Thanks to all who helped save Pete

To the editor:

On May 9th I parked my car off Sullivan Rd. and headed with my dogs, Jake & Pete, through the woods to the Knik River. On our way back I realized that Pete was lagging behind and as he got closer I noticed his wobbly legs before he dropped. He was still conscious so I sat down with him and about a ½ hour later Pete stood up so we continued walking, although slowly.

We went about a ¼ mile, and he fell again. Pete is over 70 lbs and at 68 I'm too old to carry him so I had no choice but to leave Pete with Jake and start walking towards the Old Glenn Highway looking for help. I noticed a truck in the distance and realized it was a state truck from the Division of Mining, Land, and Water.

I walked up to the driver and asked “How would you like to do your good deed for the day?”, explained my dilemma, and asked if he would take us to my car. He said “No. This is a state truck and only state employees are allowed in it." He did say "Sorry" as he rolled up the window. I was speechless.

It was then that I decided to call my friend, Earl Lackey, who owns Alaska Raceway Park, and explain my situation. He called back in 10 minutes saying help was on the way. His daughter-in-law, Renee Lackey, and the track’s EMT, Tami Grande, were there in no time.

After numerous tests at the Vet clinic they determined Pete had low blood sugar, low body temp, and his symptoms were common for poisoning by an artificial sweetener called XYLITOL, which is deadly to dogs. We’re hoping that Pete happened upon a piece of gum or something dropped by a trail user.

While we have a happy ending, I can’t get past the State employees' decision to leave us helpless. I wasn’t asking for a ride to the store. At the very least he should have offered to find someone who could help me. Instead, he just drove away.

The true heros here are Earl, Rene, Tami, and the doctors at AK Equine & Small Animal Hospital. I am fortunate to have them in my life and I can't thank them enough.

At this writing, Pete is doing fine.

— Daniel Roche

Palmer