OnFocus 2019 Person of the Year: Karen Rau

In reflection of the year, OnFocus is recognizing five people who made a special impact in 2019.

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Person of the Year: Karen Rau

In January, Marshfield Area Pet Shelter founder Karen Rau retired from a 38-year career at Marshfield Clinic to step into the full-time role of Executive Director.

That was just the start of a momentous year for MAPS.

In late February, the shelter took on emergency care for a litter of newborn puppies found abandoned in a Marshfield garbage can. The story of the nine “dumpster puppies” drew nationwide attention, including a segment on CBS’s Inside Edition. Throughout it all, Rau represented the shelter in both media and court in the coming months as the case unfolded.

Next, the pet shelter took a giant leap forward in its goal of a permanent shelter with the completion of the design process for a building at 3500 Downwind Drive. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 15, and currently about 85 percent has been raised toward the $1.5 million goal. MAPS will be able to move in early next year, fulfilling the vision that had been set out by Rau and volunteers back in 2011.

Throughout the changes, MAPS continued its fundraising efforts. After snowy weather affected attendance at its annual February breakfast, the event was moved to a different date and held again in November, raising $12,400.

In recognition of the year’s accomplishments and close to a decade of commitment to the cause of helping animals, Karen Rau is an OnFocus 2019 Person of the Year.