36 Inches of Snow: UPAWS Animal Shelter in Gwinn, MI Hit by Storm

A blizzard that deposited 36 inches of snow on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan beginning March 15th has created logistical challenges for the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) in Gwinn, according to reports. The shelter, a no-kill facility, remains open seven days a week, though it closes on major holidays, operating from noon to 4 p.m. Daily.

The significant snowfall has prompted an increased need for pet adopters, as the shelter currently houses a larger-than-usual number of animals, according to a statement on Petfinder.com. UPAWS is currently caring for animals including a six-year-old Bichon Frise named Scooter, a one-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat named Honey Boo Kitty, and a five-year-old German Shepherd named Oakley, among others.

UPAWS can be reached by phone at (906) 475-6661. The shelter’s mailing and physical address is 815 South State Hwy. M553, Gwinn, MI 49841. Specific email addresses are available for different inquiries: general information can be sent to [email protected], questions about adoption or surrendering a pet to [email protected], “Happy Tails” submissions to [email protected], volunteer inquiries to [email protected], board of directors comments to [email protected], fundraising proposals to [email protected], and board membership interest to [email protected]. Inquiries regarding Paws Park membership and related issues should be directed to [email protected].

The shelter’s website, www.upaws.org, and Facebook page, facebook.com/upaws, provide additional information. Alerts can be created on Adopt-a-Pet.com to be notified when new dogs or cats matching specific criteria become available for adoption.