Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue

AKKNR Board of Directors would like to congratulate the first recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, Leslie Welker, who is recognized for her outstanding volunteer work during 2009.  Leslie worked as a key team member in the Northwest, volunteering for Transportation and Foster Care for Rescued AKK, Kai.  She transported Kai across the state for a week long stay and evaluation at her home.  She took Kai to the vet’s office for his Health Certificate and Exam.  Transportation was coordinated with the BOD, and Leslie drove a few hours to the airport for Kai to make his 5am travel time. She  experienced her first dog air transport.  She had nothing but wonderful things to say about the Delta Cargo manager in Spokane, WA.  On top of it all, Leslie’s employer, Wal-Mart, matched Leslie’s volunteer time by donating to AKKNR through The Wal-Mart Foundation.

Leslie wants to especially thank fellow team members, Robin Carlstrom, and Bette Cook, as she could not have done what she did without the help of the Northwest group. AKKNR adds our thanks to them, and all the volunteers.  We couldn’t exist without all of you!

AKKNR Board of Directors would like to congratulate the second recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, Jay Randall, who is recognized for his outstanding volunteer work during 2010.  Jay and his lovely wife Genevieve have gone above and beyond to open their home to two AKK in need this year, Taz and Takoda, in the midst of welcoming their first daughter, Katherine-Rose to the family in July.

Taz arrived just after Katherine-Rose was born, and was definitely a challenge to work with. He was an owner surrender who was healthy, had complete records, but was extremely fearful and aggressive dog toward strangers.  Jay drove 75 miles each way to pick up Taz. Cared for him, evaluated him, and after enough time had passed with evaluating his temperament, he found the perfect forever home in Arizona.

Takoda is a completely different story who arrived the week before Christmas. Without hesitation Jay picked him up. Was there ever a doubt? Certainly not! He came to Jay with no records whatsoever, a debilitating eye condition, is in need of socialization, and was saved only by the fact that both shelters he was taken to refused to take him because of overcrowding (one was a kill shelter).  We are grateful this sweet little guy has been blessed with finding his forever home with AKKNR as he is going to make a wonderful companion to come home to.

Jay wants to especially thank his wife, Genevieve as he certainly hasn’t acted alone in his rescue efforts. His wife plays a key role in allowing them to do what we do, which hasn't been easy.

The BOD aren’t quite sure where they find the time with a newborn, working full-time, a pack Alaskan Klee Kai of their own to volunteer, but we are grateful. Needless to say their dedication to rescue exemplifies their commitment to the Alaskan Klee Kai Breed and our community.  We certainly could use more volunteers as willing and dedicated, as they a rare breed.

AKKNR Board of Directors would like to congratulate the recipients of the Volunteer of the Year award, Robin Carlstrom and Lori Stoltz, whom are recognized for their outstanding volunteer work during 2011.

Robin Carlstrom

When I was contacted by the owner wishing to surrender Kaiya, I was heartbroken at her story. It was clear that no matter how much the owner loved her, she needed to be in a different place.  The great Pacific NW team really pulled together - Leslie Welker drove over 4 hours to pick her up, and then we each drove 2 1/2 hours to meet to transfer her to me.  Working with my vet and getting wonderful support from the Board, we attended to some of her long term issues.  To me, the amazing thing was the diagnosis of her actual problem (thyroid) was done by a member of the AKKNR Board - from a picture! Kaiya is now settled in a great home, and is very content.  What I love about rescue is how everyone pulls together - our local team to respond directly, my vet who cared for her at great discount, and the Board supporting with advice, amazing knowledge, and of course funds.

Kaiya was part of our household for about a month, and settled in well with our 3 adult AKK.  We worked with her a bit on agility (my love!) along with my others.  I have loved this breed since we got our first in 2005.  Our dog Tuvok achieved his TACh (Teacup Agility Championship) this fall - and he may be the first AKK to achieve Championship level in any venue.  This breed is amazing, and I am honored to have played just one small part in Kaya's story.

Lori & Gordy Stoltz

Gordy and Lori have helped with the rescue in the past, but this past rescued puppy has put a forever dent in their hearts.  Gordy at the time was working for the Corrections for the State of Minnesota, and Lori ran their home based business, and took care of their many animals.

One week day while Gordy was gone out of state, Lori received an email that forever changed their life.  It informed Lori of a rescue in dire need of medical treatment and a foster home.  Lori drove the two hours to the twin cities to make a late night rendezvous to pick up poor Sibbey.  Sibbey was rescued from an Illinois shelter, and transported to Minnesota to Lori and Gordy’s pet boarding and grooming facility to be cared for, evaluated and treated for heart worm infestation.  It was a long, hard, but successful battle to keep Sibbey alive and well.  Many trips to the vet office to undergo treatments, operations, and vaccinations, as well as medication and special food diets, and lots of tears and joy mixed in as well.

Sibbey had a few other issues besides her heart worm disease; she also had severe separation anxiety and would pull excessively while on lead.  After many hours (and five doggie beds) they were able to get her less anxious when left alone, and long walks, she was able to overcome all three obstacles.

The final leg of Sibbey’s journey was to overcome the fear of traveling.  She HATED to travel in a car, and after many short trips, they headed across Minnesota to beautiful Wyoming after selling their home and business to start a new life in Wyoming, however she did WONDERFUL the whole 19 hour trip across many states, and learned to not be quite so afraid of traveling, which helped with her final trip to Colorado to her forever home.

This foster experience was a lot more stressful, harder to deal with, but was such a wonderful experience, Gordy and Lori would drop everything to help out anytime any where once again!