One of the great treasures of our island community is the Orcas Animal Shelter. Due to the vision and tireless efforts of Marsha Waunch and her husband Bob, along with many other dedicated volunteers and supporters, the Orcas Animal Shelter opened in 2002 to care for homeless dogs and cats waiting to find their forever homes.

With Marsha’s steadfast leadership, the animal shelter has become part of the lives of islanders of all ages. If you want to adopt a dog or cat; get help with the cremation of a beloved pet who has passed; are searching for a lost dog; want to buy a dog license or need help with the costs of spaying or neutering a pet, the Orcas Animal Shelter is the place to come. Young volunteers learn about caring for pets, families come to choose their first dog or cat and seniors stop by for a little kitten cuddle therapy. Through Marsha’s guidance and initiative, the animal shelter has also provided for the spaying and neutering of the island’s feral cats as well as providing temporary care for pets when their people experience life-threatening medical emergencies.

Countless dogs and cats owe their lives to Marsha, and their grateful adoptive parents will never forget her wisdom in matching the right pets with the right people. And we are all very grateful for the care and attention that Bob has given the shelter buildings and grounds, for his fiscal advice and for providing air transportation for deceased pets to the pet crematorium in Bellingham.

The OAPS board of directors, together with staff and volunteers, owe our heartfelt gratitude to Marsha and Bob for their inspiring accomplishments on behalf of homeless animals in our community. In the future we are planning a reception to honor Marsha and Bob, to be scheduled at their convenience, and will be inviting the community to join us.

OAPS Board of Directors

Orcas Island