The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter had another banner year in 2018.

UPAWS recently announced its adoption number for the year: 1,093 pets found loving homes in 2018 at UPAWS. That translates to an average of about three pets adopted every day.

In the past, UPAWS has received state and national recognition for its fine work as a no-kill shelter. We have no doubt UPAWS will continue to do great things, especially when the organization’s new shelter in Sands Township is ready for move in.

There are many ways the community can support UPAWS. The most obvious is to adopt an animal from the organization which really saves two lives: your new pet and the animal that can be sheltered by UPAWS in its place.

People can support UPAWS and have fun at the same time by attending the upcoming Raise the Woof! Comedy Show to benefit the shelter. This event is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at River Rock Lanes and Banquet Center in Ishpeming. Tickets are $20.

This year three comedians will be showcased. According to the UPAWS Facebook page: “Raise the Woof is a group of comedians committed to raising money and spreading awareness for animal rescue, giving animals a voice through laughter and putting the “fun” in fundraising! See what they’re all about at http://www.woofraise.com/”

Of course, straight up donations of money or needed goods will help the shelter continue its most excellent work.

We congratulate UPAWS on a stellar 2018 and thank all of the staff and volunteers for having such great hearts as to spend so much energy and time helping cats, dogs, bunnies and other creatures find homes filled with love.

To learn more about UPAWS and its work, visit upaws.org