The Truth About Dogs » Ashley

2010 Iditarod Notes

Ashley — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:43:10 +0000

One dog has died so far during the 2010 Iditarod season – “Lava” died in the team of seventeen-year-old Jeff Holt during the 2010 Junior Iditarod. He reportedly died from a gastric ulcer, which is a common occurrence in overworked racing sled dogs.

Due to the amount of negative publicity the race received last year due to the numerous dog deaths, and the sponsors lost, I honestly doubt that any deaths occurring in the full-length Iditarod this year will be reported.

The Iditarod press releases have already been delayed up to three days before being released, and full disclosure has not been provided regarding the lost dog, Whitey. According to the musher’s wife on their kennel blog, the dog was found on Sunday, March 14th after being lost for four days. The musher was forced to scratch by race officials two days after Whitey remained missing. It is disheartening that the musher did not scratch right when his dog was lost to look for him, and that officials did not require him to scratch immediately.

Abuse Continues at Krabloonik Sled Dog Kennel.

Ashley — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:43:04 +0000

Snowmass Village police are investigating a report of animal cruelty at Krabloonik, the embattled commercial dogsledding operation at the resort.

A former employee of Krabloonik gave a statement to police Monday regarding an incident of alleged cruelty, police Sgt. Brian Olson confirmed.

The police department intends to interview other individuals at Krabloonik who may have witnessed the alleged incident, Olson said.

“We’re looking for anyone who can corroborate what he witnessed,” the sergeant said. The investigation may take a week or two, he said.

Eric Glukowsky said he watched Krabloonik owner Dan MacEachen mistreat a dog on Nov. 1 after the animal snapped at MacEachen’s young grandson. The child was not hurt, according to Glukowsky, who contacted The Aspen Times. MacEachen did not return a telephone message left at his business Wednesday.

MacEachen punched the dog, yanked its chain as if to choke it, and threw a piece of pipe at it multiple times, striking it perhaps twice, Glukowsky said.

“I thought he was going to break its neck,” Glukowski said. “He also said he was going to put a bullet through [the dog's] head.”

The dog was not killed, he added.

Glukowski said several employees witnessed the incident but that only he finally objected. Others feared losing their jobs, he said.

“He [MacEachen] pretty much said, ‘If you don’t like it, get the hell out,’” Glukowski said.

Glukowski, 29, said he was hired as a musher at Krabloonik, which offers commercial dogsled rides, and that it was to be his first season there. He lost his job Sunday, he said, after he received a speeding ticket that Glukowsky contends was used as an excuse to fire him because he confronted MacEachen during the alleged incident. He went to police the following day.

Sgt. Olson said Glukowski’s statement to police will not be made public while the investigation is ongoing.

The Krabloonik operation has come under fire repeatedly over the years. A public outcry about the conditions in which the dogs were kept led to upgrades to the dog kennels and clean-up of the area, and an agreement to limit the number of dogs at the site.

The Snowmass Village Town Council declined to enact sanctions against the operation last August, citing the positive changes at the facility.

source: Aspen Times

Iditarod Mushers & Marijuana

Ashley — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:44:47 +0000

As someone like Lance Mackey supports use of illegal drugs (not just for medical purposes), this is an even greater reason to not utilize the cruel Iditarod for teaching in any school system. We are sending our nation’s children the message that not only is animal abuse okay in the name of sport, but drug use as well!

The Iditarod plans to test mushers for drugs and alcohol in March, a change many mushers have no problem with — but one that three-time champion Lance Mackey scoffs at.

“I think it’s a little bit ridiculous,” Mackey said Wednesday night from his home near Fairbanks after a training run. “It is a dog race, not a human race. It (using a drug) doesn’t affect the outcome of the race.”

Mackey, a throat cancer survivor who has a medical marijuana card, admits to using marijuana on the trail and thinks his success has made some of his competitors jealous.

“It isn’t the reason I’ve won three years in a row,” said Mackey, though he concedes marijuana helps him stay awake and focused during the 1,100-mile race that takes winners nearly 10 days to complete.

Now Mackey will have to change his ways or risk disqualification. Drug testing will be a part of next year’s race, said Stan Hooley, executive director of the Iditarod Trail Committee, although officials hav en’t yet decided who will get tested or when or where.

“It might be random. It might be a group of mushers at a specific checkpoint,” he said.

Aaron Burmeister, a member of the Iditarod’s board of directors, said the Iditarod Official Finishers’ Club has requested for years that mushers be drug tested.

“It’s time,” said Burmeister, a 12-time finisher from Nenana.

The Iditarod has had a drug and alcohol policy since 1984, Hooley said. But he called it “fairly informal” and said to his knowledge mushers have never been tested. The Iditarod finally will enforce the rule for the 2010 race, he said.

source

Mackey says the issue of mushers smoking on the trail is irrelevant because it hasn’t affected anyone’s race.

Furthermore, he said, what he does in his time is his business.

“The Alaska lifestyle, you can do just about anything you want if you’re not bothering anybody,” he said. “You have a little more freedom in this state and smoking pot is kind of a common thing here in Alaska.”

Mackey doesn’t blame the Iditarod board for creating the new policy at the behest of the Finishers’ Club. Instead, he contends he is being targeted by other mushers jealous of his three straight Iditarod titles and the four Quest titles he won from 2005-08.

source

To see how mushers are reacting, check out the comments section for the Anchorage Daily News article. You might be surprised at what you read.

Update on the Colorado Sled Dog Rescue – Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel.

Ashley — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:28:33 +0000

Samuel and Diane Walker, owners of the Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel near Hartsel, turned themselves in on Christmas Day in connection with allegations of animal cruelty.

An arrest warrant was issued for the couple on Dec. 23. After their arrest at the Park County Jail in Fairplay, they posted $2,000 in bail and were released.

Their next court appearance is 9 a.m. Jan. 4.

The couple have been charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals and 30 counts of cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor.

Samuel and Diane Walker, owners of the Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel near Hartsel, turned themselves in on Christmas Day in connection with allegations of animal cruelty.

An arrest warrant was issued for the couple on Dec. 23. After their arrest at the Park County Jail in Fairplay, they posted $2,000 in bail and were released.

Their next court appearance is 9 a.m. Jan. 4.

The couple have been charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals and 30 counts of cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor.

source

————————————

A necropsy on two female huskies found one died from starvation and complications of pneumonia, and the other died from “bloat” or “twisted gut,” which happens when an animal is given a large amount of food after being deprived of food over time.

source

————————————

Lost Dog Team Results in Death of One Dog.

Ashley — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:22:33 +0000

Nine of the 10 sled dogs that kept going when their musher fell off near Willow survived two days of tangles, fights and hunger while trapped together on their gangline before being rescued Wednesday afternoon.

The dogs were found in a tangled mess of lines, anchored in place after the snow hook from their sled lodged in the snow about 10 miles from where the dogs escaped east of the Parks Highway, said Erin McLarnon, president of the Willow Dog Mushers Association, which coordinated the search efforts looking for the dogs.

One dog, Tappy, was dead, apparently strangled in the mess of harnesses, said Ted English, the veteran musher who owns the team and who had loaned it to another musher.

“Almost everybody had some type of bite wound on them, and a couple of them had already formed some abscesses, but nothing that’s life-threatening,” McLarnon said.

The dogs got loose about 3:45 p.m. Monday, when Jan Stevens, a 53-year-old from Edmonds, Wash., training for a possible run in the Iditarod with a team from English’s kennel, was knocked off the sled.

Romano Loop along Haessler-Norris Trail is a technically challenging run, and there is not a lot of snow there now, McLarnon said.

Stevens, who’s been mushing for about three years, said she had been going down a hill in the woods when every musher’s nightmare became reality. She hit a tree on her right and was thrown to the left. The sled stayed upright and the dogs kept on going.

“I’ve dumped sleds in the past, I’ve been dragged, but I’ve always managed to hang on to the sled,” Stevens said. “I think it was just the impact on the tree that I was just kind of tossed from the sled. And I got to watch them go around the lake below me, and it was a beautiful sight. It was also a very sickening sight.”

Stevens started walking back and called English on a cell phone. He rushed out to the area on a snowmachine, but they couldn’t find the team.

“The dogs ran out and we missed them somewheres,” English said. “Somebody gets on the trail for the last two or three years out there on that trail with a four-wheeler, and they really tear that trail up, so we had a heck of a time.”

A ground search involving 25 or more volunteers escalated late into Monday night and resumed again Tuesday. By mid-afternoon searchers, confronted with up to 100 miles of trail to cover and no sightings of the team, began thinking they would need air support, McLarnon said. A helicopter took to the sky late Wednesday morning to began a systemic search of the area with McLarnon aboard.

With Hatcher Pass Road to the north, the Parks Highway to the west and Deception Creek to the east, the helicopter began scouring the area for any sign of the dogs. About noon, after just 45 minutes in the air, McLarnon spotted the dogs out of the corner of her eye after the chopper had run eight or nine patterns.

The dogs were beyond a barricade on the trail marking some private property — an area passed by but not covered in the ground search because the barricade was unmoved — and probably just about three-quarters of a mile as the crow flies from McLarnon’s home, McLarnon said.

“When I got the phone call that she found the team, I just burst into tears,” Stevens said. “I was elated. And then she told me of Tappy’s fate, and it was heartbreaking.”

The chopper set down and searchers found most of the dogs doing well. It appeared the team ran straight to that spot before the hook set into the snow, lodging them in place, and that they spent almost all of their 44-hour ordeal in that location, McLarnon said. The sled somehow managed to stay upright the whole time.

At first, the dogs were still straight on the gangline, evidenced by holes melted in the snow where they slept. But the line soon devolved into the chaos McLarnon found as she approached.

“When I got to them it was just a tangled mess,” she said. “You could tell that there had been a little scuffle at some point.”

McLarnon called her husband, and, along with the pilot, began freeing the dogs, cutting some of the most tangled lines. They put the dogs on a stakeout line as English and Stevens headed out to the area, she said.

“Jan snowmachined in and, believe it or not, we put a gangline onto the snowmachine, hooked all the dogs up and the dogs pulled home,” McLarnon said. “They could have ran

another 50 miles, I think. They were just so happy.”The

The carelessness of both the legal guardian of the team, and that of the rookie musher who was running the team, has led to several injured dogs and one needless death...

Nine of the 10 sled dogs that kept going when their musher fell off near Willow survived two days of tangles, fights and hunger while trapped together on their gangline before being rescued Wednesday afternoon.

The dogs were found in a tangled mess of lines, anchored in place after the snow hook from their sled lodged in the snow about 10 miles from where the dogs escaped east of the Parks Highway, said Erin McLarnon, president of the Willow Dog Mushers Association, which coordinated the search efforts looking for the dogs.

One dog, Tappy, was dead, apparently strangled in the mess of harnesses, said Ted English, the veteran musher who owns the team and who had loaned it to another musher.

“Almost everybody had some type of bite wound on them, and a couple of them had already formed some abscesses, but nothing that’s life-threatening,” McLarnon said.

The dogs got loose about 3:45 p.m. Monday, when Jan Stevens, a 53-year-old from Edmonds, Wash., training for a possible run in the Iditarod with a team from English’s kennel, was knocked off the sled.

Romano Loop along Haessler-Norris Trail is a technically challenging run, and there is not a lot of snow there now, McLarnon said.

Stevens, who’s been mushing for about three years, said she had been going down a hill in the woods when every musher’s nightmare became reality. She hit a tree on her right and was thrown to the left. The sled stayed upright and the dogs kept on going.

“I’ve dumped sleds in the past, I’ve been dragged, but I’ve always managed to hang on to the sled,” Stevens said. “I think it was just the impact on the tree that I was just kind of tossed from the sled. And I got to watch them go around the lake below me, and it was a beautiful sight. It was also a very sickening sight.”

Stevens started walking back and called English on a cell phone. He rushed out to the area on a snowmachine, but they couldn’t find the team.

“The dogs ran out and we missed them somewheres,” English said. “Somebody gets on the trail for the last two or three years out there on that trail with a four-wheeler, and they really tear that trail up, so we had a heck of a time.”

A ground search involving 25 or more volunteers escalated late into Monday night and resumed again Tuesday. By mid-afternoon searchers, confronted with up to 100 miles of trail to cover and no sightings of the team, began thinking they would need air support, McLarnon said. A helicopter took to the sky late Wednesday morning to began a systemic search of the area with McLarnon aboard.

With Hatcher Pass Road to the north, the Parks Highway to the west and Deception Creek to the east, the helicopter began scouring the area for any sign of the dogs. About noon, after just 45 minutes in the air, McLarnon spotted the dogs out of the corner of her eye after the chopper had run eight or nine patterns.

The dogs were beyond a barricade on the trail marking some private property — an area passed by but not covered in the ground search because the barricade was unmoved — and probably just about three-quarters of a mile as the crow flies from McLarnon’s home, McLarnon said.

“When I got the phone call that she found the team, I just burst into tears,” Stevens said. “I was elated. And then she told me of Tappy’s fate, and it was heartbreaking.”

The chopper set down and searchers found most of the dogs doing well. It appeared the team ran straight to that spot before the hook set into the snow, lodging them in place, and that they spent almost all of their 44-hour ordeal in that location, McLarnon said. The sled somehow managed to stay upright the whole time.

At first, the dogs were still straight on the gangline, evidenced by holes melted in the snow where they slept. But the line soon devolved into the chaos McLarnon found as she approached.

“When I got to them it was just a tangled mess,” she said. “You could tell that there had been a little scuffle at some point.”

McLarnon called her husband, and, along with the pilot, began freeing the dogs, cutting some of the most tangled lines. They put the dogs on a stakeout line as English and Stevens headed out to the area, she said.

“Jan snowmachined in and, believe it or not, we put a gangline onto the snowmachine, hooked all the dogs up and the dogs pulled home,” McLarnon said. “They could have ran another 50 miles, I think. They were just so happy.”

source

Colorado Sled Dog Abuse Cases – HSUS Statement

Ashley — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:35:39 +0000

The following statement is from the Humane Society of the United States:

The Humane Society of the United States commends the Park County Sheriff’s Office for seizing nearly 100 sled dogs from a state-licensed dog-sledding facility due to the animals’ alleged neglect. After receiving a tip that dogs there were living in deplorable conditions, The HSUS called the sheriff’s department, which quickly took action to help the animals.

The case is the most recent action law enforcement in Colorado has taken in response to a sled-dog facility accused of inadequate care. It came only weeks after Snowmass Village police confirmed that they are investigating allegations of animal cruelty at Krabloonik, a state-licensed dog-sledding operation, whose owner has been arrested on animal cruelty charges in the past.

These cases are only two examples of a larger regulatory problem in Colorado, and The Humane Society of the United States calls on the Colorado Department of Agriculture to strengthen oversight and enforcement of these operations. Sled-dog operations are covered under the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act and are regulated by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Both facilities, in Park County and Snowmass Village, are PACFA licensed.

“Park County police took immediate action to relieve the suffering of these dogs. We applaud their commitment to protecting animals and hope the state will follow suit,” said Holly Tarry, The HSUS’ Colorado state director. “We ask the Colorado Department of Agriculture to step up its regulatory enforcement so punitive action can be taken against those who fail to meet standards. Consistent and timely enforcement of these regulations can prevent the suffering these dogs had to endure.”

The Colorado Department of Agriculture facility files reveal that many sled-dog facilities (including the one in Park County) do not meet the minimum standards required by law, yet the facilities are able to continue in sub-par condition with no corrective action. The owner of the Park County dogs, whom police are investigating, was convicted of cruelty to animals in 2003 after one of his dogs was found with a collar embedded in his neck. After the conviction, the Department of Agriculture, which has the authority to revoke licenses, sent the owner a letter stating that they would not revoke his license.

Both the sled-dog facility owner in Park County and the owner of Krabloonik were previously convicted of animal cruelty, and both have maintained their PACFA license. And, most importantly, both have come to police attention again for allegedly allowing animals to suffer at their facilities. This pattern is unacceptable and presents a clear need for stricter regulatory enforcement of the laws, which are designed to prevent the sort of needless suffering recently exposed in Park County.

source

100 Abused Sled Dogs Rescued in Colorado.

Ashley — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:49:40 +0000

“The Park County Sheriff’s Office has seized about 100 starving and neglected sled dogs after finding eight other dogs dead.”

- MSNBC Colorado 9News

Photo Credit: Lewis Geyer

About 100 starving sled dogs have been seized from a racing business in Colorado.

Colorado’s state veterinarian says an anonymous tip led authorities to Pawsatrack Racing Sled Dogs in the Park County town of Hartsel, about 70 miles southwest of Denver. The facility is owned by Sam and Diane Walker of Florissant.

Authorities say they found six dead husky-type dogs and seized 30 starving dogs immediately. On Thursday, animal protection authorities took the remaining 70 dogs and placed them in shelters around Colorado.

“Some are a little thin, but aside from that, no major concerns noted at this point,” said Dr. Jeff Fankhauer, a veterinarian with the Denver Dumb Friends League.”

Court papers obtained by 11 News show Sam Walker received a state kennel license in 1998. Walker was found guilty of animal cruelty and violating animal ordinances in Teller County in 2003.

At that time, the Walkers kenneled more than 100 dogs at their home in Florissant.

The same year, they were ordered to reduce their number of dogs to 30, and agreed to remove them from their Teller county property.

Dr. Keith Roehr, the state vet, says the dogs were all crossbreeds of Alaskan descent used in sled racing.

Park County sheriff’s officials were investigating the dogs’ owners for possible animal neglect charges, but as of Thursday afternoon no one had been charged.

The dogs are now receiving medical care in state shelters, and may soon be available for a new owner.

“It could take a few weeks to a few months until some of the dogs are ready to be placed for adoption,” said Michelle Ray, a Denver Dumb Friends League spokesperson.

Here is the official release from the Park County Sheriff’s Office:

On Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at approximately 1:45pm Sergeant Bobbi Priestly of Park County Animal Control received a call from the United States Humane Society.

Sergeant Priestly was informed by the United States Humane Society that they had received an anonymous tip that a sled dog facility located near Hartsel, CO, had dogs that were dead and dying from apparent neglect and starvation.

Park County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control responded to 6000 Forest Service Road 108 where they discovered approximately 100 dogs in severely neglected and starving conditions.

During the early morning hours on Wednesday, December the 16th, 2009 Park County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers executed search warrants at the sled dog facility. Over 100 animals were found in extremely poor physical condition.

Dr. Kate Anderson with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Protection scored the animals on the Hennekee Body Score System and determined several of the animals scored 1 or less on a scale of 1 to 9. Animal Control Officers and volunteers removed 30 dogs that were rated in the poorest condition and transported the animals to facilities in Colorado Springs, Buena Vista, Salida and Park County.

On December the 17th, 2009 Park County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers removed the remaining 70 animals and will be placing them in approved facilities throughout the state. Rescue operations are ongoing at this time.

Sam and Diane Walker who reside in Florissant, CO, and whom operated the sled dog facility, could be facing multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect.

Anyone wishing to help can contact The Park County Animal Rescue at PO Box 604, Fairplay, CO 80440.

source: KKTV

!! VIDEO FOOTAGE !!

WARNING: Some footage is graphic and disturbing, viewer discretion is advised.

To view video footage from KKTV, CLICK HERE.

To view video footage from 9NEWS, CLICK HERE.

“Dr. Kate Anderson with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Protection scored the animals on the Hennekee Body Score System and determined several of the animals scored 1 or less on a scale of 1 to 9.”

- KKTV News

HOW TO HELP

Donate to the organization which initiated the rescue:

Park County Animal Rescue
PO Box 604
Fairplay, CO 80440

Donate to the Leadville Animal Shelter, which has reportedly taken in 10 of these dogs:

Leadville Animal Shelter
800 Harrison Ave
Leadville, CO 80461

Donate to the Arkansas Valley Humane Society in Buena Vista, which reportedly took in 13 dogs. Visit their website to learn how you can donate where they need it most:

http://ark-valley.org/Page.aspx?PageID=1283

Donate to the Denver Dumb Friends League, which has reportedly taken in 24 of the dogs:

http://www.ddfl.org/news.htm#huskies
303-751-5772 or CLICK HERE to donate online.

Donate to the Longmont Humane Society, which has reportedly taken in a number of the dogs:

http://www.longmonthumane.org
303-772-1232 or CLICK HERE to donate online.

Donate to the Boulder Humane Society, which has reportedly taken in a number of the dogs:

http://www.boulderhumane.org
303-442-4030 or CLICK HERE to donate online.

The Story Continues, One Dog at a Time…

Ashley — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:30:18 +0000

I have kept in touch with people that read my original blog article and call for help. Some of them were actually able to adopt some of the Quebec sled dogs. This is the continuing story for two of the dogs who found such a home with a woman named Trish.

“I wanted to take one dog and make sure it was the happiest dog possible.”

Minou was going to be difficult to place since she is thought to be 6 or 7 years old. Yet she came to us with a surprise. When she went to be spayed it turned out that, she was very pregnant but too skinny to tell. I wanted her home to bond with me during her delivery and while she had her puppies. When I met her she was timid but accepting and put her head in my hand for the drive home from the foster. She has a brown eye and a blue one and her thick fur is brownish black on a creamy undercoat. She has been a dream dog, housebroken, inquisitive, and gentle. She fit right in with the 9 month old puppy my daughter has. We have begun installing a 6 foot fence so she can run around without any leash. She loves walks and we go on about 3 a day. Her advanced pregnancy made it a challenge to get on my bed, but she sleeps beside my bed in a crate with no door because she wants to. She had two healthy puppies out of four and is slow to produce milk, but since she was so skinny you couldn’t tell she was pregnant, it is not so shocking. Imagine what would have happened out there among 100 other starving dogs. She has learned to play a little and she gets excited and dances when she sees the leash. She takes treats gently and is happy to learn to sit, lay down, and come. Since she had her puppies I have slept by her side and shown her that I am also a protector and now I wake to kisses and dancing at the door to go outside. Welcome home Minou, you’ll never be hungry, cold or alone again.

Melisse was also going to be difficult to place. Thought to be around 5 years old, she was very timid, didn’t know how to walk on floors, was afraid of stairs, and people. She was exactly what I was hoping for; a dog that needed me. I am selfish that way. Melisse was one of the pregnant dogs that delivered right after being rescued so I have to wait until her puppies are weaned before she comes home. There is no need to flip her life around again while she is nursing. She had some tummy troubles but that is working itself out. She is learning to be more trusting of people and is beginning to understand life in a house. I wish I was the one teaching her these things but I will wait and teach her unconditional love if that is all that’s left to learn. When I met Melisse for the first time she was the skinniest dog I had ever seen in person. Her light silvery coat hung off of her hips and spine like someone draped it there. Her ribs showed as her skin was pulled taught by teats heavy with milk for her puppies. Her spine was no wider than my hand and led from her slightly wagging tail to her narrow face. She looked like a greyhound disguised in a husky’s coat. Then I looked into her brilliant blue eyes and knew she was mine. I squatted down to introduce myself. She immediately gave me a kiss and I murmured softly to her while I scratched under her collar and deep into the fur of her chest. She was timid but brave and I fell in love with her right there in the driveway.

As Minou has learned belly rubs and to fall asleep on her back getting scratched and snuggled, so too will Melisse and we look forward to her filling the space that we have waiting for her in our hearts and home.

I’d like to thank everyone who rescued the dogs we’ve been waiting to love and I’d like to see changes so that the cruelty that brought them here never happens again.

Where Are They Now?

Ashley — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:35:27 +0000

Reportedly, nearly 20 different shelters across North America have taken part in rehabilitating and rehoming the 97 sled dogs rescued from Canada last month (see original article & case photos). On behalf of the sled dog welfare and advocacy community, I would like to extend thanks to all of the organizations that have helped these innocent souls to have a chance at a new life. This list will be updated as I acquire more contacts and pictures. If I’ve left you out, please feel free to contact me with photos and information of how these dogs are doing!

————————————————————————-

Thank you to the SPCA of Western Quebec.

The SPCA of Western Quebec is providing shelter to three of the rescued female huskies from the Upper Laurentians in Quebec. If you would like to donate, CLICK HERE to learn how!

Shara has been spayed and is now in a foster home, receiving the love and attention she deserves.

Kiska and Nikea, both pregnant, are in foster homes as well, receiving the care they need in advance of having their pups.

source

————————————————————————-

Thank you to the Westminster Pet Sanctuary of Ontario.

Amazing Grace is a two year old husky who came to our sanctuary from a horrific neglect case in Quebec. She needs a lot of help with her medical and emotional needs after surviving such trauma and neglect, but that is what we are here for! She has no fur on her back; sores on her legs; a leg injury and is very underweight.

What we can tell you: Amazing Grace has the most gentle, loving spirit and is truly one of the most grateful dogs – to know that she is loved; to have food (poor girl didn’t even know how to chew); fresh water; a comfy bed of her own; and the best of medical treatments!

If you are interested in donating online, CLICK HERE!

source

————————————————————————-

Thank you to the York County SPCA of Pennsylvania.

The York County SPCA took in 6 of the 97 rescued sled dogs.

If you would like to donate online, CLICK HERE!

source

————————————————————————-

Thank you to the Animal Care Sanctuary of Pennsylvania.

The Animal Care Sanctuary took in 5 of the 97 sled dogs.

If you are interested in donating, CLICK HERE to learn how!

source

————————————————————————-

Thanks to the Washington Animal Rescue League of DC.

The Washington Animal Rescue League (the League) is providing refuge to 13 mixed huskies surrendered to Canadian authorities by a man who said he could no longer afford to care for the dogs. Altogether, the man had nearly 100 sled dogs, whom he used to pull sleds for tourists and kept on chains in the woods of Quebec when they weren’t working. Eleven other animal shelters in Canada and the U.S. also took in some of the dogs.

The 13 dogs at the League range in age from 1 to 8 years. One has heartworms (a parasite that inhabits dogs’ heart and is spread through mosquito bites) and many of the dogs are thin or emaciated. The largest challenge that the League faces in rehabilitating these dogs, however, may well be the job of acclimating them to life in civilization.

“These dogs are friendly, but they are not terribly well socialized,” according to Sabine Hentrich, the League’s certified dog trainer and behavior specialist. “As far as we know, except for their dog houses, many have never been inside before they arrived here. The floors, doorways, artificial lights—everything is new to them and a cause for anxiety.”

The dogs are currently being evaluated by the League’s veterinarians and behavior staff. Some may become available for adoption as early as the week of November 30. But given their past lives as outdoor sled dogs, the adoption staff cautions that these dogs are not for everyone.

“Those who are thinking of adopting one of these dogs would do well to spend some time researching huskies and sled dogs,” recommends Mary Jarvis, the League’s chief operating officer. “These dogs are very independent and their need for exercise and their ability to escape can be a challenge to anyone who lives with them.”

For more information on these dogs, please call 202-726-2556 or write to adoptions@warl.org. Also, CLICK HERE to donate online!

source

————————————————————————-

Thank you to the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance of Nova Scotia.

Fallon is a sweet boy rescued from Quebec along with approximately 100 other abandoned Siberian Huskies and Husky mixes. Fallon and 31 other dogs were brought down into the United States to go into local rescues. He’s around 5 yrs of age. Fallon is the quietest dog I ever had, not a peep out of him since he came into rescue. He’s being fostered in Philadelphia along with his blind foster brother Connor.

He is a very sweet boy who never stops wagging his tail! He’s very quiet for a Siberian Husky, too!

Fallon gets along with other dogs very well. Fallon is being fostered in the Philadelphia area.

He’s totally blind in his left, and his right eye, he sees shadows.

If you want to donate to Fallon’s care, please send to

BDRA

PO Box 63401

Philadelphia, PA 19114

Fallon is a sweet boy rescued from Quebec along with approximately 100 other abandoned Siberian Huskies and Husky mixes. Fallon and 31 other dogs were brought down into the United States to go into local rescues. He’s around 5 yrs of age. Fallon is the quietest dog I ever had, not a peep out of him since he came into rescue. He’s being fostered in Philadelphia along with his blind foster brother Connor.

He is a very sweet boy who never stops wagging his tail! He’s very quiet for a Siberian Husky, too!

Fallon gets along with other dogs very well. Fallon is being fostered in the Philadelphia area.

He’s totally blind in his left, and his right eye, he sees shadows.

If you want to donate to Fallon’s care, please send to :

BDRA

PO Box 63401

Philadelphia, PA 19114

or CLICK HERE to donate online!

source

————————————————————————-

Thank you to the Ulster County SPCA of New York.

Saint and Agatha were named after Sainte Agathe, Quebec, the town where they were rescued. Agatha, one of 30 who were pregnant, and Saint arrived emaciated but are receiving food, water, care and vet treatment at the shelter.

“They’re doing great,” reported Shapiro. “They have a great disposition. They’re not fearful; they’re cautious. They enjoy contact, which isn’t surprising given their background. They show signs of submission, but they’re very friendly. They’re adjusting well.”

When not resting in her private nursery, complete with blanketed kiddy pool, Agatha and her buddy, Saint, are now enjoying simple doggy pleasures.

“They love rolling in the grass,” Shapiro said, “They love laying in the grass.”

After gaining some weight and getting neutered, Saint will be available for adoption by February, “just in time for Valentine’s Day,” Shapiro said.

Agatha and her pups will be available before spring, once the pups are old enough to be spayed or neutered.

For information on adoption, visit www.ucspca.org or call 331-5377. Donations are needed to help with the care of Saint and Agatha and can be sent to:

UCSPCA

20 Wiedy Road

Kingston 12401

or CLICK HERE to donate online!

source

————————————————————————-

Thanks to Highland Animal Relief Team & Newf Friends in Ontario.

FROM HIGHLAND ANIMAL RELIEF TEAM:

Say Hello to Hera! This lovely girl is a recent addition to HART’s foster pack. Hera has come a long way from Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Que., to join us here in Bancroft.

Hera is one of the over 100 sled dogs recently rescued by SPCA Laurentides-Labelle. The SPCA found dogs chained outside without regular access to adequate food, clean water or shelter. There were numerous dead dogs discarded in heaps on site. This tragic story made headlines around the world.

Worse still, 30 of these dogs were pregnant. Hera is expecting her litter any day. Without help, these expectant moms would have given birth in mud pits. The puppies would have surely suffered and died. Thankfully, all the dogs are now safe in foster homes and shelters in Quebec, Ontario and the United States.

We at HART do everything we can to support the good work of other animal rescue groups. We offered to take in Hera to ease the burden of finding placement for so many homeless animals.

Hera arrived at her foster home feeling tired, and scared. Things have quickly changed. Her blue eyes sparkled when she met her two new canine siblings. She enjoys her warm bed, high-quality food, and gentle human companionship.

Her foster guardians are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Hera’s puppies. Once the puppies are old enough, vet checked and all healthy, they will be placed for adoption. In a few months, Hera will be spayed and then will begin looking for her forever home.

Thank you for reading Hera’s story. Donations to HART to help with her care would be gladly accepted. If you are interested in donating online, CLICK HERE!

FROM NEWF FRIENDS:

Hera, the husky who was rescued along with Hudson from deplorable conditions in Quebec, is in the care of a HART foster home and expected to have her pups any day now. Details about Hera and her pups will be courtesy posted on this site and we will be facilitating her adoption.

We have a long winter ahead of us, and our funds are being depleted rapidly due to extensive veterinary care for dogs that have come through our rescue.

If you are interested in making an online donation, CLICK HERE! (click “Donate Now” and then select “Newf Friends Fund” from the pull-down menu). Also, check out our calendar, which can be purchased through our main site (follow source link below).

sources: Highland Animal Relief Team and Newf Friends

————————————————————————-

Thank you to Siber Rescue Ontario.

We have committed so far to rescue 10 dogs including some pregnant females. The outpour of support has been wonderful and we have several new foster homes to thank for helping to make this happen. We are still in dire need of food donations and blankets as well as any donations towards our inevitable vet costs. Any question regarding the husky situation can be directed to Lisa at 905-713-1531 or email: siberrescueon@gmail.com.

If you are interested in donating, CLICK HERE to learn how!

source

————————————————————————-

Thanks to the Bytown Associaton for Rescued Kanines in Ontario.

BARK has helped a group in Ste Agathe who rescued over 100 dogs hidden in the woods outside Ste Agathe PQ.

The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) were called in to help rescue these poor dogs who were used for sledding and breeding. There were dead dogs all over this property with nearly 100 dogs chained to doghouses including 30 pregnant dogs. The conditions were terrible with the dogs living in and around their dead friends.

The HSUS set up a temporary shelter nearby to house the dogs while they are being examined, vaccinated, heartworm checked, deflead and dewormed. Several rescues including BARK were called to help with the surrendered dogs.

BARK has so far taken 6 dogs including three pregnant ones.

Our single biggest need is money.

If you would like to donate to their upkeep that would be much appreciated. We expect many of these dogs will need ongoing veterinary care before they are ready for permanent homes.

We also need toys, treats, good quality food, rawhides etc.

All of the dogs have great temperaments. They will not be ready for adoption until after Christmas.

If you would like to help or wish to make a donation please call 613-738-0119 or 819-776-5090.

If you are interested in donating online, CLICK HERE!

source

————————————————————————-

Thank you to the SPCA Monteregie in Quebec.

The SPCA Monteregie took in numerous dogs from the 97 rescued in Canada.

If you would like to donate online, CLICK HERE!

source

————————————————————————-

Thank you to Secours Reach For The Stars Rescue in Quebec.

These two beautiful girls are from the recently publicized surrender of near 100 dogs close to Brébeouf, QC. Both came to us in heavily pregnant states. Jadzia now has 8 healthy pups of one week old. She is gentle, sweet and pretty relaxed for a husky. She loves to get attentiona and be lavished with love. Jadzia needs a safe and patient foster home where she can be with her pups until they are ready for adoption at nine weeks old and on through her vetting, vaccinations and spay surgery. This whole prcess can take 4+ months and we are looking for someone who can commit to be there for her through the entire duration. Coralie, has 9 pups who are all doing very well, but until mom feels a bit better and more confident she will be staying where she gave birth. Once that is achieved she too will be in need of a foster home where she can depend on a patient and kind family who can help her through her journey, also to last 4+ month and includes 9 puppies that will be starting to run and play and will need a safe place where they cannot get into too much mischief! For more information please contact us at info@reachforthestarsrescue.com (don’t forget to include “surrendered huskies” in the subject line).

If you wish to donate online, CLICK HERE!

source

————————————————————————-

Many thanks to the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle.

Without the action of these compassionate men and women, these dogs might still be on their chains, wasting away.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THIS ORGANIZATION!

source

————————————————————————-

Many thanks to the United Animal Nations.

We have officially demobilized, leaving our new friends in the capable hands of the Labell-Laurentides SPCA. It was difficult leaving the last few guys there, but I know they will be off to much better lives this weekend.

I keep wondering if this is healthy for me, going from emotion to emotion so quickly on each deployment. First, experiencing the excitement, anxiety, worry and anticipation of a deployment. What condition will the dogs be in? Will we be able to help them all? What are we going to find when we get there?

Then, the whirl of activity as the seizure or rescue takes place and the dogs begin arriving at the shelter when you don’t have time to think. Triaging them, finding those who need immediate care, those who need some care and those who just need a lot of TLC is phase two of the emotional roller coaster. Then the falling in love bit. Getting to know so many of them, their quirks, their personalities. Names emerge, and we begin to accidentally get favorites. Next comes the bittersweet part of sending them off to the next chapter in their lives and saying goodbye. We know things will only get better and better for them, but they blossomed so extraordinarily in our care, it’s hard to not get attached.

Like I always say, if we weren’t getting attached to them, something is wrong with us. Now I’m going through my “post deployment blues.” I’m so grateful for the opportunity to meet with and work with so many wonderful people, even more so for having helped so many dogs along one major step in improving their worlds, but sad to be saying goodbye.

One thought keeps lingering with me. I’ve heard a few comments that since they’re huskies, they don’t mind being out in the cold. Anyone who still thinks that has never given a husky a blanket. We always marvel at how much the little Chihuahuas and Maltese enjoy their blankies for the first time. Try a husky. At first it’s intense interest and curiosity. Touch it with the paw, sniff it, move it with the nose, sniff it, taste it (not so good), sniff it again. Then it usually takes about two minutes for them to get it bunched up and situated to their liking and plop, down they go, not moving again until the next meal time. I have never seen so many simultaneously, sleeping dogs before.

This was obviously yet another different type of deployment for the Emergency Animal Rescue Service. The volunteers proved their extraordinary compassion by doing the big things (walking dogs who were stronger than most of us combined and cleaning lots of poop) and the little things (covering the scared ones with blankets and giving them names). I am so proud to be part of this team, KNOWING we are making such a huge difference for so many animals who couldn’t have done it on their own.

source

Please consider donating to the wonderful folks at UAN by clicking HERE!

————————————————————————-

Buy a Round of Compassion?

Ashley — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:56:17 +0000

Sled Dog Central recently began hosting the B.A.R.K. program – aka Buy a Round of Kibble. Below is a quote from the SDC site:

The idea for the “Buy A Round of Kibble” program was developed by ardent race fans/volunteers, Lee and Claudia Nowak, who have already contributed several bags of kibble to some of their favorite teams.

Sled Dog Central is pleased to host this list of participating kennels to bring the BARK program to the attention of mushing fans who want to support their favorite team(s) by buying a bag or two of the kennel’s preferred dog food.

The concept is wonderfully simple: participating kennels add the BARK logo to their web site, along with their preferred dog food and contact information for their regular supplier. Fans can use this info to contact the supplier directly to purchase dog food for the kennel. When the logo/supplier info is posted to the kennel’s web site, their kennel name and link will be listed on this page.

This is a free listing service provided by Sled Dog Central and is open to fans and sled dog kennels world-wide. Our goal is to provide a central connection point for fans and sled dog kennels. All financial transactions are solely between the purchaser and the supplier.

Why is this type of program not being promoted by mushers and their organizations to help needy kennels and rescue operations? I watch the list of kennels who have signed up for this program, and I know many of them personally. I’ve even been to some of their houses, and let me tell you – they are in no way in need of donations. Mushing is a luxury sport for them, and though their dogs live in plastic houses on the end of chains, their own personal houses and vehicles are top notch. So why are these people now asking for donations to operate their teams?

Everyone should try a little compassion and turn this into a charity collection, to help such sled dogs as the 97 recently rescued in Canada, or the dozens of mushers who have run out of food due to poor salmon runs in Fort Yukon this month.