It’s time to showcase your furry friend in the 2026 Pet Calendar Contest! Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League, in partnership with Marie Wulfram Photography (@mariewulframphotography), is happy to announce the Pet Calendar Contest for 2026! Not only can you flaunt your adorable pet, but you'll also be supporting Malamutes in need. 

For more information click HERE.

PRIZES:

• The winners of the photo contest will be determined by the top 13 entrants that get the most votes. Those pets will be professionally photographed by Marie Wulfram Photography for the 2026 calendar. 
• The top winner will win the coveted cover photo for the 2026 calendar AND a 1-night stay at Pacific Northwest Cascade Cabins!
• 2^nd - 13^th place winners will have their pet featured as a pet of the month.
• The pet receiving the most new votes each week will win a mini-prize as described below.

To enter the contest, click HERE.

Proceeds from the sale of the calendar and photo contest will assist Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League with providing care for all of the Malamutes in their care including providing food, veterinary care, training and community education all while trying to find them foster and forever homes.

We encourage you to submit your favorite photo of your pet(s)—dogs, cats, horses, fish—any pet is welcome, not just Malamutes! Invite your family and friends to vote for their favorites. Please review the Contest Rules carefully to ensure your submission meets the guidelines; entries that do not comply will not be eligible to win. Proceeds from photo entry fees and votes will support the Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League in continuing their efforts to rescue and care for Malamutes.

HELP PETS AFFECTED BY THE LA FIRES

WAMAL Community: As you are all aware, the Los Angeles area has been devastated by the recent fires – many homes, lives, and pets have been lost. Many pets have also been displaced as a result of this tragedy. So far, it is estimated that well over 1000 animals need shelter placement; many of these animals are suffering from burns, smoke/ash inhalation, or other injuries stemming from the fires.

As Southern California manages this disaster, their animal shelters - most of which were already over capacity - need to free up as much space as possible to care for animals affected by the fires until they can be reunited with their families. WAMAL has an opportunity to help, but we need more dedicated fosters if we are to take in any of these dogs.

We predict the ripple effect of this disaster will last for many months, as so many find themselves unhoused and displaced when shelters are already beyond capacity in so much of the country. Some larger national organizations like Best Friends Animal Society have stepped up to cover transportation costs. We are looking to partner with California shelters directly to get existing adoptable dogs up to the PNW, which will free space for those shelters to serve animals in their communities whose lives have been upended by disaster.

Now more than ever is the time to consider opening up your home to a foster or a new family member. If you are interested in fostering please submit a foster application HERE or email fosters@wamal.com. To adopt, please complete an adoption application HERE or email adoptions@wamal.com.

If you are unable to foster or adopt at this time, please consider donating directly to Southern California animal shelters to help offset the costs of housing, feeding, and providing much needed veterinary care to these animals. More details along with donation links can be found at: https://secretlosangeles.com/how-to-help-animals-la-fires/

If you follow our social media pages (@WAMALrescue), you’ve probably laughed at or shared one of our clever, entertaining memes. Ever wondered who’s behind them? Meet Deb, one of the talented and hardworking members of WAMAL’s social media team!

Deb joined WAMAL in May 2019 after being asked to help with social media—and we’re so glad she said yes! A lifelong fan of Malamutes and Huskies, Deb followed several northern breed pages and was an active participant, always sharing and commenting. As a University of Washington alumnus who spent eight years in Seattle, Deb was particularly drawn to Seattle and admired WAMAL’s dedication to rescuing dogs. “I thought WAMAL looked like a responsible and supportive rescue, and I liked to think I could help to find homes and help rescue pups”.

Her passion for northern breeds runs deep—Deb has adopted three rescue dogs: two Huskies and her current sidekick, the adorable and sassy Husky/Malamute mix, Foos, from Northern Lights Sleddog Rescue.

When it comes to meme inspiration, Deb says it’s all about the photos. “Some photos just beg to be turned into memes—whether it’s a sassy expression, a funny pose, or a playful interaction between pups.” After creating hundreds of hilarious and heartwarming memes, she earned the well-deserved title of Meme Queen. “Memes are a fun way to spotlight our pups and help them get noticed. I’ve made memes for so many of our rescues who later found their forever homes!”

But Deb’s contributions go far beyond memes. She also manages WAMAL’s centralized Google Drive, which houses thousands of photos from social media, volunteers, fosters, shelters, and surrenders. This organized system has made it easier for teams to access and share pictures. Deb is also the creative force behind several beloved social media features:

• Spotlight Sunday: Heartwarming updates on adopted Malamutes
• Happy Tails: Celebrating adoption successes
• Dog of the Week Blitz: Week long fun daily posts about one of our adoptables
• Reels: Engaging video content showcasing our amazing pups

One of Deb’s most memorable moments with WAMAL was helping Bear, a “special dog with a huge personality". Bear joined WAMAL in 2020, but sadly, he passed away in 2023 after being diagnosed with cancer. Despite the heartbreak, Bear left a lasting impression on Deb and the WAMAL community.

When asked about challenges, Deb is candid about the ongoing need for fosters. “WAMAL has limited space, and without fosters, we can’t rescue more dogs. Foster homes provide the security and love these pups need to shine and become great companions. Please consider fostering—it truly saves lives.” Deb also encourages everyone to share WAMAL’s posts and website with friends, family, coworkers, and social groups. “Maximum outreach gives our pups the best chance to find their forever homes. It’s an easy and impactful way to help!”

Deb, thank you for your creativity, dedication, and love for our pups. We ❤️ you!

If you haven’t already, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@WAMALrescue), and check out our new Bluesky page (@wamal.bsky.social).

HELP US RAISE THE WOOF! FUNDRAISING SOCIAL MEDIA CREATOR WANTED

Are you social media comfy with a passion for pups? Do you dream in hashtags, thrive on engagement, and have a knack for rallying people to support a cause? Then we’ve got the paw-fect role for you!

WAMAL is on the lookout for a Fundraising Social Media Creator to help us unleash the power of online fundraising. From crafting compelling campaigns to creating share-worthy posts, your skills can directly help raise needed funds to continue our mission of rescuing Malamutes and northern breeds in need. The time required varies depending upon the fundraiser but an average of 4-6 hours a month is realistic, except during longer fundraisers like Poorly Drawn Pets and Loot for Moots Online Auction.  This is a new position so you will have the opportunity to set it up in the way that works best for you.

Helpful Talents:

• A way with words and creative content ideas
• Experience (or serious enthusiasm) with online fundraising or social media
• Familiarity with Canva (or comfortable learning)
• Independent and reliable—know how to keep things on track
• Likes to have fun
• Work from wherever you are—this role is fully remote

We’d love to have you on the WAMAL team! Together, we can make tails wag and lives change.

Have questions or ready to join the pack? Email us at MalHappyTails@gmail.com!