Refuge-Ellis, with rescue dogs Cody and Corky.
The Western Plains Animal Refuge (WPAR), a local no-kill animal shelter, will be having its grand opening on Saturday, June 1. The grand opening will be held at the new facility, which is located at 1750 130th Avenue outside of Ellis, Kansas, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There will be an open house, a potluck dinner, live music, and a reception. The event is free and open to the public, but donations are encouraged. Individuals are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs and may bring a dish to share at the potluck.
Founded in 2006 by veterinarian Dr. Jessica Braun, the Western Plains Animal Refuge (WPAR) began as a domestic animal shelter and wildlife rehabilitation center in Hays, Kansas. For years, it was one of only a few such organizations and the only one that served both domestic and wild animals. When Dr. Braun closed her private veterinary practice in 2011, a new team of directors sought to reopen the refuge.
In the summer of 2012, a building outside of Ellis, Kansas, was donated to WPAR destined to become the new facility. After months of fundraising and renovations, the Kopfman-Petco Foundation Animal Shelter opened in the spring of 2013. Since its founding, WPAR has helped improve the lives of over 1,500 animals.