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Sled Dogs in Need of HelpBig Lake rescuer hits financial difficultiesThe owner of about three-dozen sled dogs in Big Lake is asking the community for help. Mike Ladan has been caring for older dogs since the late 1980s, but financial troubles mean he can’t provide the food and shelter needed. Mike Ladan began taking care of older dogs when he met a musher who was going to shoot her animals. He took them from her instead, and since then, many people have dropped their dogs off at his property. But now he can’t care for them and the health of the dogs is deteriorating – many don’t have shelter or enough food. A call for help on Craigslist was answered by Alaska charity Straw for Dogs, and now the community is behind Mike. One of the sled dogs has already been adopted. Mike Ladan has been rescuing retired sled dogs for more than 20 years. But hard times have hit. The self-employed blacksmith and metal engraver isn’t getting as much work as he used to, and now, his 35 dogs can’t get the care they need. The dogs range in age from 7 to 15 years old. A local vet says unfortunately not all have a good bill of health. Despite health issues for some, the goal now is to find homes for all of them. Mike and his dogs aren’t on their own. They’re getting help from several animal rights groups. Even if adoption is not an option, donations are also welcome. If people would like to adopt a dog or donate food, straw, dog-house, money, they can write to strawfordogsak@gmail.com or visit Straw For Dogs at 645 G Street, Ste. 100-1175. You can also help with vet bills by calling Northstar Animal Hospital 907-746-7387. Straw for Dogs has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straw-for-Dogs/326853836684. |
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Melody Bradford said on Thursday, Jan 12 at 8:17 PM
I am so glad Michael has asked for helps this did not turn into a tragic story like other mushers we have heard of . Please let's help with this burden he has taken on and donate food, straw, housing and vet services. Any Big corporations willing to help? I know the little people will! Thank you Straw for Dogs and everyone else who cares enough to help!
79803241Mobile Dog Trainer said on Thursday, Jan 12 at 10:18 AM
Mike, you are just incredible. Now the community knows your heart for saving this old guys and gals and we will help you do it. The fact that you did reach out and ask the community for help is just cooler than cool. It's putting the dogs before ego, and that is so honorable. Wish I had more money to give, to help you.
79774663RedWolf said on Thursday, Jan 12 at 5:23 AM
With all the well-known pro mushers in the Big Lake area, it's a shame that none of them are mentioned as stepping in and helping Mike even before he began having financial trouble.
79757473Donna said on Thursday, Jan 12 at 12:44 AM
Thanks so much Mike for coming forward for help. i know this must be hard for you. These dogs need to eat & be loved just like humans. i am going to see what i can do. dont have much money but am going to see how i might be able to get help from other people. hang in there & i really think evrything will work out. Straw For Dogs is amazing. You are a saint for taking these dogs in & i know people realize that so will help as much as they can. thanks for hanging in there & i will see what i can do too.
79752221michael ladan said on Wednesday, Jan 11 at 9:26 AM
If anyone feels they want to help,but don't feel comfortable making a donation for the dogs,please know that every donation goes FULLY to the maintenance of the dogs,Until adopters are found. Thanks to Willow Dog Mushers,for the generous food donation! Darla at Matsu Animal Control,for helping this to be an positive outcome for the dogs,and the food donation,getting the word out! Straw for Dogs! These ladies are the greatest! Totally selfless and truly compassionate. Metis,and Brittany,have been coming regular and spending time with the dogs. They are so much more social now and getting better every day! Dr. Shauna Henry,for coming out to check all the dogs. Being willing to work with us on the fee,and allowing donations to be made directly to them. AARF,who has offered to foster and work with them,so they are ready to join a family. Its a Dogs Life,for the same offer. Alaska SPCA ,anchorage,for the same offer. Also all those not mentioned,and anonymous persons. God Bless You!michael
79717402michael Ladan said on Wednesday, Jan 11 at 9:12 AM
I want to thank everyone for their compassion and concern! All who have donated,offered to adopt,foster,and pray for the situation to turn out positive for the dogs. I now,wish i had asked sooner. When i started rescuing,the animal control was much different than now. All the rescue groups that are now so much help,didn't exist,except for the individuals,like myself. Actually,Donnie Darilek,from the old animal control in Palmer,used to bring dogs here so they wouldn't be put down. I used to be an oilfield welder,and had the finances to help. Well ,i got hurt at work,which sparked an OSHA investigation. Hence,I am no longer welcome in the oilfield. I also became so overloaded with dogs ,that i started having to be here all the time. I ,now, make Forged knives and wrought iron,and do fine metal engraving. Work has been few and far between. I am more than willing to work,but the immediate situation requires me to try and work from home.
79716599Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 10 at 4:24 PM
Thank God that Mike had the courage to admit that he needed help. i find it very hard to ask even if i do need it. his actions saved these animals from starvation/freezing to death. i for one am happy to finally see this type of situation end in a good way. thanks mike!
79685051Louise Midkiff said on Tuesday, Jan 10 at 12:52 PM
Some of us out here are in the same relative age group as these dawgs, but still feel the need to have one in our lives. I've been on the phone with Mike. Maybe you should, too.
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