New animal rescue opens its doors in Interior Alaska

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - In Alaska, it is not uncommon to see numerous car windows rolled down with a pair of flapping ears, or a snout sticking out. In some cases, these animals even take priority in the front seat over guests.

Yes, it is true. Alaskans love their furry canine pets. While many live a good life, there are many seeking cuddles, love, food and their “fur-ever” home.

To help fill the gap between potential “fur-ever” homes and animals available for adoption, one rescue in Interior Alaska is working to fill that space.

Forget-Me-Not Animal Rescue is a new animal rescue in the interior, specializing in dog rescue and adoption.

Forget-Me-Not Animal Rescue Board President Michelle Kougl, who has worked and volunteered for other local rescues decided it was time to open her own animal rescue, as the state has seen a growing number of animals, specifically dogs, in need.

Kougl said one of the most rewarding parts of the rescue is finding the right homes for the dogs, and seeing how happy they are when they have adjusted and have grown with their families.

Because Forget-Me-Not Animal Rescue is just getting its “paws” on the ground, they have been working with other interior rescues and veterinarian clinics to help where there is a need.

“We take in dogs from in and around the Fairbanks area, to rural areas, or where there is a need,” said Kougl. “If we can’t take them, we help to facilitate with other rescues to see if they can help.”

The rescue has received three dogs within the first week of opening and has a group of puppies on the way.

Kougl said they want to live up to the meaning of the non-profit’s name, Forget-Me-Not Animal Rescue. The Forget-Me-Not is the Alaska state flower, which symbolizes true love and respect. According to Farmer’s Almanac, “When you give someone these tiny blooms, it represents a promise that you will always remember them and will keep them in your thoughts.”

Kougl said starting a new rescue couldn’t have happened without the support from local interior residents with the same goals and love for the animals as the organization.

“This year we hope to do a lot of fundraising to set ourselves up for success in caring for the dogs,” said Kougl. “My “number goal” is 20 dogs, so I guess we’re halfway there, so I’ll make it,” she added while holding her recent puppy rescue, Penny “Popeye”.

“Next week we are having a fundraising event at Latitude 65 (a local brewery),” Kougl said. “Anyone who wants to come out and know more about us, or is interested in fostering or volunteering can find us there from 4 to 8 p.m.”

The event is named “Barks, Brews and Meet the Rescue,” which Kougl said pretty much sums up their first big event. There will be treats for those who bring their dogs and a few treats for their humans.

Kougl also noted there will be more fun dog-friendly events to “dig” into this summer.

To learn more about Forget-Me-Not Animal Rescue, adoption information, or how you can help, visit our website forget-me-notanimalrescue.org.

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