Pick.Click.Give. to help local pets

To the editor:

It is once again time for Alaskans to file for their Permanent Dividends. As you do so, I would like to remind you about the Pick.Click.Give. opportunity that is offered when you file online. There are many worthy nonprofit organizations that help Alaskans and their pets each and every day. Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue invites you to share a part of your dividend with a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that rescues dogs and puppies throughout the state of Alaska.

The rescue has been around since 2002, saving thousands of dogs. These dogs come to us in a variety of ways. We rescue dogs from the Mat-Su Animal Care and Regulation Shelter, from the Houston Animal Protection and Regulation facility and we have taken in stray dogs and puppies from the public. Some of these canines have come from various Bush communities — Bethel, Aniak, Kotzebue and others.

Our dogs are placed in various approved foster homes rather than a kennel facility. As a result, these dogs are socialized and often trained. All dogs are vaccinated, wormed, spayed or neutered, micro-chipped and receive medical care, if needed.

Our “Fur Keeps” program offers help to needy families by providing medical care, behavior modification training or transportation costs for dogs and puppies. This service is provided to qualifying families to enable them to honor a lifetime commitment to their pets. All too often, companion animals are relinquished to crowded shelters because their families gave them up for some reason. Through education, intervention and action, we provide guidance and resources to help people care for their pets and keep them as members of their families.

In addition, we now offer a program “Food for Paws,” which is a food bank for those families who have fallen upon hard times and are struggling to feed their pets. The rescue has given hundreds of bags of food, treats and toys to needy dogs and families.

We hope that you will support us in our effort to reach our goal of no more homeless dogs or puppies in Alaska. By donating a portion of your Permanent Fund Dividend, you will have made a difference in the lives of many innocent creatures that rely on us to care for them.

Angie Lewis

Vice President

Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue

Palmer