PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR CAUSE?
JOIN US AS A WAMAL BOARD MEMBER!
Dear Members of the WAMAL Community,
 
We trust this message finds you in excellent health and high spirits. As many of you are aware, WAMAL is a 100% volunteer-driven, 501c3 non-profit organization. Everyone involved, including our dedicated Board members, commits their time out of sheer passion for our cause. Our Board members are situated across Washington and Oregon, ensuring a broader reach and more comprehensive representation of our service area.
 
The Board plays a pivotal role in a variety of initiatives. We consistently focus on maintaining financial stability while effectively managing risk to support these endeavors. Managing an organization of this scale demands a diverse set of skills, with each board member making distinct contributions. Key areas that require regular attention include, but are not limited to:

  • Navigating complex governance requirements at the Federal, State, County, and City levels.
  • Collaborating with legal professionals to ensure comprehensive risk management.
  • Overseeing financial stability through meticulous accounting and reporting.
  • Actively seeking grants, fundraising opportunities, and strategically managing investments for long-term financial sustainability.
  • Securing appropriate insurance coverage for our kennel property and buildings.
  • Partnering with larger rescue organizations to implement and adopt best practices.
  • Establishing procedures, processes, and standards from the ground up, from rescuing through adoption and beyond.
 
Our organization thrives on the collective support of the community, ensuring the well-being of both the group and the deserving dogs we rescue. Every volunteer, regardless of the scope and visibility of their tasks, plays an indispensable role. No one is motivated by financial gain or seeking prestige.
 
If you have an interest in potentially becoming a future board member, we warmly invite you to get in touch. We're more than delighted to discuss the journey, responsibilities, and time commitments that come with this vital role. Please don't hesitate to reach out by emailing board@wamal.com with any questions or to find out the next steps.
 
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and dedication to WAMAL. Together, we are making a genuine difference in the lives of these wonderful dogs.
 
Warm regards,
WAMAL Board of Directors
LUCY'S JOURNEY TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE:
CAN YOU BE HER FOSTER HOME?
Meet Lucy, an incredible dog who needs a helping hand to start a new chapter in her life. Lucy's story is one of resilience and hope, and we believe there's a loving Foster home out there just waiting for her. 
 
Lucy's Origin: Lucy's story begins in China, where she was found at the bottom of a ravine under a freeway bridge, unable to walk and in immense pain. A dedicated rescue volunteer from the Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre of Guangyuan stepped in and brought Lucy to safety. Medical examinations revealed a broken pelvis, severe anemia, and a battle with parasites. Thanks to compassionate care, Lucy received the treatment she needed, including surgery to mend her pelvis with a steel plate and screws.
Road to Recovery: Lucy's resilience shone through, and she made a swift recovery. She's now in excellent health, up to date on vaccines, heartworm tested, and spayed. Lucy walks well on a leash, and her socialization with other dogs in the rescue has been impressive. She's even been exposed to cats without displaying any threatening behavior.

Lucy's Personality: Described as having a "great and cheeky personality," Lucy has won the hearts of everyone she's met. She enjoys accompanying her caregiver to the store, where she occasionally receives treats, and has even befriended local children who share their snacks with her. Lucy is ready to embark on a new adventure with someone who understands her Malamute heritage and has a space in their life for all the love and goodness she can offer.
ADRA's Involvement: Asian Dogs Rescue Allies (ADRA) https://www.asiandogsrescueallies.org/, a U.S.-based non-profit organization working with Asian rescue groups, stepped in to help Lucy. Their mission is to rescue dogs from the meat trade and find them safe, forever homes in other countries. While it will never be known if Lucy was intentionally thrown off the bridge or abused, her sunny disposition and love for humans are undeniable, pointing to her readiness for a better life.
The Need for a Foster Home: Lucy's safety in China is not guaranteed due to size restrictions, local dog bans, and the unfortunate reality of theft and sale to the local meat trade. ADRA has agreed to cover transport costs to the US and vet bills while she's in her foster home.
 
We are seeking a foster home for Lucy that meets the following criteria:

  •  Located in Washington or Oregon.
  • Equipped with a securely fenced yard or a suitable containment plan.
  • Composed of a family with the time and energy to take her for walks and adventures and provide the love she deserves.
  • Other resident dogs are welcome.
  • Cat-free home, or willing to introduce cats to Lucy slowly and carefully.
How You Can Help: WAMAL is joining forces with ADRA to find Lucy a foster home, and once she's settled, we will be Courtesy Listing her for adoption. If you believe you can provide a foster home for this special girl, please reach out to Rickie Anderson at malhappytails@gmail.com.

Lucy's story is an inspiring tale of survival and resilience, and we are hopeful that our community can come together to provide her with the loving foster home she deserves. Let's help Lucy begin her journey to a brighter and more secure future!
EXCITING NEWS: WAMAL 2024 CALENDARS ARE HERE!
We're thrilled to announce that the much-awaited WAMAL 2024 calendars are now available, and they're nothing short of incredible! These stunning calendars were thoughtfully designed, meticulously created, and expertly photographed by the incredibly talented Marie Wulfram of @mariewulframphotography.

Why not treat yourself to one and consider getting a few extras for your friends and family? These adorable calendars make the perfect holiday gift, and what's even better is that 100% of the proceeds from the calendar sales will directly support WAMAL in our mission to care for our beloved Malamute rescue pups.
 
Don't miss out! Secure your WAMAL 2024 calendar today at the following link: https://rb.gy/12bdt
 
Thank you for your support, and we hope you enjoy these beautiful calendars as much as we do!
SHARE YOUR LOVE STORY AND HELP WAMAL EARN A GRANT FROM PETCO - UP TO 100,000!
Did you adopt a pet who changed your life? Maybe your dog is the travel and adventure buddy who inspired you to finally see the world. Or, perhaps your pup helped you turn tragedy into triumph. Petco Love Stories Campaign celebrates the big and small ways pets change our lives for the better. Petco Love invites you to share your Love Story and you can help WAMAL earn a lifesaving grant – up to $100,000!
 
Also, sharing your Love Story gives you a chance to receive a year's worth of pet product from Yummers Pet Supply Co!
 
Questions? Click on this link to learn more: https://petcolove.org/lovestories
 
** Submissions close on October 31st **
 
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you write your Love Story:
  • Keep the focus on the relationship between you and your pet.
  • Highlight how your pet has changed YOUR life instead of how you’ve changed theirs.
  • Show your love with high quality photos of you and your pet.
  • Record or create a short video telling your story.
 
Ready to share your story? Submissions are now open! But don't wait. You only have until October 31!
 
Click the following link to submit your Love Story today!
 
But hey, we know you are ALL winners so please share a copy of any Love Story submittals to Rickie at MalHappyTails@gmail.com for inclusion in future MUSE editions!! Thank you!! 
LOOT 4 MOOTS AUCTION DATE CHANGE!!
Due to an extended illness that sidelined our lead auction coordinator, we've had to hit the snooze button. But fear not, auction aficionados, we’ll be rolling out the red carpet of treasures this coming February 2024!!
 
You might be wondering why we chose February 2024? Because we believe “warm hearts create happy tails” and when better to have the auction than surrounding Valentine’s Day!! So, hold on to your anticipation because we've got more treasures than a pirate's chest just waiting for you, and we promise some surprise items that'll have you grinning from ear to ear!
 
We can't thank our incredible contributors enough. You've been the wind beneath our auction wings, and we appreciate your support more than words can express.
 
Stay tuned for future MUSE editions where we'll share some of the exciting items and the auction start date. We promise it'll be worth the wait!!
RESCUE SHOWCASE DURING THE AMCA NATIONAL SPECIALTY SHOW
Each year the National Malamute Rescue Organization, AMAL, is invited to the Alaskan Malamute Club of America’s National Specialty show to highlight rescued Malamutes. This year, for the first time in 10 years, the show will be held in our region! The event will be in Albany, Oregon at the Linn County Expo Center. The welcome reception is Friday, 10/27, and the Showcase is 10/28. The event is meant to honor adopters and their dogs by welcoming adopters to the show, complete with introductory reception the day before and then, during the showcase event the next day, having each dog's rescue story read as the owner and dog parade around the ring.
As the regional affiliate, several WAMAL Mals and their owners will be honored! Thank you and congratulations to our following honorees:
 
  • Deirdre Russell and Silver
  • Brian Brunner and Echo
  • Seema Shetty and Nuka
  • Bob Sutherland (former AMAL president) and Oreo
  • Renae Sattler and Summer
  • Brian Hawker and Eli
  • Heidi Van Zee and Luna
 
Special thanks to Sharon Huston of Alaskan Malamute Rescue of North Carolina, Inc, who went all out with graphics, swag bag gifts, and a video compilation: https://youtu.be/uyC0Ggy4sj8
ADOPTABLE DOG SHOWCASE
Calling all adventurers: are you looking for an adventure buddy? If so I know just the pup for you - it's me!

My name is Samoa and I'm a strikingly handsome 8 month old pup! And did I mention energetic? It can be a process getting me to hold still to get my harness on because I'm just soooo excited to go places with you - but once you manage that and we get moving it's a lot easier for me to settle and focus!

My ideal family would channel some of my puppy energy towards training, and the rest towards all kinds of fun like backyard zoomies, hiking, and snowshoeing! So far I've been good with other dogs so I might do well with a playmate (just keep in mind that we mally pups can become more dog-selective once we near adulthood.)

The volunteers who have met me have been really impressed with how quickly I can learn once I get my puppy zoomies out of the way. And everyone thinks I'm a total sweetie!

I'd really love to find my furever pack but until then would also be grateful for a foster home. If you think you could be either of those, please apply to adopt me or foster me today!
Hi everyone, my name is McKaya. What's that? Why yes, I am a shepherd mix - I guess my adorable radar ears must've given it away?

I'm a youngster - somewhere around a year old - and I came to WAMAL from a shelter in Oregon. I've surprisingly been looking for my home for a while. Lots of homes could be a good fit for me - I am super loving with people and kids, and I'm good with other dogs too although I can sometimes be timid. If introductions are done slowly that will give me the time I need to build confidence around my soon-to-be new friends!

Oh but one thing - please don't have goats. Not because I'll chase them; but because I'm actually quite afraid of them!

Anyway, although I'm a mix, I do still have that malamute instinct to pull on the leash. But since I'm on the smaller side I'll be easier for you to handle while we work on our training. Of course if you were so inclined I'd also love for you to put me in harness and we could do some real pulling work!

Won't you consider applying to adopt me or foster me? I'm a wonderful pup who would love to be all yours!