In Memory of Poof - And Every Dog Taken Too Soon

With his happy smile, silly personality, and an "I'm up for anything so long as you're doing it with me" attitude, Poof was one of those dogs you just love from day one.

He arrived at Malley Valley just before Christmas, full of confidence, curiosity, and the kind of Malamute-level goofiness we love from the moment he stepped through the door. When we went around trying to convince the pups to wear holiday hats and antlers, Poof was the only one who'd put on a pair of sparkly red glasses. And he looked so pleased to be wearing them. That was Poof. Not always entirely sure what the humans were up to, but absolutely delighted to be part of it.

His cheerfulness was contagious. Even now, remembering him makes you smile.

Poof quickly became one of our Ambassadogs, because he was the kind of pup who could walk into a room full of strangers and make every single one of them feel like they'd found a friend. Shortly before his surgery, he represented us at a University of Washington event, and by all accounts, he soaked up every bit of love and attention that came his way. That was his gift. He didn't just receive affection — he made people feel good about giving it.

When the community learned that Poof needed medical care, you showed up. The donations poured in. The messages of support. The shares, the prayers, the "how is he doing?" check-ins. We felt every single one of them, and so did he.

We are heartbroken to share that despite all of the love and care — yours and ours — it turned out that Poof had cancer. A very malignant, fast-spreading one. The kind that doesn't wait for you to catch up. The kind that doesn't care how many people are rooting for a dog on the other side of a screen.

We tried. You tried. And it wasn't enough. That is the hardest sentence in rescue.

Poof spent his final days in a loving home with Stacy and Alyssa, alongside kind-hearted foster siblings Togo and Blackjack. His last days were filled with couches, not kennel floors, and all the car rides (including for pupcups and maybe a few McDonald’s fries). Even though he wasn't feeling his best, the look on his face said it all. He knew he belonged. And he could rest in love.

To truly understand Poof and those last days, you need to hear from Stacy, Malley Valley’s (and, ultimately, his) personal caretaker, and the person who knew him best. Stacy cared for Poof from the day he arrived, and they had hoped to adopt him and make their bond permanent. Here is Poof's story, in their words:

"Every day, Poof greeted me with an exuberant — and loud — woof! and happy tippy-taps when I went to get him out of his kennel. When he knew it was time to eat, he would launch himself straight up into the air with excitement. Pure, unfiltered joy.

In his play yard, Poof loved to dig. He was so cheerfully unapologetic about it that I couldn't help but laugh as he steadily attempted to recreate the Mariana Trench right here at Malley Valley. But my favorite thing was our shed hangouts. As soon as he saw the cushy pillows in our volunteer shed, he would hurl himself down on them and await snuggles. He always grinned so hugely any time he was getting tummy rubs or even just being talked to — and don't get me started on his fondness for blankets."

When he came into my home after his last surgery, even while still groggy from the anesthesia, Poof hopped right up onto our couch and made himself at home. He certainly knew what couches were for, and he spent many happy hours receiving snuggles and treats on ours.

Every day I got to spend with Poof was a joy. He just loved life, always seemed pleased to make the humans laugh, and wanted above all else to have people to love him. I'm so grateful for the time we all had with him, and the love our wonderful volunteers and I were able to share with him."

Rescue is hard work. We've had so many amazing successes already this year, with dogs who came in broken and walked out healing and on their way to wholeness. And yet, sometimes we can only wish some successes lasted longer.

Poof's story is not just his. It belongs to every dog taken too soon by cancer. Every family that said goodbye before they were ready. Every foster who fell in love knowing the ending might not be the one they wanted. If you've already mourned a dog lost to cancer, you know this grief and the unfairness of it all.

The donations and support we received for Poof's care meant the world to us. What we couldn't use to save him will be used to save other Malamutes who come to us with unaddressed needs, big and small, including dogs who arrive scared, sick, misunderstood, or out of options, just like Poof once did.

If his story moved you, you can honor his memory — and the memory of any beloved pup taken too soon — by helping us continue this work.

Donate in Memory of Poof: https://bit.ly/savepoofsbutt.

Every dollar goes directly to the medical care, rehabilitation, and love that gives the next Poof a fighting chance.

We keep coming back to the sparkly red glasses. The tippy-taps. The way he'd launch himself skyward at the mere suggestion of dinner. The shed hangouts. That grin.

Poof just loved life. And he wanted above all else to have people to love him.

He found them. Every single one of you.

Poorly Drawn Pets is Coming (May 1-3): We Need Your Talent

Uh oh…looks like we’re a little ‘lite’ on artists for our super popular Poorly Drawn Pets (PDP) fundraiser to be held May 1-3. We were hoping to be well-stocked with Picassos, Doodlers, and “Stick Figure” specialists by now, but that is not the case. We only have three weeks to get ready, so please, if you are at all inclined to throw your professional oils, colored pencils, junk-drawer crayons, or graphic arts into the ring…now is the time!

The process is simple: donors send a photo and a donation, we text that photo to you, and you channel your inner artist using your chosen medium. Just snap a digital photo of your creation and send it back—no post office trips or shipping required.

No talent? No problem. We aren't looking for perfection; we’re looking for heart. We know you’re busy, so there’s zero pressure—the fundraiser only lasts three days, and you can jump in to draw as many or as few pets as your schedule allows.

Ready to unleash your creative genius? Sign up here or email poorlydrawnpets@wamal.com with questions today to join the pack!

Poorly Drawn Pets: Traffic Controllers Needed

OK…so you’re not willing to explore your inner artist but still want to help out with the Poorly Drawn Pets Fundraiser? We need “Traffic Controllers”! As a Traffic Controller, you’ll be in the know—you’ll see which photos are submitted, who the artists are, and which artist is assigned to draw each pet. Best of all? You’ll get a sneak peek at the artwork before anyone else!

Shifts are flexible and based on your availability. Here’s how it works: you’ll receive submissions via email, assign them to an artist, and once the masterpiece is complete, you’ll email it back to the pet’s human. Easy peasy!

Ready to jump in and help? Email poorlydrawnpets@wamal.com!

Upcoming Events

Husky Fest: Spring is in the air, and we’ve got some fetching news! This Saturday, April 18th, WAMAL is heading back to the University of Washington’s Tacoma campus for the paw-ty of the season: Husky Fest! Last year the event attracted 2,000+ attendees.  

Stop by the WAMAL booth between 11 AM and 3 PM to get some much-needed puppy love! Our lovely Ambassadogs will be there in all their fluffy glory, ready for pets and photos. While you're there, chat with our team to learn how you can join the WAMAL family—whether it's through fostering, volunteering, or finding your new best friend!

There will be food trucks, marching bands, dance performers, Hendrix the Husky, and much, much more to keep you entertained. The event (and parking on campus) is free and open to all friends and family members!!

For more info: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/husky-fest

Malmute Fun Day: The Cascade Alaskan Malamute Enthusiast Organization (CAMEO) is holding their 2nd annual Malamute Fun Day on Saturday April 18th at Milo McIver State Park, southeast of Portland.

This is their spring meeting, where club members, malamute owners, and those interested in learning more about the breed are invited to join for a day of fun activities! There will be lots of exciting things planned, like a group hike, CGC/Trick dog testing, a brief introduction to backpacking, weight pulling and dryland mushing, an intro to rally, and a potluck! Details are still being finalized.

The event is free to participants. The state park does charge a day-use fee to park, which can be paid at the park entrance (this fee is covered by an Oregon State Parks pass). Please RSVP on their website to receive final details for the event.

Speaking of events...

It is officially the start of WAMAL’s event season! We are gearing up for a busy and exciting few months, with a calendar full of festivities stretching all the way from Everett down to Tacoma. To make this season a success, we are looking for enthusiastic Booth Helpers and friendly Ambassadog teams to join our "Events Pack." Whether you are a people person or have a social pup who loves the spotlight, we would love to welcome you. Most shifts are only 2 to 3 hours long, making it a low-commitment way to make a high-impact difference for WAMAL. If you’re ready to help us spread awareness and meet some fellow Malamute lovers, please reach out to MalHappyTails@gmail.com to learn how you can get involved.

Beyond our current schedule, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities to connect with the community. Do you have a favorite local festival, pet-friendly gathering, or community fair that you think would be the perfect fit for WAMAL? We want to hear about it! Please send any suggestions or event details over to events@wamal.com. Your local knowledge helps us find the best spots to share our mission and find forever homes for these incredible dogs. We can’t wait to see you out there on the event trail!

WAMAL Merchandise

Sun’s Out, Style’s In! The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and summer is officially knocking on the door! It’s time to refresh your wardrobe with some serious flair. Whether you’re hitting the beach, strolling through the park, or just soaking up those golden vibes, make sure you’re doing it in stylish WAMAL gear! 

Explore our collection of T-shirts, cozy sweatshirts (both hooded and crewneck), long sleeves, and tank tops, available in stylish dark grey, heather and indigo. Each top proudly showcases the WAMAL logo with the heartfelt phrase "We Pull for Them" underneath.

Take a peek and snag your favorites today: https://www.bonfire.com/store/wamal/