ANIMAL WELFARE & PROTECTION SOCIETY HISTORY Animal Welfare and Protection Society began in 1978, the collective actions of eight people who saw the need in Pueblo, CO to provide help and aid to abandoned, abused and unwanted companion animals, with the objective of placing these animals into loving homes. At its inception, there was no shelter facility; care was provided to the animals through a foster home system.  But it became obvious that the foster home program was limited, as large numbers of adoptable animals were left to die in the streets or were subject to disposal at taxpayer expense.  In March, 1980, Albert O. Pritz donated land at 3420 West 8th St. ( off Pueblo Blvd. and 11th Street)  where the current shelter is located. In 1981, Animal Welfare and Protection Society was incorporated in the State of Colorado as a nonprofit organization, and is recognized as a 501(c)3 corporation by the Internal Revenue Service.  Establishing a policy based on population control and adoption as the alternatives to euthanasia, the organization began a campaign to focus public awareness on the increasing needs of helpless animals.  In response to this plea, contributions from the public enabled Animal Welfare to construct a small, 10 run kennel. The shelter later expanded to 16 indoor access runs and 4 outside runs.  A renovation project was started in 2001 which made the shelter safer and healthier for dogs and staff and brought it into compliance with PACFA regulations.  The site presently has 26 runs and holds between 50 and 60 dogs at any one time. With donations from individuals and businesses, fundraising activities and an occasional grant as its only means of support, Animal Welfare has cared for and adopted into good homes several thousand animals. In March 2005, AWPS formally announced its plans to build a new facility that would hold at least 150 dogs and 50 cats.  2.  ANIMAL WELFARE & PROTECTION SOCIETY MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the PAWS for LIFE SHELTER is to:  take in lost or unwanted animals; to return them to their owners whenever possible or, after having them spayed or neutered, place them in good homes; and to educate the public about intelligent and humane treatment of animals. IMMEDIATE GOALS *     Provide a safe, secure environment for the animals in the shelter's care. *     Increase the number of adoptions per month. *     Increase monthly income to meet expenses. LONG-RANGE GOALS *     Continue to improve and maintain the current facilities. *     Build a new shelter by the summer of 2009.