Dog-rescue organization asks for time, money, talent, land

Spectrum, by Angie Lewis

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is a nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of finding loving and permanent homes for dogs and puppies in the Anchorage and Mat Valley area.

In addition, we educate the public about the importance of maintaining the physical and mental well-being of their pets. We stress the necessity of spaying and neutering dogs in order to avoid the unnecessary overpopulation and tragic euthanasia of thousands of homeless and unwanted local dogs each year.

ADPR's dogs are typically rescued from animal shelters, released by owners who are unwilling or unable to care for them, or are found as strays.

We are a foster home program, meaning that we house these canines in various approved homes, rather than a kennel facility. This allows for a more natural environment for these animals, thereby facilitating the socialization and training necessary for their becoming more adaptable. All dogs are vaccinated and dewormed, with medical care provided as needed.

Since June 2003, ADPR has adopted out almost 900 dogs to caring homes. Despite this success rate, we continue to have an average of 75 to 100 dogs in foster homes. This type of support requires an enormous amount of volunteer time and resources.

Our organization is in desperate need of additional volunteers to assist in fostering dogs, helping out during adoption clinics, helping with web page design, assisting with fund-raising activities, and grant writing. Please contact our organization if you can help in any of these areas.

ADPR also has a sponsor program, which offers the opportunity to sponsor individual dogs that have been in foster care for an extended period of time. These dogs are typically animals that have been mistreated, have not been properly socialized or have been physically injured.

Sponsorship donations can be adapted to fit any payment schedule -- one-time donations, monthly, yearly, etc. We will also accept donations of dog food, treats, leashes, collars and any other comfort a dog or puppy might enjoy.

ADPR is also in the process of searching for the donation of a parcel of land that might accommodate an animal sanctuary. This would hopefully include a minimum of five acres located in the Mat-Su Valley. Our intention is to create a safe haven for the animals in our community, in addition to providing resources such as animal training and spay-and- neuter support. At this time, there is no viable facility that provides a no-kill sanctuary for animals. We hope to change that.

As you can see, ADPR is a vital organization whose lifeblood is the volunteers who donate their time and hearts to the dogs and puppies of Alaska. This is an organization with a mission, a mission of compassion for the animals that have been neglected and mistreated.

ADPR is reaching out to the community, to you, hoping for donations of time, money, talents, and skills and a piece of land to provide a sanctuary. All donations are tax-deductible and will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment and worth.

Contact us at 376-9290, e-mail us at adpr03@yahoo.com or send mail to P.O. Box 876888, Wasilla, AK 99687, or stop by the red barn across from Sears in Wasilla. We thank you.

Angie Lewis is the fund-raising coordinator for Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue.