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Rogue Detection Teams's avatar

Thank you for sharing Mitch's story, and that of Denali National Park's Sled Dog Program. It's so very sad and scary to see the real-life effects that recent policies are having on the livelihoods of passionate and dedicated federal employees.

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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

Holly, I had no idea, and I never WOULD know except for your excellent reporting. Thank you for sharing this story. I wonder if there are newspapers or magazines who would pick up a canine interest story like this?

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Holly Cook's avatar

Thanks! I am talking to several other teams about this. A conservation K9 organization whose lost some contracts and a husband/wife team who have lost some summer work. I know nobody really thinks about the dogs and that's why I'm doing this. I really don't think the media would be interested in this though. I am submitting to Ruff Drafts for the summer issue. Time will tell.

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Ruth's avatar

Are you kidding? Many, many of us are more emotionally moved by dogs-in-need stories than their people-y counterparts. If you can blast it out on the news, it will create yet another round of nonpartisan outraged phone calls. Mitch sounds like a keeper for Denali and for the dogs.

On Substack alone, dog owners with massive followings include: Jim Acosta, Steve Schmidt, and Charlie Sykes, dad of GSDs Auggie & Eli. The Contrarian’s Jen Rubin has a dog & her publication has a pet of the week feature, so they’re into it.

On MSNBC, Nicolle Wallace, who is a sensitive soul despite her Bush-y background, has two Vizlas. Rachel M has dogs.John Heileman, with Puck News, has two Great Danes. Mika is an animal lover.

The WaPo’s Ruth Marcus has a dog. Not sure how long before she tells her greedy, slimy boss to suck it, though.

I can come up with more if needed. This is a helluva a heart-tugging story from a human, canine, or National Parks angle.

I’m livid that no one is stepping in to save our beautiful parks.

You told this story beautifully, by the way.

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Holly Cook's avatar

Thank you for saying all of that. I am pretty upset about this too and the only thing I can do is tell the stories. I'm not even sure how to get these stories in front of those people. 😁

Mitch is amazing and he is sorely missed at the kennel. His heart belongs with the dogs in Denali. Yo watch him handle the dogs and work with them was amazing. So kind. So patient. There was mutual respect and so much love going up and down the gang line. I really hope he gets his job back and I'll do what I can to help.

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Ruth's avatar

I restacked with tags for publications I mentioned. I’m nobody, though, and these are busy people, so we’ll see if it works.

Joy Reid might be willing to connect you with Nicolle Wallace to tell Mitch & the dogs’ story. It’s a story made for TV news & I have no doubt they’d pick it up.

One more thought: Lisa Murkowski. Her office can get this story to the news and she is NOT happy about the federal job cuts in her state.

Please let me know if you make any progress or if there’s some way I can help.

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Holly Cook's avatar

Thank you Ruth! That's very kind of you. I feel like I'm nobody as well, that's why I'm not sure these busy people will notice. I appreciate all of your effort and I know Mitch will too. Thank you again! ❤️

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