new UPAWS facility continues

NEGAUNEE/SANDS TOWNSHIP — 2017 has been a busy year for the Upper Peninsula Welfare Shelter. In August, construction began on their new facility.

UPAWS has outgrown their current location in Negaunee, which is almost 40 years old. The organization owns 20 acres in Sands Township for the new shelter and all four walls are expected to be up by the end of this week.

Although many aspects of the way UPAWS operates will need to be adjusted to accommodate for the new space, they hope to move at the end of the coming summer. UPAWS Executive Director Kori Tossava said no other buildings in history have changed as much as animal shelters.

“Unfortunately, back in the day, before, we euthanized them and maybe adopted out a few. Now, we take animal care very, very seriously. Sometimes we have residents with us for a year or more that are just still looking for a home,” she said. “So, it’s really important the we give them quality control, infection control and that we give them a comfortable space.”

The organization has raised $2.8 million of their $3.7 million goal to build the new facility. There are no official fundraising events scheduled until the spring, but donations are always encouraged.

There is still one more day to help UPAWS win the People’s Choice Award from the Petco Foundation’s Holiday Wishes Grant. Click HERE to learn more about the $25,000 grant and click HERE to vote for Kimberly and Ruger’s through Facebook.