Animals

Many kids go to the Alaska State Fair just to have a good time… others go to secure their future. The 4H program helps kids raise money for a college fund while teaching them life lessons, and currently they're learning one of the harder lessons. Ashleena says, “I really don't have a lot of choices. As far as raising money for college this is the best way I can do it along with a summer job.”  9 year old Brittyn Werner and 17 year old Ashleena Roberts are preparing for college by prepping their animals for auction.

by Natasha Rasheed Friday, Dec. 29, 2006 Portage , Alaska - There is almost five feet of snow in Portage and while it makes for some gorgeous scenery, it also complicates things for caretakers at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It's a winter wonderland in Portage, with almost five feet of snow; and that means fun for the animals, as well as lots of work for Kelly and Mike Miller. They live and work at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and that arrangement brings with it some unique moments, like Seymour Jr., a moose who is always waiting just outside the front door.

by The Associated Press Saturday, January 30, 2010 FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- A veterinarian who practiced across rural Alaska has renounced his license while under investigation for allegations of negligence. Dr. Eric Jayne was described by friends as one of the few veterinarians willing to work in the Alaska Bush. Popular but controversial, Jayne surrendered his license to the Alaska veterinary board earlier this month. Documents filed by an investigator with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing showed that Jayne was under investigation for multiple allegations of negligence, prescriptive practice and standards of care.

Each fall, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage sees the full force of the Turnagain Arm's extreme tides, and some of the grounds flood. Spokesperson Ethan Tyler says staff make sure that animals are safe on high ground, but the tides do make for some dramatic photographs  

The Learning Farm's Christmas Break Farm Camp is teaching Anchorage children the basics about animals, as well as giving them a chance to get outside when they're out of school. Numerous horses are available to ride at the farm where during Christmas break, kids can ride horses, learn about dog sleds, and even make cheese. The farm in South Anchorage hosts the camp so kids can have something fun, but educational, to do over the holiday break. Deborah Baines, its director, says the lessons learned there can last a lifetime.

Radio station Movin' 105.7 is organizing Operation Teddy Bear and said Sunday they are still accepting stuffed animals. Next week the stuffed animals will be turned over to local law enforcement agencies in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. The purpose is for officers to keep the stuffed animal in their vehicle and hand them out to children they come in contact with at crime and fire scenes. The purpose is to help children through a difficult time and create a bond between law enforcement and youth.

The Alaska Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is trying to find homes for its remaining dogs before closing the adoption center. Three dogs remain at the center-- Dew, Honey and Larry. SPCA officials say they're hoping to keep Honey and Larry together. The adoption coordinator says the dogs have come a long way since they were first taken in and now they need a lot of love and care at a permanent home. "We don't want them just to go to any home, we want them to go to the best home possible," says adoption coordinator Shannon Basner.

Fear of federal land grabbing could make it more difficult for the Alaska to restore wood bison to a habitat near the Lower Innoko River. Representative Alan Dick, R-Stony River, sponsored the bill that would require legislative approval before the bison can be moved from Portage to the Interior. Earlier this week, he warned fellow legislators that the bison will bring trouble. "I think the potential long term consequences can be devastating," Rep. Dick told Channel 2. He said he initially supported the idea of having wood bison near his community, but then changed his mind.

It's wilder than a zoo and tamer than the wild. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center brings in all kinds of strays and worn out travelers; all with unlikely stories about how they got there. The grassy Portage flatlands wave at a circle of snow capped mountains, but the thing that makes the area so different is the life within it. Karen McBee accomplished a lifelong goal when she got to Alaska. "It took quite a while, but here I am. It was the only state I had not been to," said McBee.

Animal care staff in the Mat-Su Valley worked through the night Monday to remove more than 150 dogs from a breeder's home. Alaska State Troopers arrived Monday evening at the Montana Creek home of 53-year-old Frank Rich of Willow, near Mile 92 of the Parks Highway, to investigate a report of animal neglect. Troopers say when they arrived at the house on Kashwitna Drive, there was no food or water for the dogs. There were about 150 dogs on the property. Troopers say nearly all the dogs were malnourished and dehydrated.