It all began in 2001, when a small group of concerned citizens became aware of the lack of proper care and compassion for our local shelter pets. The shelter was located in a 100 year old building in Mineral Hills. To improve the animals' living quarters, volunteers did much cleaning and painting, added kennels for both dogs and cats, and created a large outdoor dog run. Besides the daily cleaning, the volunteers exercise and groom the animals and provide basic medical care. We monitor the adoption of animals with an application process that hopefully assures that they are placed in a good home. In December of 2008, after many years of fundraising and planning, the Northwoods Animal Shelter moved from the old shelter to our newly renovated building at 930 Selden Road in Iron River, Michigan. On behalf of all the dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds we care for, the Northwoods Animal Shelter volunteers would like to thank all of the people who have rescued stray animals, adopted shelter pets, participated in fundraisers, or donated time, money, and other useful items to help us care for the homeless animals.