Gunnison County, one of Colorado’s largest in area, has no animal shelter. All the pets under the care of GVAWL are kenneled, or live in foster homes.

As the population of unwanted companion animals continues to rise in Gunnison County, the need for a shelter grows more and more pressing. An important part of GVAWL’s Mission Statement is establishment of a shelter.

GVAWL led the way in forming a Shelter Task Force under the aegis of Gunnison County. In 2007, the County designated a parcel of land for a shelter, and is working with the City of Gunnison toward installing necessary infrastructure in the Spring of 2009.

A preliminary design was completed in the Fall of 2008, assembling input from a Needs Assessment accomplished in January 2007, from a competition among upper-level environmental-design students led by Dr. Mark Lung at Western State College of Colorado, from research carried out by GVAWL members, and from Jody Reeser, AIA. The design was unveiled at the Fur Ball in January 2008.

The Shelter Task Force is now working on a final design, and is looking toward formulating Operating plans. A Construction Team is taking form.

GVAWL’s capital campaign is underway. In January, the MacAllister Family Foundation contributed $100,000 toward the new shelter. Our challenge is to raise another $100,000 by July 2008. If you would like to help, please donate now.

Shelter Fund Balance (as of 2/29/08)
$138,066.54