MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter has announced the launch of the 2025 UPAWS Awards!

We are calling upon all animal lovers and advocates to help us in our search for extraordinary pets and individuals deserving of recognition for their incredible contributions to animal welfare.

“We are excited to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to improve the lives of animals in our community,” said Nic Conroy, fundraising coordinator for UPAWS. “The UPAWS Awards are a way for us to show our appreciation for those who demonstrate compassion, dedication, and courage in their efforts to help animals in need.”

Nominations will be accepted until March 21 in four categories:

≤ Assisi Award: A person with a longstanding commitment to animal welfare

≤ Gold Heart Award: A person who performed an extraordinary act of compassion in the last year

≤ Silver Tag Award: An animal that has performed long-term service

≤ Purple Paw Award: An animal that has performed an act of courage, loyalty, or devotion in the last calendar year

All award winners will be invited to our Cause for Paws Gala on Saturday, April 5 at the Holiday Inn Marquette. Join us at this fundraiser event as we honor the award recipients and celebrate our furry friends for the 50th anniversary of UPAWS.

Don’t miss your chance to nominate someone deserving by clicking the link provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfp0ecFZbVJRjivp4O-w4AvTy_oWrv8A7HWeFMSacmBh4xRVg/viewform?usp=heade