Northern California Sled Dog Rescue 2012

Following the Iditarod this week or headed for the snow with your winter-loving dog, now that we’re finally getting a bit of winter? Give a kind thought to the folks at NorSled—Northern California Sled Dog Rescue, who are out scrambling to help those Nordic-breed dogs in need. Covering most of northern California, and helping shelters in central California and western Nevada, NorSled has placed an average of over 200 dogs annually for the last four years. While NorSled rescues many beautiful huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds and mixes of these breeds, they also take in the “not easy to place” dogs from the shelters—the ill or injured, or dogs needing some additional training.

Sir Galahad—or “Gallo” for short—is one of these dogs. Beautiful, friendly, but neglected, this big boy was a favorite at the shelter he found himself in. After he was pulled, NorSled discovered that he has a huge fatty tumor on his side; Gallo will soon have surgery to have the tumor removed, then go to a foster home for recovery and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, this very sweet dog, who came into rescue at 102 lbs., will be on a diet and restricted activity for several weeks.

While vets do give discounts to many rescues, they cannot provide services for free—and dogs like Sir Galahad incur many additional costs: supplemental vet visits, rehabilitation, medical costs, sometimes special foods. But the effort is worth it when a happy, healthy boy like Gallo finds his “forever” home.

Please check out NorSled’s website www.norsled.org and go the available dog page to see the dogs currently looking for homes.

Iditarod fans—enjoy thrilling tales of this year’s race as NorSled hosts veteran mushers Ed and Tasha Stielstra at Homewood Winery in Sonoma April 28. Details at www.norsled.org.