Shelter full of racing huskies

MAT-SU -- Forty huskies are awaiting new homes at the Mat-Su Animal Care and Regulation shelter this week, after they were trucked from a Valley residence.

Although Mat-Su Borough Code dictates the name of the surrenderer remains private, shelter staff said the dogs were from a mushing kennel and were between 4 months and 5 years old, with some racing experience. The dogs' health varies, with some dogs showing signs of significant malnourishment. Animal Care and Regulation Officer John Frey said the dogs were apparently not fed regularly through the winter and, because their owner was absent for four days prior to the dogs' collection, missed two days' food and water. Frey said after being unable to find a caretaker to step in and feed and water the dogs, officers donated food and performed caretaking duties for two days before the owner surrendered the dogs.

The dogs are friendly and approachable, and Frey said all are considered adoptable, although they're accustomed to the life of a mushing dog and aren't housebroken.

"Someone who's interested in getting into mushing may be interested in them," Frey said.

None have been spayed or neutered, and adoption is contingent upon signing a spay-neuter agreement, according to borough code. Frey said people willing to take more than three dogs will have their spay-neuter deposit waived, along with the adoption fee, for a total cost of $12 per dog. People adopting more than three dogs must also apply for or already hold a kennel license. People adopting fewer than three dogs will have their adoption fee waived, but will be charged $60, with a $30 deposit refundable upon proof of the dogs' spaying or neutering. The discounts will be in place for the next week, Frey said.