Marsha Waunch to Retire as Animal Protection Shelter Manager

— from Orcas Animal Shelter Board of Directors —

In the late 1980s a group of volunteers came together to work on behalf of Orcas Island’s unwanted, abandoned and lost animals, arranging for and providing foster homes for animals in need and reuniting lost animals with their owners. Originally collaborating with the Animal Protection Society of the San Juans in Friday Harbor, the Orcas group, under the leadership of Marsha Waunch, eventually decided to pursue the idea of a Shelter on Orcas, leading to the incorporation of the Orcas Animal Protection Society in late 2001.  At that time fundraising efforts began, and during the next ten years numerous events ranging from rummage sales to movie premieres and opening night theatrical performances with fine dining were held.  As Elyse van den Bosch, one of the original volunteer group, says of Waunch, “No matter how long the list, Marsha always got it done. Her position was ‘If we’re going do it, we’re going do it right.’”

In July of 2000, two acres of land on Hope Lane were donated to the organization, and on August 30, 2001, ground was broken for the Orcas Animal Shelter. The Grand Opening of the Shelter – debt free and with sufficient funds to operate the facility for eighteen months – was held on January 25, 2003. The first Wine Dinner, which has since become the organization’s signature annual fundraising event, was held three months later. 

After nearly four decades of working on behalf of Orcas Island’s homeless animals and finding forever homes for hundreds of cats and dogs along the way, founder and Shelter Manager Waunch has announced her wish to step down. Her legacy will be celebrated at this year’s Wine Dinner and Auction, to be held at the Outlook Inn on June 15, 2019.  A larger public celebratory event will be held at a later date.

The Society has initiated a search for a Shelter Director. Details can be found at the organization’s website:  orcaspets.org.