Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter

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News & Updates

THANK YOU for your support during our Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign for an Animal Community Center. 

October 2018

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June 2018

MAY 2018

January 2018


12-20-2017

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter would not be here today, or even thinking about a new shelter, without our friends and neighbors. As we get no operational funding from national organizations or from tax dollars, YOUR support is what keeps the homeless animals in our community safe and healthy until they find their forever homes. But now UPAWS needs to retire our 40 year old facility and find OUR new home.

Through the hard work of staff and volunteers, and the commitment and dedication of our friends and neighbors, we have raised over $2.8M toward our $3.7M goal. UPAWS is getting closer to our goal to build an animal shelter that can be more than JUST an animal shelter- it can be an animal community center!

Imagine a beacon of hope for homeless animals.  Imagine a new generation of animal sheltering.  Imagine the PAWSibilities.

TO HELP WITH THIS- Friends of UPAWS have pledged $10,000 for the new shelter and are CHALLENGING ten more friends to do the same!  This can be as little as $5.50/day to have a legacy of your friendship! Pledges can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually and with designated areas for cats, dogs, small critters, large animals- there are plenty of ways you may show your care and support for the animals that you love.

Will you be one of the TEN FRIENDS? Find out how you can sign up by emailing ktossava@upaws.org !

10-10-2017

Check out what the shelter will look like! This will be so much MORE than JUST an animal shelter- Imagine the programs we can provide the community with this new space.

9-25-2017

Check out the progress of our construction!

BEFORE~

As of September 23, 2017

9-1-2017

8-9-2017

Negaunee, MI- The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is pleased to announce its ceremonial groundbreaking of the Philip and Ruth Spade Adoption Center on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 from 5:30-6:30pm.  The groundbreaking will take place at the site of the new shelter, 815 S. State Hwy 553, Gwinn, MI.  Media and the public is invited to attend.

The UPAWS Board of Directors has been working diligently over the last few years to research animal shelters, conduct a feasibility study with community members, and raise funds to realize the ambitious vision for this new generation of animal welfare. The new shelter integrates community programming and direct animal care into its operation and creates new approaches for the collaboration of animal lovers in animal welfare.

The new animal shelter will be more than just an animal shelter, it will engage the community in a way that UPAWS is currently unable.  Approximately 4 times its current size, the animal shelter will completely realign dog kennels and cat areas, while also adding dedicated space for small critters and a fully functional pole barn for the rescue of large and farm animals, particularly horses.  The community center aspect includes a community education room, fenced-in year round dog park, and private spaces for adoption counseling or to surrender an animal.

The $3.7M construction project will transform and reinvent the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter 40 years after it was founded. To date, UPAWS has raised over $2.39 (as of July 31).  For more information on UPAWS, the Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign for an Animal Community Center, or the phased construction timeline you may visit www.upaws.org, call (906) 475-6661, or email ktossava@upaws.org.

7-7-2017

The UpperPeninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is pleased to announce ThriftISH’s support of the Imagine the PAWSibilities Capital Campaign. ThriftISH graciously sponsored landscaping at the new shelter.

About ThriftISH: ThriftISH is a second-hand store located in Ishpeming, ThriftISH has been supporting UPAWS since it opened in 2016 through donations and as community drop-off location for donations to UPAWS. Located at 120 S. Main Street, Ishpeming, ThriftISH is dedicated to helping animal welfare and accepts donations of gently used items for resale. Find ThriftISH on facebook.

(Pictured- Martin Hill-ThriftISH, Kori Tossava, UPAWS).

7-1-2017

Negaunee, MI- The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter recently announced the construction schedule for their new facility and the progress of their Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign for a new shelter.  While the organization will always be the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (or UPAWS for short), the board of directors is thrilled to announce the naming of the new building as the Philip and Ruth Spade Adoption Center.

The Spades were residents of Gwinn most of there lives. Philip was a U.S. Air Force Veteran who taught science at Gwinn Middle School for 26 years. Ruth was first an elementary school teacher, then a district reading specialist. At 26, she became principal at Gilbert Elementary School from 1967 until her retirement in 1993.  They were both alumni of Northern Michigan University. In retirement, the Spades remained active in the Gwinn community. Ruth served on the Gwinn school board, the Forsyth Township Public Library board, the League of Women and the Forsyth Township Historical Society, among other organizations. Philip was an outdoorsman, a skilled carpenter and a pilot who built his own airplanes. The Spades, married almost 56 years, were animal lovers and long-time supporters of UPAWS.

“It just felt right that we honor both Phil and Ruth this way,” stated Kori Tossava, Executive Director. “If you ask any of us, the dream of a new building has been around since the 90s. The fact of the matter is, without the generous and humbling estate gift of the Spades (in 2016) we wouldn’t be here today, getting ready to put the shovel in the ground.  This type of legacy gift has secured the future of UPAWS and the homeless animals in Marquette County.”  David Wills, long-time friend, agreed.  “Ruth & Phil would have been very pleased to know that their generous gift has enabled UPAWS to grow and expand in a new facility.  They supported UPAWS in many ways over the years during their life time.”

The UPAWS Board of Directors has been working diligently over the last few years to research animal shelters, conduct a feasibility study with community members, and raise funds to realize the ambitious vision for this new generation of animal welfare. The new shelter integrates community programming and direct animal care into its operation and creates new approaches for the collaboration of animal lovers in animal welfare.

The $3.7M construction project will transform and reinvent the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter 40 years after it was founded. Currently, UPAWS has raised $2.37M. Groundbreaking is expected to begin this summer, where a formal ceremony celebrating the Spade’s gift and the naming of the adoption center will take place. For more information on UPAWS, the Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign for an Animal Community Center, or the phased construction timeline you may visit www.upaws.org, call (906) 475-6661, or email ktossava@upaws.org.

6-26-2017

6-1-2017

UPAWS Announces Phased Construction Timeline

Negaunee, MI- At its annual meeting on May 30, the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter announced to our members the plan to move forward with a phased construction schedule for its bold and innovative goal to build an animal community center.  UPAWS Board of Directors has approved schematic designs, created in collaboration by a team of architects, engineers, animal shelter experts, and project manager, to realize this ambitious vision for the new generation of animal welfare. The new shelter will integrate community programming and direct animal care into its operation, and create new approaches for the collaboration of animal lovers in animal welfare.

The new animal shelter will be more than just an animal shelter, it will engage the community in a way that UPAWS is currently unable.  Approximately 4 times its current size, the animal shelter will completely realign dog kennels and cat areas, while also adding dedicated space for small critters and a fully functional pole barn for the rescue of large and farm animals, particularly horses.  The community center aspect includes a community education room, fenced-in year round dog park, and private spaces for adoption counseling or to surrender an animal.

The $3.7M construction project will transform and reinvent the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter 40 years after it was founded. After thorough research and deliberation, the board of directors has decided to move forward with a phased construction schedule.  This will allow the land to be cleared, the road created, and the shell of the building constructed and winterized.  Phase 1 will begin July 2017, expects to last 6 months, and will cost 35% ($1.47M). Phase 2 will include the electrical, plumbing, interior work, community dog park, and pole barn construction to bring the project to completion.  Phase 2 is expected to begin when UPAWS reaches 80 percent of its fundraising goal ($2.96M) and last 5 months. Currently, UPAWS has raised $2.34 (as of May 31).

“The board of directors is keenly aware of the unique construction schedule we have in Marquette County.  By using this phased approach we are setting ourselves up for the most success, when it comes to bidding packages to local contractors and inhabiting the building.  Our current shelter simply doesn’t work anymore – UPAWS will face serious challenges if we delay the first phase even a few months, which (given our construction season) will likely push ground breaking and site-prep to spring of 2018.  After meeting with the expertise of our contract manager and team, and taking a close look of what we have ‘in the bank,’ we realized that the best avenue for success is to conduct site-prep, build and winterize the building, and provide the opportunity to bid the final phase to sub-contractors and inside work during the ‘off-season’.  We continue our commitment not to begin phase two until we reach 80% success in our fundraising goal and we expect to reach that during 2017,” stated Amber Wetton, board chair.

Executive Director, Kori Tossava, agreed. “This version of a phased project really does set up UPAWS for the best opportunity for success. We sat down, as a group, and looked at the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and staff of UPAWS to raise the current funds.  Knowing now that we are within reach of our fundraising goal and be able to build the shelter without interruption, we felt it was important to get the initial phases started leaving us time to raise the final amount.  The timing, for U.P. construction, was very much a factor as we looked at what this spring and summer offered versus trying to break ground in an unpredictable fall.”

For more information on UPAWS, the Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign for an Animal Community Center, or the phased construction timeline you may call (906) 475-6661 or email ktossava@upaws.org.

5-15-2017

UPAWS Launches Business PAWtner Program

4-31-2017

4-15-2017

UPAWS Hosts Series of Community Forums

UPAWS will host a series of community forums to discuss the plans for the new shelter!  Join us at one of the four forums- 2 in Marquette City, 1 in Ishpeming, and 1 in Gwinn for YOUR chance to find out about our plans! Check the UPAWS facebook page for details!

3-29-2017

Thank you to our local media partners for sponsoring the New Animal Community Center!  We could not tell our story without your help!

Pet Education Library

 

Real Life Room

Landscape Sponsors in Community Dog Park 

3-7-2017

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is excited to announce a $100,000 matching gift for our Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign for a new shelter.  The gift will be used toward to the $3.7M fundraising goal and every dollar given to the new shelter campaign will be matched.

The matching gift is given by Mr. Martin Steindler, in memory of his wife, Joan.  Joan was a long-time advocate for the no-kill movement and lover of golden retrievers.  The Steindlers have spent over 35 years coming to Marquette County during the summers and have been committed to animal shelters that ‘take whoever walks in the door’.  Kori Tossava, UPAWS Executive Director, stated, “We are so grateful for this gift in memory of Joan and for the support of Mr. and Mrs. Steindler over the years. As we move closer to realizing our dream of a new animal shelter, we are also dreaming of ways that it can be so much more- that it can engage the community in ways we just can’t right now.  Our successes in the no-kill movement would not be possible without the support of our community and this matching gift will help move UPAWS into a new generation of no-kill.  Joan’s legacy will benefit homeless animals for years to come!”

The current UPAWS facility was built in 1978 and expanded in 1988. Animal intake and services at UPAWS has grown dramatically since its inception 40 years ago, but not the shelter space. An average of 1,500 animals come through UPAWS open-admission, no kill shelter each year. UPAWS performs the crucial role of finding homes for homeless animals, as well as reuniting lost pets with their families, and is a leader in the no-kill movement by consistently reaching an award-winning 98% Save Rate.

Beyond the small building size, many other issues compound the problem of providing a healthy and comfortable space for homeless animals, staff, and volunteers. Building issues include: poor ventilation, power shortages, low water pressure, uneven heat distribution, mold, leaking roof, and close, small quarters creating high stress levels for animals, all of which generates a tougher adoption environment. Caring staff and volunteers at UPAWS have succeeded in making the best effort to run the shelter effectively and efficiently, but the building still lacks in meeting the basic needs for both animals and the community. The Animal Community Center will provide better comfort and care for our animal companions, as well as community space and expanded services.

The Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign to raise $3.7 million is underway. Over $2.2M has been raised and dedicated to the Animal Community Center, but we have a long way to go. As animal shelters are held to higher standards, as well as serving more diverse needs, it takes a cooperative spirit to fulfill the goal of a new facility that serves our animal companion needs and the community as a whole.

2-28-2017

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is pleased to announce mBank’s support of the Imagine the PAWSibilities Capital Campaign.  As a lead giver in the campaign for an animal community center, mBank has sponsored landscaping at the new shelter.

About mBank: mBank has 23 branch locations, with 12 in the Upper Peninsula, 3 in the Northern Lower Peninsula, 1 in Oakland County, MI and 7 in Northern Wisconsin. The Company’s banking services include commercial lending and treasury management products and services geared toward small to mid-sized businesses, as well as a full array of personal and business deposit products and consumer loans.  mBank’s vision is to be a strong, dynamic, and proactive thinking company determined to excel at the highest level.

About UPAWS: To date, UPAWS has raised approximately $2.2M of the $3.7M project to build an animal shelter that can be more than an animal shelter, it can be an animal community center. The campaign will retire 40 year old facility that currently houses UPAWS and the 1,500 animals that come through the doors every year. UPAWS has a consistent award winning 98% save rate and is in dire need of a new facility. To find out more about UPAWS and the capital campaign, visit upaws.org or email ktossava@upaws.org.

Pictured- Left to Right –
Jamie Van Buren, Teresa Same, Kori Tossava (UPAWS Executive Director) & Rufus, Bethany Cody

2-14-2017

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is pleased to announce support from the Upper Peninsula Health Plan for the Imagine the PAWSibilities Capital Campaign. UPHP sponsored UPAWS Staff Offices by providing approximately $10,000 of furnishings and equipment for the new shelter. Dennis Smith, UPHP President & CEO, stated, “We understand the stress and financial burden that moving to a new location can cause. Donating our used office furniture and appliances will not only help UPAWS function successfully and smoothly, but allow staff to focus on the needs of the pets and the potential owners taking in the wonderful animals that they help.” THANK YOU Upper Peninsula Health Plan for your support!

About UPHP: The mission of UPHP is to be an innovative health plan managing the care of our members in the Upper Peninsula guiding them to quality, cost-effective care through our network of providers improving the overall health of the communities we serve. To learn more about UPHP and their services, visit uphp.com.

2-11-2017

Pictured- Left to Right – Back Row: Chelsey Poirier, Sara Bjork, Nicole Jacobson, Scott Lyman, Bridget Uren, Jackie Bessner, Tracy Magnuson
Front Row: Kori Tossava (UPAWS Executive Director), Coleen Pepin

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is pleased to announce Iron Range Agency‘s support of the Imagine the PAWSibilities Capital Campaign. Iron Range Agency has graciously sponsored the Outdoor Play Yard at the new shelter.

About Iron Range Agency: Iron Range Agency, located in Ishpeming, consists of a management team that has a combined total of over 100 years with the agency. They continue to operate with the same core values and customer service standards that have been the foundation of the agency since it started in 1971. Community involvement is a cornerstone value at Iron Range Agency, as it supports a number of community organizations and employees are active in many local and civic organizations throughout Marquette County. To find out more about Iron Range Agency visit www.ironrangeagency.com

2-9-2017

1-9-2017

 At its sold-out annual fundraising gala the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter announced the public kick-off for the Imagine the PAWSibilites: Campaign for an Animal Community Center.  The kick-off included a $100,000 challenge match from the Troudt Fund at the Community Foundation of Marquette County. From October 22 through December 31 every dollar given to the capital campaign would be matched.

UPAWS reached $100,000 in gifts on December 29th; at that time Mark and Christine Troudt pledged another $10,000 to match any gift received or postmarked before the end of the year.  At the completion of the challenge, UPAWS is excited to announce that approximately $120,000 was given in honor of the Troudt Challenge and will now receive the full $110,000 challenge gift! And these gifts came from over 250 individual donors, businesses, and foundations. The board, staff, and volunteers of UPAWS are honored to have such amazing support from the community.

Now that the Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign to raise $3.7 million is underway, with the support of the Troudt Fund and the community, approximately $2.05M (55%) has been raised. However, UPAWS still has a long way to go. Construction will depend on reaching 80% of the fundraising goal, with an expected groundbreaking in 2017.

Contact Us

Phone: (906) 475-6661
Fax: (906) 475-6669
Email: info@upaws.org

Shelter Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12pm to 4pm
Wednesday: 12pm to 4pm
Thursday: 12pm to 4pm
Friday: 11am to 4pm
Saturday: 11am to 4pm
Sunday: 11am to 4pm

Location

815 South State Highway M553
Gwinn, MI 49841
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