MAT-SU— Three days after the arrival of 157 rescued dogs at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care shelter, some previously starving dogs are now gaining ounces in weight, staff members’ 19-hour work days are shortening to a 10-hour day, and adoptable dogs—not involved in the rescue—are finding new homes.
The Animal Care Shelter is busy. The following is some insight into what’s going on.
HOW ARE THE 156 DOGS DOING?
Many better, some not so good.
Vaccines can be given by staff, but Veterinarian Katrina Zwolinski is the only one qualified to assess the dogs. Each day she handles more than 100 dogs, assessing them daily to see if the dogs are gaining weight. The scale is going up by ounces in some. “The dogs that came in with the best conditions are now stable.” She said the dogs that had not been eating for awhile are in the worst condition. Feeding these dogs must be a gradual process. A once-starving dog can die if given food too rapidly.
Yesterday quite a few dogs needed another IV fluid bag. Some dogs may not make it. The puppies, up to 30, are doing better. The eight-week-old puppies are thin and dehydrated. Some old dogs have health conditions that may require surgery.
WHY CAN’T WE ADOPT ONE OF THE RESCUED DOGS AND HELP THE SHELTER?
The many new huskies are part of a criminal investigation. The dogs are not the property of the Borough to give away. Right now they require veterinarian attention as well. We will know more about adoption in the future. Stay tuned.
However, several cute and sweet dogs, not involved in the rescue, are available for adoption now at a reduced price of $17 if the pet has been spayed or neutered, and $79 if not. Today a fluffy puppy ran up to hands all day trying to get a hand on her back. Take a look at who is available for adoption at http://www.petharbor.com
WHY CAN’T WE VOLUNTEER FOR THE SHELTER NOW?
The next volunteer orientation is Jan. 24 at 6 pm at the shelter. Helpers need to be trained as there are procedures and safety measures that need to be followed. Many wonderful people volunteer right now. Some of them have been working 15-hour days recently. We know we will need more volunteers.
“I appreciate the outpouring of generosity and support. We regret turning people away when they offer their services,” said Vet Zwolinski. “It’s a crime scene and confidential and the dogs are not only pets but evidence. As the case progresses, if people are still interested in helping we’ll need volunteers over the long haul. We could have these dogs for awhile and will need help with them when the time comes. Our trained volunteers now are working long hours. Consider getting trained now to help out later.”
HOW ARE YOU FITTING 156 DOGS INTO A SHELTER THAT WAS AT-CAPACITY?
All the dogs are being cared for at the MAT-SU shelter. Normal capacity for adoptable dogs is about 66 dogs. The influx of 156 dogs forced some rearranging. Bunnies and kittens and a guinea pig moved into cages in the hall. The quarantined room was opened up. Outside pens were assembled. Outside kennels connected to indoor kennels were divided between a few dogs instead of one. The livestock area was opened to the new dogs. An isolation room was opened to new dogs. Job Corps in Palmer is about to begin building up to 80 dog houses. Lumber donations were made by Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Spenard Builders Supply.
HOW IS STAFF AT ANIMAL CARE MANAGING?
Animal Care staff has been working long hours. The day of the seizure many worked a 19-hour day, including the new Animal Care Manager Richard Stockdale, not even two weeks on the job yet. Since the seizure some executive staff has gone home at 11 pm or midnight. Even volunteers have been putting in 12-15-hour days. Among the work begin done: feeding dogs, cleaning kennels, organizing donated supplies, adopting out other dogs, attending to people at the front desk, managing the onslaught of phone calls, emails, building kennels, vaccinating animals, washing bedding, folding bedding into towers of towels and blankets.
WHAT DO YOU NEED NOW?
This changes so please check our webpage which is dedicated to this and updated daily. http://www.matsugov.us/animalcare/news
CAN I DONATE ONLINE?
YES
CAN I DONATE ON THE PHONE?
Yes, the phone number is (907) 746-5500. Remember the staff may have to return your call due to the high number of calls coming in.
MAY I DONATE TO THE FUND SET UP AT WELLS FARGO?
Yes. Some clarification on the special fund at Wells Fargo.
Monetary donations may be deposited in a special fund at Wells Fargo,
account # 9373598334, add the name Linda Henning and "MAT-SU Shelter Advocates Fund" should pop up. You need the number AND the name of the fund.
WHO HAS BEEN OFFERING SUPPORT?
So many people from Fairbanks to MAT-SU to Anchorage have reached out to offer support. We thank you. These are some of the groups who are helping out.
Pet Smart for collecting donations
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Spenard Builders Supply for lumber
Job Corps in Palmer for the shop class building up to 80 dog houses
Alaska Dog News and Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue for organizing a relief fund
Palmer Animal Food Warehouse for thinking of us and putting out a collection bucket.
Alaska Mill & Feed for offering food at a reduced price
Fairbanks Daily News Miner for organizing a collection of donations and disseminating information
KTVA-11 for acting as a donation drop-off point
Willow Fire Station for acting as a donation drop-off
Kennels in Anchorage who have reached out offering services
And many others whose names are yet listed.
Photos by Patty Sullivan/MSB. Top: Shelter Assistant Andy Jennings takes a look at one of the rescued puppies. Photo 2: A rescued husky in the livestock area. Photo 3: Volunteer Sarah Legaux, 15, folds blankets and towels and stacks into towers. Photo 4: Animal Science dog food is the one being accepted. These bags were brought in by people who cared.
For more information call Carol Vardeman 982-1119. Check the Animal Care news page update. http://www.matsugov.us/animalcare/news
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