CHP INVESTIGATES SHOW-DOG CRASH.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

California Highway Patrol officials continued Wednesday to investigate a crash that left 18 show dogs dead and the driver threatening suicide, investigators said.

Dorothea Adkins, 48, a professional dog handler was returning early Monday to her Saugus home from a dog show in Las Vegas when her camper crashed off the road at Sierra Highway and Shannondale Road, CHP officials said.

The crash occurred as Adkins tried to make a U-turn near the area of Trenmar Drive and became stuck in a dirt ditch, investigators said.

Exhaust from her vehicle ignited a 2-acre brush fire that spread toward nearby homes, Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Larry Jordan said.

At least 18 dogs - mostly shelties - were killed in the fire. Adkins was able to save one of the dogs and fought with sheriff's deputies to return to the burning wreckage to save the others.

``They had to grab her and pull her away. She was kind of disoriented,'' Jordan said.

After firefighters extinguished the blaze, they learned that there were dogs in cages in the back of the vehicle.

``They were caged up and had no means to escape,'' Jordan said. ``Animal control removed the dogs the best they could.''

Adkins was given a field sobriety test at the scene and failed. She refused to submit to a chemical test and threatened suicide, CHP Officer Bruce Turnn said.

George Page of Maryland, who has had dogs under Adkins' care in the past, said the Saugus woman has bred shelties and handled several breeds of dogs for clients.

Page said several years ago there had been a fire at a kennel at Adkins' home while she had been away and some dogs were killed. Since that fire, Adkins tended to keep the dogs with her.

``We were all devastated by the loss of the animals,'' Page said.

Page said he had never seen Adkins take a drink, adding that he believed she would never jeopardize the dogs under her care.

``She has always given the best of care,'' Page said. Officials continued to investigate the crash and Adkins could be charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.