Meet Koda, a sweet 3-year-old Alaskan Malamute whose journey has been anything but easy. After his owners’ divorce, Koda was surrendered to a local humane society. Diagnosed with hip dysplasia and arthritis at just 1 year old, Koda’s condition has advanced significantly, leaving him in constant pain and unable to enjoy the simple joys of being a dog.

The humane society, heartbroken but unable to afford the costly surgery Koda desperately needed, reached out to WAMAL for help. On Christmas Eve, Koda's luck changed when a compassionate couple, stopping by to donate in memory of their beloved pet, laid eyes on him. Though they weren’t looking for a new love, they were smitten when they saw Koda. They’re committed to the challenge of fostering and rehabbing this youngster through the needed surgeries to help him live his best life.

Now, with their support and the help of WAMAL, we’re working to get Koda the needed bilateral hip replacement—a life-changing surgery that will let him run, jump, and play like other dogs his age.

But we need YOUR help. The cost of the surgeries is estimated to be $16,000 so every donation - big or small - brings us closer to giving Koda the second chance at life we all want for him. Let’s make sure this sweet boy’s story has the happy ending he deserves.

Please consider donating today to help Koda heal, thrive, and live his best life. Together, we can make a world of difference: https://bit.ly/donatekoda

Please share Koda’s story to help spread the word! Feel free to copy and paste the info and the link to your friends, family and co-workers or share on your social media. Thank you!!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: LILLIAN

A Lifelong Dedication to Rescue

Some people are born with a calling, and for Lillian, that calling has always been rescue. From her early days volunteering in Texas, to becoming an integral part of WAMAL, she has dedicated decades to helping northern breeds find their way to loving homes. But how did she find WAMAL, and what keeps her motivated? Let’s dive into her fluff-filled journey.

Lillian first heard about WAMAL while promoting the @RockNDaMoots fundraiser for Texas Sled Dog Rescue (TSDR). Having been Vice President of TSDR since its founding in 2012, she was no stranger to the world of rescue. Her extensive background included working as the volunteer director and outreach coordinator for the Houston Humane Society, managing a doggie daycare, and co-founding TSDR to help Mal/Husky mixes who didn’t quite fit the stringent requirements of purebred rescues. She knew these amazing dogs deserved a chance too.

After moving to Seattle in 2015, Lillian sought out a rescue where she could continue making a difference. She attended WAMAL’s Wine Tasting event in 2017, and her journey with us truly began. She was already active on social media, frequently engaging with WAMAL’s Facebook page, and soon, both of her pups—Sterling, the wooly Siberian Husky (often mistaken for a Mal) and Walker, the laid-back Malamute—became stars of the Ambassadog program. These well-behaved, social dogs were crowd favorites at events, and people couldn’t help falling in love with them. Sterling and Walker’s popularity soared, and they became local celebrities, often recognized at events. Lillian loves seeing how people light up when interacting with Ambassadogs at events, and she finds it especially rewarding when WAMAL alumni stop by to say hello. But Lillian’s involvement with WAMAL didn’t stop there—her talent for graphic design led to her involvement in WAMAL’s social media efforts, and now, she is the lead coordinator of our Instagram page.

When asked why she continues to volunteer, Lillian’s answer is simple: “I have to. I’ve been rescuing dogs for 30 years, and as long as northern breeds need rescuing, I have to try to help.”

One WAMAL dog who left a lasting impression was Hannah, a big, fluffy Mal with a personality just as grand. “That face, that big huggable bear, but a troubled soul,” Lillian recalls. “There was a deepness to her, like she could speak to you through her eyes.”

Lillian’s greatest joy has been being part of the Ambassadog team. Sadly, she lost Sterling in August 2023, and Walker followed in April 2024, just four months after welcoming a new puppy, Tundra, into the family. Tundra is now following in her big brothers’ paw prints, attending events and continuing their legacy.

For Lillian, WAMAL is more than just a rescue—it’s family. “Rescue is hard, but when you find one that feels like an extended family, you don’t want to leave. I’ve made a ton of friends, both inside and outside of rescue, and we’re there for each other during rough times. If you’re considering volunteering, figure out what works best for you. Do you want a hands-on experience or something remote? WAMAL has a ton of volunteer opportunities.”

When she’s not volunteering, Lillian’s life revolves around adventures with her husband, Martin, and pup Tundra. She and her family love photography, hiking, and exploring new pet-friendly places around town.

Lillian’s dedication, passion, and love for northern breeds have made her an irreplaceable part of the rescue community. We are so grateful to have her as part of our WAMAL rescue family, and we look forward to seeing Tundra carry on the tradition of Ambassadog excellence!

Calling all alumni! We need your pictures and stories for our Spotlight Sunday feature on our social media platforms! People really enjoy reading about what our alumni pups have been doing!



To view these updates you’ll need to follow our pages (@WAMALrescue) but you don’t need to be on social media to submit! Just email the team at social@wamal.com and include some pics plus a few tidbits about your pup. THANK YOU!

THERE’S STILL TIME TO HAVE YOUR PET FEATURED IN THE WAMAL CALENDAR!

FEATURED ADOPTABLES