MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter has announced the recipients of its 2024 Awards to honor animals, individuals or programs. UPAWS will be presenting the following awards at its Cause For Paws-Party for Pets on Saturday at Holiday Inn, Marquette.

The 2024 Assisi Award is being presented to Kathi Fosburg for her enduring devotion and compassionate care and support for the health and wellness of all animals and UPAWS.

The 2024 Silver Tag Award is being presented to “Sal” for her work as a therapy dog around Marquette County.

The 2024 Purple Paw Award is being presented to “NMU Wildpups,” an embedded animal assisted intervention program that provides recreation, education, motivation and support to enrich NMU’s campus.

The 2024 Gold Heart Award is being presented to Chris Gonyou for his driving passion to have a place to educate the public and change their perception of all reptiles, amphibians and exotics.