‘Pints for Paws’ to assist shelter construction

WETMORE, Mich. (WLUC) - This weekend, there is an opportunity to support the construction of an Upper Peninsula animal shelter.

Located three miles down the road from the original shelter in Wetmore, construction for the new Alger County Animal Shelter is well underway. This building came to be after the Alger County Board refused to renew the shelter's lease in 2022.

Shelter President Greg Beatty says the 1,200-square-foot building is about halfway done.

"We're getting ready to get a plumber out there, so they can rough in some of our piping, then we can pour the concrete," Beatty said. "Then we can seal the building off with the walls. Once it's sealed, we'll be able to work in there in the wintertime."

This construction is expected to cost $100,000 and is completely funded by donations.

The shelter is bringing back its 'Pints for Paws' fundraiser on Saturday evening at East Channel Brewing Company. Attendees can buy beer, pizza or raffle tickets with proceeds going to construction costs.

Volunteer Alexis Downing says the fundraiser raised nearly $9,000 last year .

"It's very important," Downing said. "Construction depends on having the money to pay for it. We're really hoping that we have a good turnout and continue with the building."

Downing says every donation until the end of the year will be matched. She says no donation is too small.

"We help animals throughout the whole year, dogs and cats that come in," Downing explained. "We usually see anywhere between 100 and 150 animals enter the shelter."

Construction is expected to be completed at some point next year.

Donations can also be made on the Alger County Animal Shelter's website .