canine caring

Feb. 11, 2007

BY DIMITRA LAVRAKAS

Frontiersman

In 2006, 1,072 dogs and puppies were adopted from the non-profit, Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue in Wasilla. Last Saturday, one returned.

Shaking and jumping up to clutch his soon-to-be former owner by the waist, the dog seemed to what was going on.

ADPR volunteer Rhonda Weinrick started to cry.

&#8220I hate this,” she said. &#8220If you don't bring your child up right, you can't turn them back in.”

When a person adopts an animal here, they are supposed to provide a &#8220forever” home.

Adoption returns, dogs dumped on the side of the road, not fed or housed properly are part of a larger problem, she said.

People don't take the time to assess their ability to care for a dog and do not take the time to learn about the breed.

In a society that disposes of everything with just a toss into the garbage, not caring where it ends up, animals are also seen as expendable.

Assessing your home environment and it's inhabitants is critical to making a good pet choice, said Weinrick.

Puppies are cute, but they grow up, are no longer so

emotionally appealing and become a dog with sometimes not-so-cute habits.

Weinrick suggests potential owners go to the Web site www.petfinder.com or www.aspca.org for guidance.

&#8220If you live in an apartment, I'd hate to see you with a 150-pound dog,” she said. &#8220Pets need to be paired with proper owners.”

There's a comprehensive evaluation form for people to fill out when they adopt from ADPR.

The organization's mission includes providing foster homes for abandoned dogs until socialized properly for adoption, also spaying or neutering prior to adoption.

Sometimes more medical care is needed.

Tiny &#8220Hamish McDuff,” a 12-week-old schnauzer and Scottish terrier mix, was brought in by his owners who were unable to take him for medical attention. He had a broken leg with a dislocated shoulder and lost his leg from the inattention. The vet bill cost the organization $800. The plucky, three-legged, puppy already has two people interested in adopting him.

&#8220Rex,” a Mastiff-mix who was initially adopted from ADPR, was with his young owner when the man died

suddenly.

&#8220He's a love,” Weinrick said.

He takes commands and is good with older children and other cats and dogs, she said. Rex is ready for adoption.

&#8220If people can't adopt or have time it volunteer, we need blankets, newspaper, toys, dog food, bowls, leashes,” Volunteer Karen McNaught said. And of course, money.

But they don't want to be around forever - that would mean that the problem persists.

&#8220We're working to put ourselves out of work,"McNaught said.

Go to the APDR Web site to view dogs for adoption at http://adoptafriend.net/akdogrescue.html or stop by

Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 2031 Terrace Street behind Builders' Bargains off the Parks Highway or call 745-7030.

Alaska Puppy and Dog Rescue volunteer Karen McNaught holds &#8220Hamish McDuff,” a 12-week-old schnauzer and Scottish terrier mix, who lost his leg after his adoptive owners were unable to get him medical attention.