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Six (6) sled dogs, ranging in age from approx. 1 thru 6 years old, are available for adoption on Aug. 8th. If no homes are found - these dogs will be euthanized. Please help us find loving homes for each of them.

The dogs were among those taken from an abusive and neglectful home. All were running sled dogs. All were severely underweight and some had other physical problems related to the abuse and neglect they suffered. They have spent the last 2 months, under vet supervision, and have been living at the Hiland Correctional Center while going through socialization and basic obedience training. This is a relatively new program called "SPOT", Shelter Pet Obedience Training, in which selected inmates are chosen and trained to work with the dogs before they are adopted.

All of the dogs are now house trained and doing great with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, down. Some have even progressed to rollover and shake hands. They are high energy dogs that will need homes that provide lots of exercise. They have been walking and jogging with their inmate handlers.

I visited with each handler and dog. I was impressed with how great their coats and weights looked, considering what they looked like when they first arrived. Each handler emphasized how much the dog they were working with loved to pull - something they all had in common. But they also have been "practicing" how to walk on leash in heel position. There's a great chance they would easily adapt to skijoring and would most likely fit into a small recreational dog team. Most of them exhibit some shyness and fear of men. But the handlers say they have all made huge improvements in that area over the past few weeks. They have all shown affection, loyalty, and trust in a very short time. With a little patience, these dogs would transfer that affection to new owners (although I would guess having an adult female as part of the family would help that trust develop more quickly).

If you have room in your heart & in your family to give a deserving dog a 2nd chance in a happy home setting - please consider adopting one of these needy dogs. Or if you know of someone who is looking for an active exercise partner - please pass this info on.

3 Males: 

SAMMY
approx. 1 1/2-2 yrs. old, beautiful & unique brindle coat (gray/tan) with some white markings (his picture does not do him justice). Highly active, outgoing, lovable, still exhibits some puppy exuberance. Less than 50 lbs., has front dew claws. Shyness around men getting better.

ROCHESTER
approx. 1 1/2 yrs. old, black and tan Rottweiler/Husky mix, about 80 lbs. Friendliest of all the dogs right from the start, does not have any problem with men. Big barrel chest, loves belly rubs, very tolerant of physical playfulness. Loves to pull, even pulled the water cart there at the prison with no problem. House broke and kennel broke. Has already become protective of his male handler. May not fit into typical sled dog team because of his size, but he is extremely lovable and would make a great jogging and/or skijoring partner. I really hope this guy finds the right home!!

SITKA
cream colored, 3-4 yrs. old, shyest of the males (may require more time and patience to earn his trust, but his handler says he has a great personality once he trusts you - follows his handler everywhere). Loves to be petted and scratched. Can be aloof at times, not sure how he might tolerate really young kids, the most fearful of men from the 3 male dogs. Initially had a urinary tract infection which cleared up with anti-biotics.

3 Females:

NIA
(or Nia, not sure on spelling) - approx. 2 yrs. old, mostly white with some gray highlights. Was extremely, excessively underweight when brought in, but she loves food and is now up to about 40 lbs. Loves everyone, a little shy around men, but warms up pretty quickly. Very playful - dubbed "Miss Personality" by the handlers.

ZETA
(photo says Zayda) - approx. 5-6 yrs. old, white with gray and tan highlights, blue eyes. Extremely friendly, sweet, lovable. The attention seeker of the group, loves to be petted and stroked. Lots of energy. Improving on her shyness of men.

TAFFY - approx. 2-3 yrs. old, black & white. The most fearful of the females, especially around men. Her handler says she LOVES to run and that she is extremely playful once you have earned her trust.

All of the dogs are now up to date on their vaccinations, all have been de-wormed. Each dog will be spayed or neutered before adoption and all will be micro chipped. Adoption fee will be the same as any other pet adopted from the Mat-Su Animal Care and Regulation. No extra charge for the socialization or basic obedience training.

Appointments can be made to visit with any of the dogs and their handlers - call Hiland Correctional Center at 907 696-9150. Ask for Sgt. Beaulieu or Amy Rabeau. Dogs will graduate from the SPOT program on Aug. 8th. Then they only have 10-14 days to be adopted. Let's not allow these dogs to be euthanized. They deserve better than what life has given them so far.

Give Mat-Su Animal Care a call if you are interested in adoption, 907 746-5500, ext. 1 for front desk or ext. 3 for Chief Dave Allison.

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