In Alaska, people rely almost exclusively on sled dogs for transportation in the winter. Salmon is the mainstay of the dogs' diet, but this year's salmon run was the worst that western Alaska has seen in more than four decades. As a result, at least 2,800 Alaskan sled dogs are going hungry. To help with this crisis, Pets.com has donated more than 80,000 pounds of its private-label dog food, Pets.complete. But it's still not enough. And then there's the challenge of getting the food to the dogs. Cash donations are needed, not only to buy more food, but to pay for flying the food from Fairbanks to the 42 settlements in Alaska's interior that can be reached only by plane at this time of year.

The relief operation is a huge undertaking, but the alternative is heartbreaking. Trainers and owners of sled dogs are already euthanizing some of their dogs. People are realizing that if food doesn't arrive, they'll have to thin the ranks even further. More help is needed. Most people are confident that the salmon will return; the question is whether they'll return soon enough. One thing is sure, though: More help is needed to get the dogs through this winter. Initially it was thought that a total of 400,000 pounds of dog food would be needed. But now that number seems low. New estimates show that the 2,800 dogs are going to go through about 200,000 pounds in two months. Even if the Alaskans get more donations than they can use this year, no contributions will go to waste. It's very likely that they're going to need help next year as well.

How to help
Donations to help feed Alaska's sled dogs can be mailed to:
Key Bank
Attn: Branch Manager
Tanana Chiefs Conference Fish Disaster Fund
P.O. Box 71230
Fairbanks, AK 99707

Questions can be directed to Perry Ahsogeak of the Tanana Chiefs Conference: (907) 452-8251.