The city of Grand Marais has been without an animal shelter since the old block building was demolished by the city in 2021 to make way for an upgrade to the marina. Since then, Arrowhead Animal Rescue (AAR) board members have handled the housing and care of stray and abandoned animals.
However, at present, all the board members’ homes are at full capacity fostering the cats and dogs that should have access to a city owned shelter.
This situation grew more complex when Gay O’Donnell, chair (and heart) of AAR, suddenly passed away in November 2022. She had been fostering eight cats that needed care, once they could be captured. AAR board members jumped into action. Each day, one or more of the members went to O’Donnell’s house to wash the bowls, feed the cats, and clean the cat boxes. Traps were set and eventually, after about six weeks, all the cats were finally found and housed. Six cats went to an AAR members heated garage, one went to another member, and sadly, one did not survive. The cats are still there, awaiting socialization and new homes.
AAR has approached the city of Grand Marais for help in getting another shelter built, but as of this writing the building plans have not been approved and are stalled. The city has approved a lot in the Cedar Grove Business Park for a new shelter, and has appropriated some money for the shelter, but more funding is needed before building can start.
AAR has started a fundraising campaign to make this dream a reality. However, they need your help. Speak to your city and county representatives and urge them to begin construction on a city owned shelter this season. Your support would be greatly appreciated, and donations are tax deductible. A GoFundMe account has been set up at: bit.ly/arrowheadanimalrescuefundraiser.
AAR looks forward to working with the city of Grand Marais and Cook County to bring this project from planning to reality. For more info on Arrowhead Animal Rescue, call 218-877-7050, or email: animals@boreal.org.