He is about a year and a half old. A Red-nose PitBull who lives outside, tied to a tree twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, year around. Numerous people have called Animal Control to get him some assistance. Apparently three of us called all on the same very cold day...he is still tied to the tree. His shelter consists of an airline kennel, which has been deemed sufficient because the owners finally put a blanket in the kennel, but it is usually not accessible to him because his chain gets tangled on it and moves the door away from him. On one of the days I called, there was no blanket, the dog was in such a tight little ball under the tree in an effort to keep warm you could hardly see him, the food and water bowls were way across the yard (water frozen), a wooden box has a door that was closed by his chain and he looked pitiful. The Animal Control complaints have been closed for various reasons...the owner said the dog was not his (it is his son's and is on his property so he is responsible in my opinion), there is a blanket in the kennel now (apparently sufficient for a short-haired dog), etc. but nothing has been done to ensure this dog stays warm or fed. The only recent break this dog got was after he bit a child over the fence and had to spend ten days in quarantine...then back out under the tree on the short chain...out in the cold without any attention or shelter (except the occasional use of that airline kennel...if the door is accessible) but now with a "Beware of Dog" sign posted on the fence next to him.

Cheeko: Cheeko: Where can this dog go to stay warm? eat? drink? He can't even go to the bathroom without living in it.
Cheeko: Again, where can this dog go to stay warm? eat? drink? He can't even go to the bathroom without living in it.

I have even knocked on the door and asked for the dog...gave them my business card...explained I did animal rescue. I was told I could not have the dog because it was his son's dog, not the father's responsibility and dog was okay living that way. Efforts to expain it was animal cruelty were rebuffed. I then reported to Animal Control that they also have one cat, three Poms, two Chihuahua's and this PitBull without a kennel license...that complaint was apparently closed without any action and/or investigation. Most of us that are good pet owners are required to have a kennel license according to Title 17...hopefully Animal Control will reactivate this complaint and take corrective action.

Several concerned animal lovers have called me and asked me to do something...I cannot legally take the dog...I can only continue call Animal Control...just like all other concerned, animal advocate citizens. It has been very frustrating...he is still there today...freezing with no shelter available. I drive down 76th regularly, so I see this poor baby almost daily...freezing, tied to his tree on the corner of 76th and Nathan in the yard of the tan house. His owner's are nice and warm...he is freezing and neglected. Frustrated does not totally express the feelings that occur everytime I see him, get a call about him or find that Animal Control closed the cases...yet he still suffers. Maybe there is something that can be done...maybe we should picket that corner so the local residents are aware of the situation and maybe someone can get the assistance for this dog none of us have been able to accomplish.

Sadly...this is not the only dog suffering in this fashion...cold, neglected and no food, water or shelter. It is a problem in the Anchorage area. Many of us would never dream to treat our animals in such a manner...but there are several that do not believe their pets deserve any better. If you know of such an animal cruelty case, please DO report it to Animal Control...CONTINUALLY IF NECESSARY until something is accomplished for the abused animal. Do what you can to make a difference...YOU may be the only one who even notices or cares...YOU may be the only one to save a life of a neglected and abused pet. Don't be shy...speak up...YOU are their voice!!!

Carol