Remembering Mary Ann Orvik: A Heart as Big as Her Laughter

Mary Ann Orvik, whose laughter could light up a room and whose love reached across generations, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 73. For more than five decades, Mary called Spokane her home, creating a place filled with warmth, family, and countless Malamutes who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

A longtime WAMAL volunteer and former board member, Mary served tirelessly as both Treasurer and Secretary, roles she filled with dedication, creativity, and heart. She was always finding ways—sometimes unconventional ones—to rescue and support Malamutes in need.

Leading the “Eastside” team, Mary coordinated volunteers, fundraising, transports, and kennel visits with unwavering passion. One teammate lovingly shared, “She was the glue that kept us all together and had the energy to make each of us feel valued.”

Beyond her rescue work, Mary devoted more than twenty years to Spokane Community College as a social worker, empowering underprivileged women to find strength, confidence, and independence.

Her impact on those around her—both human and canine—was profound, enduring, and filled with quiet grace.

Mary was a bright light: loving, generous, and unforgettable. Her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, but her spirit lives on in every life she touched. May her legacy continue in the laughter we share, the animals we care for, and every cinnamon roll enjoyed around a welcoming table—just as she would have wanted.

Mary’s beloved Malamutes, Togo and Blackjack, are now looking for a home filled with the same love she gave them. You can read more about them below.

Meet Togo & Blackjack – Best Buds in Search of a New Beginning

Togo and his best buddy Blackjack were living their best lives in a loving home—until their beloved owner passed away. Now these two special boys are searching for a new forever family where they can once again feel safe, loved, and cherished.

Togo, 6 years old, is the confident, outgoing one of the pair—a big, gentle soul with a playful streak. He loves toys (especially burying them!), enjoys brushing sessions, and melts under attention. Don’t be fooled by his size—beneath that fluffy coat is a heart of gold. Togo might pull you along if he spots a toy he wants, but he’ll quickly circle back for cuddles and love.

Blackjack, 7 years old, is the calm and steady presence who completes this duo. A little reserved at first, he warms up quickly once he knows you’re a kind soul. You’ll know Blackjack by the sweet pink stripe on his “boopable” nose and the happy wag that says, “You’re here to pet me, right?” He adores snuggles, tummy rubs, and soaking up every ounce of affection.

Together, these two are the perfect balance—Togo’s playful energy paired with Blackjack’s gentle heart. They love romping in the yard, short bursts of toy-chasing, and quiet moments leaning in for love.

Togo and Blackjack are currently at Malley Valley, where they’re being showered with care, but what they really need is a forever home—or even a foster home—in Washington or Oregon.

If you have a big yard and an even bigger heart, please consider welcoming this loving pair into your life. You’ll gain two loyal friends, countless cuddles, and endless joy.

For more information about adopting or fostering please visit our website www.WAMAL.com.

Malley Valley: Back in Full Swing

Malley Valley (MV) Kennel in Puyallup is back in full swing after operating at minimal capacity for property and procedural upgrades. Our MV pups can’t wait to see familiar volunteer faces and meet new ones—there’s plenty happening and lots of ways to get involved!



Our amazing onsite caretaker, Stacy, has been with us for a couple of months and is absolutely rocking it. But caring for our furry residents is a big job—and the pups thrive on the attention and interaction volunteers provide.

Your time helps them build trust and learn positive behaviors, making them more adoptable. Here’s how you can jump in:

• Give love and attention: Help pups feel safe and comfortable around different people.
• Do the dishes: Keep the volunteer shed tidy and tackle that endless supply of bowls and Kongs—it’s always appreciated!
• Brush, brush, brush: If you’re a Malamute fan, you know the joy of pulling out those satisfying clumps of fur.
• Get flirty: Some dogs love playing with flirt poles and other games on site.
• Help with training: Work with Stacy or experienced volunteers to teach basic commands.
• Agility fun: We’re working toward more enrichment activities, including an on-site agility course (woo!).
• Sunday Funday: Join Sunday mornings when many hands make light work—it’s a great time to connect with fellow volunteers and pups alike.
• Foster: No matter how nice Malley Valley is, nothing beats a home. Be warned—many who “just foster” end up adopting!

If you’d like to learn more about Malley Valley and volunteering, please email volunteer@wamal.com.

Speaking of Agility Courses…Our Wishlist

Whether you have it on hand, know someone who does, or finally found a use for those oddball items that make you laugh and wonder “who would ever need this?” on Facebook Marketplace — you can help make our Agility Course dreams come true!

We’re looking for:



• Plastic stock tank (preferably at least 40 gal)
• Rubber feed pans (8 qt and 15 qt)
• Two-step mounting block (three-step okay, but two preferred)
• Solid/stable wooden picnic table
• Sturdy wooden bench
• “Tunnel” (barrel open at both ends and blocked on either side for stability)
• “Beam” about 6–10" wide and 6'+ long (railroad ties or other solid wood)
• Tall construction-type cones (at least 3–4)

Please email kristiana@wamal.com if you can help with our agility Wishlist.

Hooray - the WAMAL 2026 Calendar is Here!

Our 2026 Calendar is the joyful result of our annual photo contest, featuring the winning pets that captured hearts all year long. Each month highlights a different furry face, bringing warmth and personality to your days. Get yours here - it makes a great holiday gift!

Thank you to Marie Wulfram Photography for designing the calendar and taking the cover month photos.

Every purchase supports WAMAL, helping rescue and rehome dogs in need and we appreciate your ongoing support!

Become a Home Visit Hero

WAMAL is looking for volunteers in Washington and Oregon to help with in person home evaluations for potential adopters and fosters.

These visits are a vital step in ensuring our pups find safe and loving homes—and they only take about an hour (plus travel).

No experience? No problem! We’ll provide instructions, guidance, and support. You’ll meet wonderful dog-loving people and play a key role in helping Malamutes and northern breeds find their forever families.

If you’ve got a caring heart, an eye for detail and a little time to spare, this is a truly rewarding way to make a difference and see firsthand the joy that comes when a rescue finds their forever home.

Join our pack of Home Visit Heroes today! Email kelcy@wamal.com or sign up to learn more.

Free Nosework & Sniffing Enrichment Workshops at Malley Valley

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, we’re hosting two fun, free Nosework workshops open to all WAMAL adopters, fosters, volunteers, and supporters! Bring your own dog, work with a Malley Valley pup, or just come to learn and enjoy. Each session runs about 1.5–2 hours and takes place outdoors at our Malley Valley Kennel in Puyallup.

Discover how to tap into a dog’s most powerful sense—their nose! Sniffing provides mental stimulation, builds confidence, and helps tire pups out in the best way. Plus, it’s easy to do and requires minimal equipment.

🕥 10:30 am – “Sniffing Enrichment”

Perfect for dog walkers and our MV residents! Learn creative ways to make sniffing puzzles and encourage everyday scent adventures.

🕐 1:00 pm – “Introduction to Nosework”

Curious about formal Nosework? Learn how to set up searches and teach your dog to find and alert on specific odors.

Sign up and learn more here.

WAMAL Auction Starts on Friday, October 24

Stay tuned for an email notification with links that Friday morning to take you straight to all the action.