ADOPTED AND ADORED
Note: We’ve changed the name of this feature from ‘Happy Tails” to avoid confusion with our adoption announcements on our social media pages.
|
|
|
The following is the story of Yiska, the first WAMAL Malamute that Ron Petrusha and his family adopted. The story is in Ron’s own words with slight edits for clarification.
|
|
|
Yiska is a Navaho name that means “the night has passed”. We named our two-year-old Malamute mix Yiska because his night had passed – he was scheduled to be euthanized on the day that WAMAL removed him from a kill shelter. It was always clear to me that Yiska understood just how close he had come to death.
When my late wife Vanessa and I first met Yiska, he was waiting for us in an enclosure. As I entered, our eyes made contact, and Yiska immediately approached me, jumped on me, and stuck his face in my face as he carefully examined me. (Vanessa always insisted that Yiska desperately needed glasses.) I knew immediately that he was our dog. (Interestingly, we later discovered that Yiska disliked and distrusted men.) Unfortunately, he then did the same thing to Vanessa. Because she was short, he towered over her, and she was frightened. He then topped off his performance by going behind her, jumping on her shoulders, and inspecting the back of her head. While it was obvious to me that Yiska was our dog, Vanessa was not convinced. We did, however, finally adopt Yiska and brought him home.
Yiska had an unusual case of separation anxiety – it surfaced whenever I left home, even if Vanessa or our daughters stayed home. Its severity, of course, was worse when no one was home, as we soon discovered. The first time we left Yiska home alone and uncrated, we came home to find garbage strewn all over the floor, the blinds in the kitchen and upstairs bathroom pulled down and chewed to pieces, the lower kitchen cabinet doors open and broken dishes strewn on the floor, and the family room furniture pulled out from the wall into the center of the room. It was an impressive scene of carnage and devastation.
|
|
|
Along with medication, we tried crating Yiska when we left home, with indifferent success. Although I reinforced the crates, a heavy-duty one usually only lasted for about three weeks. Just maintaining a viable crate for Yiska proved to be a major challenge.
You might wonder why I wanted to keep a dog who was so destructive. Part of the reason is that, in the end, he only destroyed dishes and household possessions, some of which we replaced and some of which we realized we didn’t really need in the first place. But more importantly, in his own life, Yiska manifested love, commitment, and faithfulness. Dogs by their very nature are faithful; Yiska took faithfulness to new levels. He was absolutely devoted to me, had an uncanny ability to anticipate my thoughts, and was always eager to provide whatever support he could. He was an amazing, loving friend and comrade. The trail of devastation that he left behind is trivial in comparison to the strength of his personality and his love. He was a living testament to the power of second chances, and a reminder that even in the darkest of nights, there is always hope.
|
|
|
Sadly, Yiska's night eventually came. On July 15, 2019, at the age of 13, he passed away, leaving behind a trail of memories and a legacy of hope. We will never forget the lessons he taught us about love, commitment, and resilience.
Thank you for reading Yiska's story. We hope it inspires you to love your furry companions a little more fiercely, and to cherish every moment you have with them.
|
|
|
VOLUNTEER TEAM NEEDS ADDITIONAL MEMBERS! |
|
|
Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of rescued Alaskan Malamutes? Look no further than WAMAL -- an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Alaskan Malamutes in need. |
|
|
Are you interested in helping our rescued Alaskan Malamutes find their forever hoems? We'd love to have you join the Home Visit Coordination Team. You'll reach out and meet potential adopters and fosters and ensure that their applications go through WAMAL's process in a timely manner. It's so satisfying to see a photo of an adopter you worked with once they take their new Malamute home!
The time commitment varies depending on the number of applications received each week. With the team approach, sharing the workload allows for flexibility - we all have busy lives and other commitments. Reach out to vik@wamal.com if you are interested or want more information..
Join WAMAL today and be a part of a compassionate community dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Alaskan Malamutes in need!
|
|
|
NOT UP TO WALKING OUR KENNEL PUPS?
THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO HELP AT MALLEY VALLEY!
|
|
|
Are you a dog lover who wants to volunteer at our kennel but feels like you can't keep up with those athletic Malamutes? Fear not, my friend! You can still be a valuable part of the action at Malley Valley kennel! Even if you're not quite up for long walks, there's still plenty you can do to make a difference. I know because that’s me!
I usually kick off my volunteer duties with the ever-so-glamorous job of paddock poop scooping. It's not as bad as it sounds, folks. Think of it more like a treasure hunt with a surprise at the end (hey, it's all part of the adventure). And while I'm in the paddocks, I get to hang out with the furry critters, showering them with love and scratches.
|
|
|
Next up is my intense workout routine of lifting and freshening up the water buckets. Okay, maybe it's not exactly CrossFit, but it's still a good arm workout, and the dogs appreciate the clean water. And after all that hard work, it's time to hit the books! Literally! I grab a chair and a book from the volunteer room's library and read to the pups. It's a great way to share your love of literature while spending time with the cutest book club members around.
Don't forget about brushing! Some of our Mals love getting their hair done, and for those pups that are amenable to it, this helps remove the tufts of fluff and has our adoptables looking their best!!
My personal mission has been to spend extra time with our shy Spirit girl who needs a little more love and attention to let her know that humans are good creatures. I’m just patient, quiet, and have a ready supply of chicken nuggets on hand. She’s getting braver each time but I’ve not yet been rewarded with snuggles.
|
|
|
So, my fellow dog enthusiasts, don't let your physical limitations hold you back. There's plenty of poop to be scooped, water buckets to be refilled, and stories to be read. Head on over to www.WAMAL.com, fill out the volunteer application, and let them know you're ready to make a difference in any way you can. Let's show those pups some love!
|
|
|
AMAZON SMILE HAS ENDED...BUT THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO DONATE! |
|
|
Dear valued supporters:
In case you hadn’t heard, AmazonSmile - a charity program that we have been affiliated with for many years - was recently shut down by Amazon. According to the company's press release, the program did not have the impact they had hoped for, and their ability to make a significant difference was often spread too thin among the more than one million eligible organizations worldwide.
Those quarterly donations added up to a nice chunk of change for our pups and we are grateful to our shopping supporters who helped us receive those generous quarterly funds. We want to let you know that there are other donation programs in place where you can continue to support our cause! These include Fred Meyer Community Rewards, iGive.com, PayPal Give at Checkout, Max and Neo, Darwin's Pet Food, and WildlyFitCo.
Unfortunately, when AmazonSmile was discontinued, our Amazon Wish list was deleted. However, we are working to get it back up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can also support our rescue pups by ordering products and supplies that are sent directly to our kennel through our Chewy Wish List.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to WAMAL and our rescue Malamutes! We couldn't do what we do without you.
Sincerely,
The WAMAL Team
|
|
|
 |
Hello there! You probably know that names have meanings - my full name "Kisewatisowin" means "Kind Hearted" which is very fitting! But it works to call me "Kisi" for short because I'm a loving, kissy pup too!
I'm about 8 months old and I'm still learning all about the world and my place in it. By the time I found WAMAL I'd sadly missed that early puppy socialization period, so I can get a little nervous about all the new "city" sights and sounds I am now experiencing. I'm hoping for an understanding family who will help socialize me and build my confidence as I grow up! I might like a large male companion to play with, but could also be your one and only. I have cuddled with small humans but I do show a prey drive so no small critters please!
I have a little bit of training - I know "sit" and "leave it" and I've been walking well on a leash, though I do pull a bit when I see another dog I want to meet! I LOVE people and have a strong (and vocal) preference not to be left alone! I'd love a family where someone works from home, so you can help train both skills and separation in small increments.
I am such a sweet, pretty pup with loads of potential. Could you help me reach it? If so please apply to adopt me or foster me ASAP!
|
|
|
|
Hey humans - it has recenly come to my attention that there is some misleading information going around. Specifically, I hear people say that "diamonds are a girl's best friend" or that "dogs are man's best friend." Nope! The REAL story is that a dog named Diamond (that's me!) could be YOUR new best friend!
Like my namesake gemstone, I am absolutely stunning. I'm looking for someone who will help me sparkle and shine!
I believe that the best relationships take time and intention to build. I'm looking for someone who will take their cues from me and let me tell you when I'm ready for pets and attention (and treats of course! I love treats!) Taking it slow and establishing a consistent routine will really help me build a strong bond with you.
I am capable of jumping a 6' fence in pursuit of a squirrel, so secure containment is a must for me. I get along great with my foster brothers but can be picky about my doggie friends in general. Integrating me into a home with other dogs is possible but would take careful management; I might do well as a solitaire.
Does your home sound like the ideal setting for this rare and gorgeous gem of a pup? Please apply to adopt me today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
