Animal shelters in the region that take in stray and abandoned animals have come a long way in recent years.

The old set up was to house dogs, cats and other unwanted animals in whatever type of shelter was available. Then if no one adopted them in a set time period, the animals were euthanized.

Now, however, shelters such as the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter in Negaunee Township and the Alger County Animal Shelter in Munising operate much differently.

These shelters take in all strays and keep them for as long as it takes for them to be adopted – no-kill rules are closely followed.

As with many such operations, they need some assistance to make their operations work, including being heavily dependent on volunteer labor and donations.

In fact, the Alger County facility operates strictly on donations, according to Chris Ledbetter, marketing and promotions director for the shelter.

In addition, there’s a special project the shelter is undertaking that could use a little extra support from the public.

“Fence for Fidoes” is the effort, and Ledbetter said it involves raising about $5,000 to construct a fenced in area at the shelter, which currently lacks one at its 510 E. Munising Ave. location.

The enclosure would provide space for animals to get out and stretch their legs a little, as well as provide a more appropriate place for individuals and families to interact with a pet they are considering adopting.

With a goal of raising the necessary funds by Aug. 15, the organization is welcoming donations of any size, with special plaques to be hung on the fence recognizing donors of $100 and more. There are also annual individual, family, student, senior and business memberships available to help the operation.

Donations forms are available on organization’s website at algeranimalshelter.org, or by contacting the shelter at 387-4131.

In addition, interested persons can stop by the shelter for more information or to check out the operation. It is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

We hope the “Fence for Fidoes” effort is a successful one and the shelter’s animals will soon have an outdoor space to enjoy.