For a dog, being in a shelter, in most circumstances, is better than being on the street. At least it has a roof over its head, food and water.

But as with people, basic needs will get you through the day, but life is much more enjoyable with a little enrichment.

So, it’s good to hear the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter has received an $800 dog enrichment grant from the Petfinder Foundation in partnership with Orvis.

The grant was used to buy equipment and toys to help make dogs’ lives better while they’re at UPAWS.

Staff believed that with the large community room in the new shelter space, it would help if dogs had agility equipment.

As Anne Brownell, UPAWS community outreach and volunteer coordinator, said in a Wednesday Mining Journal article, dogs get bored, so having agility equipment keeps them physically and mentally active.

So what will the dogs get to use at UPAWS? A cone set, training obstacles, weaving poles, a dog training platform, a balance training device, a tire hoop, a clicker, training treats and more.

What dog’s life wouldn’t be enriched with a tire hoop?

UPAWS staff probably will enjoy working and playing with the dogs too. That is part of the fun of having a canine companion.

If you’re a cat lover, you should know that UPAWS plans to apply for a similar cat enrichment grant, which is a good thing; not all cats are aloof — a feline stereotype.

UPAWS staff obviously cares about its animals.

“Those animals are like family and we do all that we can so that they are happy during their stay with us,” Brownell said.

We’re happy to hear UPAWS is making good use of its increased space to physically and stimulate dogs.

The shelter dogs — and other animals — deserve all the pampering they can get.