Updated in: MCAS convenience euthanasia: Killing Malaki the senior Malamute

Malaki, ID# 324511

Malaki is a sweet-natured senior Alaskan Malamute mix set to be euthanized due to ambulatory compromises. Malaki qualifies for Dolly’s Fund and foster care.

Under the current management, MCAS has discontinued accessing the over one million dollars in Dolly’s Fund restricted to the medical needs of shelter animals. Instead in violation of the intent of the public fund, they have re-directed donated monies to spay and neuter vouchers and, at most, comfort care should dogs with medical concerns be transferred to Dove Lewis for care.

Concerns about management conduct

1. Inappropriate behavior testing

While seeking rescue options, why did the management place Malaki in 2 dog play groups, one on September 20, 2024 and another on September 23, 2024 to assess his dog compatibility skills when chronic pain affects behavior and when physical activity aggravates a bilateral cruciate ligament injury?

2. Not valuing the lives of dogs with disabilities

Why are the only options MCAS considers rescue or death for handicapped animals even as the agency continues to gather public monies for the special medical needs of shelter animals but instead redirects it elsewhere?

The Oregon Humane Society declined to take Malaki back on September 14, 2024 after obtaining veterinary radiographic records taken in October 2023 for Malaki. The attending veterinarian suspected advanced bilateral cruciate compromises that the OHS medical team does not have the capability to treat. Now MCAS managers are seeking senior dog rescues to take Malaki with a follow up on September 26, 2024, which usually implies a literal deadline: Euthanasia.

On September 21, 2024 the on site MCAS veterinarian outlined a treatment plan that if other rescues could not take him, Malaki should be euthanized. Why?

“Long term [physical therapy] will need surgery for cruciate ligament disease as well as physical therapy, and additional treatments for chronic osteoarthritis (Adequan injections, Librela injections, joint supplements). If unable to provide the above, recommend humane euthanasia due to chronic pain affecting [Quality of life]”

Nothing in the record suggests Malaki now on pain relief and other osteoarthritis support medications is suffering at all.

September 07, 2024, Intake notes:

“Behavior observations: Dog was easy to loop leash and walk to intake room. Did well for all handlings and treatment. Paced throughout time in exam room and continued to look for a way out of room, scratching door at times. Overall was social with handler. Adoption pathway once medically cleared if not reclaimed.”

September 23, 2024, ‘Behavior Walk’ notes:

“Malaki greeted me at his outside kennel with a wiggle butt and a smile, no issues leashing. We did a loop in the front parking lot, he pulled moderately. Accepted contact and leaned in for pets. Returned to kennel and exited without issue.”

September 23, 2024, Play Group notes:

“Yard Summary: Had him out for a little while but he kept trying to run around and mount other dogs so we felt it was better to bump him.”

Why kill a happy, well adjusted dog whose pain is controlled and who has a quality of life even without extraordinary measures and interventions?

Live Options

MCAS can pay for specialist consultations with Dr Bianca Shaw of Back on Track Veterinary Clinic who has assisted with MCAS dogs before. They can also pay, often at discount, for a veterinary orthopedic surgeon for a detailed or even cursory review of options from practical management to rehabilitation. Having gone to Back on Track for dogs with far greater compromises than Malaki—one being Tash, an MCAS Akita/Husky mix with significant ambulatory problems—I know compromises can be managed well, from carts to medications, even if they are not cured.

MCAS has claimed it has no resources when it does: Dolly’s Fund. MCAS also has a foster care system that can manage a dog with Malaki’s physical compromises. People are willing to adopt compromised dogs.

They just don’t want to take on the ‘chore’ involved in taking care of medically compromised animals despite having funding through Dolly’s Fund. Even though success stories of animals that are rehabilitated through Dolly’s Fund would directly encourage the effectiveness of the donation driven fund.

If MCAS is unwilling to spend Dolly’s Fund for its purpose, please distribute it to private non-profits and clinics who will help dogs with disadvantages.

This is a community of compassion in fact with mandates directing respect for all lives including those of the handicapped. Please don’t kill Malaki. He deserves his life, unjudged by others.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

The general number is 503-988-7387, it is a hard number to get through sometimes.   Every manager’s phone number and email is listed below:

MCAS Director  Erin Grahek erin.grahek@multco.us, 503-988 6233
Monday through Friday
She took over as interim director starting from the first week of July 2024. She was appointed director in September without a background in animal sheltering.  MCAS has been in crisis with massive staff departures ever since. 

Operations manager Marian Cannell  marian.cannell@multco.us, 503-988-6763
Monday through Friday  

Animal Care Operations Manager andrew.mathias@multco.us,  503-988-9989
Tuesday through Saturday  

Field Services Supervisor Jennifer Turner   jennifer.turner@multco.us, 503-988-9079

Animal Care Supervisor  dalynn.torres@multco.us, 503-988-4610 
Sunday through Thursday

Client Services Manager echo.gill@multco.us,  503-988- 9086
Tuesday through Saturday