The Clann That Will Not Die

Rolling Dog founders win ASPCA award

(God Lives Here)
Story By MARTIN J. KIDSTON Independent Record | Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 12:00 am

Font Size: Default font size Larger font size Citing their "unique and often heroic" contribution to disabled animals, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has awarded the founders of the Rolling Dog Ranch this year's Henry Bergh Award.

Steve Smith and Alayne Marker founded the Ovando-area ranch nine years ago, taking in blind and deaf animals and those with other disabilities.

While many deem the animals unadoptable or generally unwanted, Smith and Marker have seen things differently, and they've been recognized by the ASPCA in New York because of it.

"Smith and Marker have done and continue to do amazing things for the animals they adopt," said ASPCA President Ed Sayres. "The Rolling Dog Ranch takes animals that others deem unsuitable for adoption, and it gives them a great life."

Marker, who will fly to New York this week on behalf of the Rolling Dog Ranch to receive the award, said she and Smith were surprised when the ASPCA called to tell them they had won.

"We had no idea we were even being considered," Marker said. "This type of award is such wonderful recognition for the disabled animals."

The Rolling Dog Ranch's story has become a national sensation these past few years.

Smith and Marker, who founded the ranch in December 2000, have appeared on the "Today" show and graced the pages of People Magazine and USA Today - recognition they say helps generate support for the ranch.

It's a long way from where they began as Boeing employees in Seattle - Marker as a corporate lawyer and Smith as an executive in communications.

The two allegedly met on a trail, thanks to Marker's dog. They got married, quit their day jobs with Boeing, and founded the Ovando ranch.

"We're very fortunate and (are) doing well, thanks to our marvelous supporters," Marker said. "We're running about 70 animals right now. It's never static. It's just Steve and me, and it keeps us busy."

The 160-acre ranch began with a blind horse named Lena when it opened in December 2000.

Now the growing sanctuary, tucked amid the rolling landscape of the Blackfoot River Valley, provides refuge to 70 animals, including 12 horses and 40 dogs.

One dog, Samantha, spent her life with a long-haul truck driver before going blind. There's a horse named Cactus Jack, who lost its sight from glaucoma, and Tibby and Fibby, the kittens with deformed legs.

The recognition brought by the Henry Bergh Award, Marker said, only brings added recognition to the animals the ranch cares for. It also helps spread their message that disabled animals can live a good life.

"It gets the message out there for the disabled animals that they can have a wonderful quality of life," Marker said. "It's very humbling to get an award like this. We've been very blessed and fortunate."
http://www.rollingdogranch.org/