Bear Valley Community

The weather held out on Saturday and we had a good turnout both in terms of donations and customers!

There are some great items left: Household, exercise, clothing, dishes, parquet flooring, huge new picture windows, office supplies, books, and more...

...and some residents indicated they may have more donations available. With that in mind we will hold one more Yard Sale event this

Come on by: 15601 Nickleen Street ~ Take Rabbit Creek Rd up approx 3.5 miles and turn right on Clark's Rd (just past BV Elementary), exactly 1 mile turn right on Heights Hill. At bottom turn left on Jamie Ave and right on Nickleen. Corner of Jamie Ave & Nickleen St.

Friends of Pets 8/5/09

Everyone is very happy to learn that Friends of Pets is taking in Scout & Quills. They have found a temporary Foster Home for them while they help with the seach for a new permanent home for the girls.

We owe tons of gratitude to Dr. Del Seeba and the crew at Diamond Animal Hospital. They helped get the girls to safety, got them healthy, encouraged basic training and they are now very happy dogs.

We know the new foster family will continue to work with the girls and they will make a family very very happy!

This is a wonderful non-profit organization focused on saving pets of all types. Maybe the right one for you is waiting at Friends of Pets!

Dog Squad visit Scout & Quills 7-13-09

All of the Dog Squad members were treated to a reunion with Scout & Quills at the clinic.

The girls are doing fabulous and are so much fun. We all played and had a great time. It is incredible to see them doing so well - health wise as well as socialization.

We are now actively looking for a new family for the girls. Of course we would like to see them stay together but it is not mandatory. We are more concerned that they are welcomed into a new wonderful home than them staying together. The right people will know what is right for them be it one or two dogs.

We are holding a community garage sale on Saturday, August 8th to raise additional funds to support the purchase of the new tool for Anchorage Animal Care & Control. Donations of items would be appreciated and they are tax deductible donations.

Update 7-9-09

Just two days ago Dog Squad volunteer, Robin was successful in providing the right conditions that Quills felt safe enough to go inside a newly constructed trap (courtesy of Rodney & Tami) that was much larger and allowed for gradual food placement. Wa-lah! She went for it and Robin was on site to be sure she was secure. Timing couldn't have been more perfect as Dr. Seeba happened upon the scene and was able to help crate Quills and transport her to the clinic.

Phase I - Complete! All the dogs have been caught and successfully being treated medically to be sure they will be ok with no long term side effects.

Phase II - Underway! Helping them become accustom to people and kennels. We couldn't have done this so quickly without the dedication of Ruth, a technician at Dr. Seeba's clinic. Ruth has dedicated countless hours of her off time working with Scout who now plays with people and walks beautifully on leash. It's remarkable!

Today I was able to visit with both dogs and it is such a huge relief to see them safe.

On to Phase III - It's time to find them a new loving and healthy home. Their "Forever Home". It would be nice if they could stay together after all they have been through. But more importantly, they need a good home that will be understanding of their history and an owner willing to spend a good deal of hands-on time with them.

If you or someone you know is interested in adopting these girls, please let me know. I would be happy to introduce you to them and see if you/they are the perfect fit.

I personally would like to thank the members of our Dog Squad for their countless hours and dedication. Their families for sacrificing some of this incredible summer so they could crawl around the roads, ditches and bushes with me. Our neighbors for their patience. Dr. Del Seeba and his staff at Diamond Animal Hospital and Anchorage Animal Care & Control. Without those professionals we may not have had this happy ending.

Dog Update 7-1-09

I am very happy to announce that Scout was captured on Thursday, June 25th. BV resident veterinarian, Dr. Seeba was on hand to make a successful and safe capture.

That is the initial good news. The disappointing news was that she had recently gotten into another porcupine and was now covered in quills herself. While at the clinic it was discovered that she had also ingested a deadly amount of DeCon mouse poison. Her capture couldn't have come at a better time. Dr. Seeba and his staff quickly started her on medication to counter the effects and worked to remove 90% of the quills. She still has a few and they will work their way out.

Today, I was able to spend some time with Scout at Dr. Seeba's clinic. His staff has been working at desensitizing her and I gave it a good effort as well. She will make a good pet for someone who is very patient and can work with her and reward her good behavior. She likes her ears and tummy rubbed but is still VERY leary of hands. Fortunately she is not aggressive at all, just tenative and scared. Not to happy to be sperated from her sister either.

On the way home from this happy event I managed to see Quills at the usual hang out, clearly wondering where her sister Scout is. I am hopeful we will be successful in the next few days in capturing her as well.

Huge thanks to the dedicated volunteers and dog lovers who have contributed to the welfare of these girls!

Scout 6-3-09

Heights Hill Dogs

Many of you have been following the drama of the three dogs that have been hanging around Heights Hill and Clark's Road. Here is what we know and have surmised so far.

Sometime prior to May 16th the three siblings, one male and two females were dumped in Bear Valley. They appear to be a Rottweiler and Black Lab mix. The male and one female appears more distinctly lab and are completely black. The second female has the brown face, legs and black body. They have also been mistaken for two pups that really do live in the neighborhood. Unfortunately we as residents have become conditioned to so many loose dogs that no one, including myself, thought anything of these dogs until it was too late.

By May 18 people began noticing that one of the females had severe porcupine quills in her muzzle, paw and generally all over. The second female has a few in her face and leg. At the time it was difficult to tell with the male.

With the wonderful cooperation with Animal Control, live traps were set and we began a vigilant effort to trap the dogs. **Thank you to folks who have been VERY patient while we have held up traffic and crawled around the middle of the road trying everything possible to trap them!**

On the morning of May 21 we succeeded in catching the male and he was safely and happily transported to Animal Control for a check-up and safe keeping. That same evening we trapped the female with the severe quills. However, we were all disappointed when the officer came to collect her and there was a mishap with the trap and she got away.

Since that time many volunteers have assisted in try to gain the remaining two dogs' trust and valiant efforts made to trick and trap them, to no avail.

Meanwhile, shortly after Memorial Weekend the two dogs migrated up the road where they have taken up new residence. We have tried to lure them back down to Heights Hill for safety reasons as well as easier access to traps, etc.

We've had to "start all over" trying to explain to well meaning dog lovers that it is important not to leave food out for them. We have a core group of volunteers who are working directly with Animal Control to gain the dogs trust and feed them just enough to keep them going and still hungry enough to either go into the traps or be lured close by for other means of catching them.

If people keep leaving food and tossing bones they continue to not be scared of cars and stay in the street which is now even more dangerous on Clark's Road. Let's face it, some people just don't slow down for anything. The dogs also become conditioned to wait for food to be left for them rather than come close to humans to be reassured we are not the enemy.

Everyone wants to know why Animal Control doesn't just tranquilize or dart the dogs. There is very specific language in the Muni Code for this and it is not necessarily in the best interest of these particular dogs. Given their health and unknown conditions, this medication could actually be deadly. Also, given the terrain here in BV once darted the dog could go deep into the woods and make it difficult to secure them before complications occur or not find them at all. This defeats the purpose of darting them to save them.

Another popular option is a Net Gun. This tool will shoot a net an average of 40'. Unfortunately Animal Control does not have one and due to the uncertainty of its overall effectiveness, they are not able to authorize the expense of approximately $1700, including shipping. It makes sense from that perspective. However, if BV were to raise the money and make the purchase we can donate the tool to the MOA - Animal Control.

We have started a donation fund for these dogs. With your help, we can raise the money to purchase the Net Gun then once they are caught all additional funds will go directly to their medical care. Animal Control is only able to spend $175 per animal in their care. We know it is going to cost much more just for the girl with the severe quills.

Please make your donations payable to Bear Valley Community Projects and write Dogs in the memo. Checks can be sent to:

Meanwhile, stay tuned for updates on this page and feel free to leave updates on the message board below.

Pictures

2009-07-13 Group Visit

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"Quills" 6-11-09

Message board

Happy Girls

Just wanted to give all an update with Scout and Quills. ( aka THE GIRLS ) They are doing great:) They both were spayed and vaccinated Thursday 7/16 and doing good. But they are not allowed to play together for the next couple of weeks until the inscission site heels cause they like to play rough. So they get to go out together for leash walks only.
   Both girls are very happy and get excited now when they see people, still leary with new people but warm up quickly, (with females.) They are very leary with men so trying to get men to go with me to walk them. My nephew and friend go with me sometimes and the girls eventually warm up to them, but i stay just where they can see me for the security to the girls.
   I am looking for male volunteers to help work with the girls to get them use to men, it is mainly females at Diamond Animal Hospital that walk the girls so if you know any men that would like to volunteer let me know so we can continue more with the socialization of the girls.
The girls are going to make a lucky family very happy, they both are very sweet and loving.
Both are learning how to kennel and doing great at it:) Next step is basic commands like sit, stay, lay down ect.
    I'll give another update when i can. If you know any one that would like to see the girls for adoption let me know and i can meet with them so they can see, play and walk the girls. You can't help but to fall in love with the girls.:):):)
     Ruth D

scout and quills

Hi Cheri all of the people involved with getting the girls are wonderful. Just to let you all know the girls are doing great at the clinic. scout is showing less and less fear and is play barking with alot of people. Eveyone at the clinic loves both of them. Quills is doing great, she is walking on the leash and today the plan is to walk both girls for a while together and do more interaction work. Quills is vey loving and give all kisses. still a little submissive but comming out of her shell:). They will make adoptitive family very happy. Looking forward to seeing them get great homes. Thanks to all with the dog squad for what they have done, we need more people like you in the world. You all are the best.
Ruth

Nice Job, Cheri!

Thank you for creating this web site so I can catch up to the current news, and for all of your efforts to keep the neighborhood and all neighbors (including stray dogs) safe! Your efforts are appreciated! Keep up the great work!

Deb

Beware - Bears at Clark's Rd & Alascom Drive

Please be aware and be cautious of the Grizzley sow and two cubs as well as the Black Bear sow and two cubs that are staying in and around Section 36. They are seen frequently at the AT&T Tower area and have given chase to humans on encounter!

"Quills" & "Scout" Update 6-16-09

The girls appear to be doing well despite their conditions. The current feeding schedule is helping increase their energy and responsiveness to the volunteers. One volunteer has even had the joy of seeing the girls return to puppy play several days in a row.

Our local veterinarian is working on a possible solution to increase our chance of catching them. They are so savy to the traps that no enticing food has even convinced them it is worth sticking their nose in to even try it. So we have returned to feeding them in hopes it will condition them to feel non-threatened and stay close by for another opportunity to catch them with the new tool.

The photo above of "Quills" was taken on June 11th in the evening and she finally stayed out long enough to get a decent look at her. The quills in her face appear to have been mostly broken off and probably migrating. Her paw appears to still be causing her distress but she is managing to get around very well despite. Those quills also appear to have either broken off or migrated. She has put on a little weight and looks much better.

We held a successful Fundraiser BBQ on Saturday, June 13th. It was a lot of fun and we had some great items for the Silent Auction. Residents have expressed an interest in doing it again in July. So we will continue to solicit for donated items for the auction as well as increase the event to include a Garage Sale and BBQ. We also appreciate the cash donations that have been mailed in and the community of Anchorage's outpour of good wishes and support. The donation of dog food was also greatly appreciated! Our fundraising efforts will continue until we are able to pay for the veterinarian bills associated with these girls.

Thank you ~ BV Dog Squad

ADN Stories about Dogs

Thank you to the Anchorage Daily News and reporter, Megan Holland for the piece about our efforts in trying to catch these dogs as well as our Fund Raiser. http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/821338.html

To ADN Dog Blogger, Mike Lewis who introduced our story to the media with his posting. http://community.adn.com/adn/node/141585

Also to Linda of Alaska Dog News! http://alaskadognews.com

We have had a nice response from the community. It's amazing how many folks have had similar situations with dumped or abandoned dogs. It is truly unbelievable. I have a hard time understanding why people think that dumping them in the wild is any favor to the animals (dogs or cats). No matter the situation, Anchorage Animal Care & Control gives the animal an opportunity at a new home and if no one wants them, it is so much more humane to be put down than suffer a similar fate to what these two remaining dogs in our community are going through. As one of our Dog Squad members said in today's Letter to the Editor, the word "Care" is in the title for a reason. AACC is not the "old" dog catcher stigmatism it used to be. From the office staff to the enforcement officers, they have all been professional, helpful and compassionate.

We are still looking for donations and appreciate anything folks can donate.

Checks can be made payable to: Bear Valley Community Projects - with Dog in the memo

Mailed to: BVCC - Cheri Lipps 15601 Nickleen St., Anchorage, AK 99516

We are also still looking for donated items for our Silent Auction. If you or your businesses have an item, please give me a call and I will happily come by to pick it up. 345-1378

Thank you!

Re: Caution - Grizzley Spotted on Heights Hill

What smart dogs. Thanks for this update. I have been running by the traps the last couple of days. I'll choose a different route.

Caution - Grizzley Spotted on Heights Hill

It was reported by Animal Control that a Grizzley Bear has been spotted in the area on Heights Hill where the traps have been set for the dogs. Animal Control will be moving the traps today or tomorrow. PLEASE do not leave food in the area so the bear will move on. We suspect this is why the dogs have moved up to Clark's Road.

URGENT - Business Donations Needed for Bear Valley Fund Raiser for Dumped Dogs!

Attention Bear Valley Residents & Dog Lovers!!

If you or your business can donate items; gift certificates, trips, fishing trips, signed original art/photography, goods or services, Alaskan made items, etc.. we will be holding a Silent Auction on Saturday, June 13 during the BBQ after the BV Community Clean-up.

Our goal is to raise $5,400

All of the proceeds will go to the purchase of a Net Gun to be donated to Animal Control as a tool for catching stray animals, including our two remaining dumped dogs on Clark's Road and their medical care.

The Net Gun is approximately $1,600 including shipping. According to a local pet emergency it can easily cost $1800 per dog for the veterinarian care of a dog in these conditions, especially since it will require surgical removal of the quills and lots of care to get her back up to health...if it's not already too late!

If you can make a donation, please call (345-1378 or 382-8860 cell) or email me (bvcc@alaska.net) ASAP and I will pick-up the donated item or you can drop it by my home on Nickleen by Thursday, June 11.

Cash Donations are welcome too. Please make checks payable to: BV Community Projects and put Dogs in the memo. They can be dropped off or mailed to: Cheri Lipps - BVCC 15601 Nickleen St. Anchorage, AK 99516.

Please join us on Saturday, June 13th at 10:00 am for the Community Clean-up or at 12:30pm at David & Cheri Lipps for the celebration BBQ and Silent Auction. Bring you Friends & Neighbors! If you participate in the Clean-up your BBQ lunch is free.... If you come just for the BBQ & Auction, your lunch is $5.00 which will go into the donation bucket.

Thank you!!

Success

**Success: The male dog passed his observation time at Anchorage Animal Care & Control. They did find one quill and were able to remove it. This past Friday a family looked him over and appear to have adopted him.