FORKS — Steve Markwell and 124 dogs from the Olympic Animal Sanctuary will not arrive at their undisclosed destination until early Tuesday because of slow progress in what is a very long drive, said Robert Misseri, president of the Smithtown, N.Y.-based Guardians of Rescue animal shelter.
Markwell departed Forks early Saturday morning in a truck with a 53-foot trailer loaded with dogs from the pink warehouse at 1021 Russell Road in Forks.
Misseri said Markwell told him the truck’s progress has been slowed because Markwell is the only driver and has been stopping to feed and water the dogs, and to take the dogs out of the trailer for breaks.
Guardians of Rescue, which is moderating the OAS dogs’ release to other organizations at the distribution site, is seeking donations to feed and house the dogs until they are ready to be released to participating rescue groups, he said.
Misseri said pallets of dog food have been ordered and will be waiting at the transfer point, and a veterinarian will be at the site when Markwell arrives.
Each dog will be examined and given a microchip and its own 8-foot by 12-foot kennel during its stay at the distribution center.
However, the organization is short on kennels, and needs more to house all 124 dogs, he said.
Cash donations to help pay for dog food and initial medical care can be made at the Guardians of Rescue website, www.guardiansofrescue.org
Information on how to donate kennels to Guardians of Rescue will be released as soon as arrangements are made with Lowe’s Home Improvement, where the organization will purchase kennel materials.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
