Dogs slowly recover from starvation

The 157 malnourished and dehydrated dogs that were rescued last Tuesday night from dog breeder Frank Rich in the Montana Creek area are slowly recovering.

The dogs are now at the Mat-Su borough animal care shelter and according to borough officials, are gaining ounces in weight. Some dogs are doing better than others. Borough veterinarian Katrina Zwolinski  said that some dogs are in stable condition, but others still needed to be put on IV fluids.

In response to the heart-breaking story, Alaskans were jamming phone lines at the shelter with questions how to help. The Job Corps in Palmer built about 80 dog houses, Alaska Dog News and the Alaska Dog & Puppy rescue organized a relief fund and Alaska Mill and Feed offered food at a reduced price, among others. In Talkeetna, the Roadhouse set up an area where donations could be dropped off until Saturday. The closest drop off location after Saturday is the Willow Fire Station.

Borough officials say that volunteers are always needed but need to go through training first. Borough veterinarian Katrina Zwolinski said she appreciates the public’s generosity, but also wants the public to know that the dogs are part of a criminal investigation and considered evidence. She said the shelter will need volunteers over the long haul. The next volunteer orientation is Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. at the shelter.

Frank Rich, the dogs’ breeder, has been arrested and is charged with 50 counts of cruelty to animals. He is held at the Mat-Su Pretrial facility.

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Click here for updates given by the Mat-Su Borough animal shelter.

Monetary donations may be deposited in a special fund at Wells Fargo, account # 9373598334. Add the name Linda Henning and “Mat-Su Shelter Advocates Fund” should pop up.  You need the number AND the name of the fund.

Online donations to the Mat-Su Borough:

1. Go to the Borough website www.matsugov.us
2. From the Quick Access button on the screen, select Online Payments
3. Select the option Donate to the Animal Shelter
4. It will bring you to the screen to enter your credit card information. Fill out your info and in the field called “Tax Account Number” type the following   AC-200369900
5. Once all fields are filled press continue and follow the instructions.

Donations via phone:  (907) 746-550o