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Fire leaves sled dogs homeless

by Bianca Slota
Monday, June 4, 2007

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Alaska State Troopers are still investigating the cause of a fire that killed former Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Musher Barry MacAlpine early Sunday morning.

The fire destroyed MacAlpine's home and left 38 dogs without an owner. It initially looked bleak for the dogs, but people are slowly coming forward to offer the animals a future.

Animal Care and Control said it doesn't have room for all the dogs, so MacAlpine's son Norman is running a makeshift adoption agency at his dad's property.

The prospects looked slim from the start -- the dogs have never lived indoors and many are scared of people. But, MacAlpine said the adoption effort is going better than expected.

"I was told in the beginning there probably wouldn't be a lot of responses, but I've got a quite of bit of response," MacAlpine said.

Most of the people coming forward are mushers themselves, like Justin and Rebecca Savidis. They said they are looking to add another runner to their team.

"Well, this little guy here is looking like he might be a good fit, he's about the same height and build as a lot of our dogs, and he's definitely got a good disposition," Justin Savidis said.

Neighbors said most of the dogs have good dispositions and would probably make fine pets if someone has the time to train them.  

After the fire, neighbors quickly organized an effort to make sure the dogs were fed and watered. So far six dogs have been placed in homes and five more are being treated for minor injuries at the animal shelter in Anchorage.      

If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs call Norman MacAlpine at 632-7142.

Contact Bianca Slota at bslota@ktuu.com