THANK YOU TO OUR FABULOUS VOLUNTEERS!
So, better late than never, the saying goes!! The ‘official’ volunteer appreciation week was April 16-22 but since our April MUSE was sent out before that, we wanted to give mention in THIS edition! 

People are often surprised to learn that WAMAL runs completely on volunteer-power. From our dog walkers to our team coordinators to our Board of Directors, everyone does it “for the love of the Malamutes.” It is this shared passion that brings together such an amazing team of caring individuals that make WAMAL work.

To the hands filling Kong toys with peanut butter, to pooper scoopers, walkers, mentors, transporters, evaluators, fosters, adoption coordinators, Ambassadog teams, event and fundraising volunteers, social media team--to all of YOU that make WAMAL such a well-regarded organization, we give our greatest and heart-felt THANK YOU’s! We are all part of the WAMAL pack, helping to rescue and re-home this amazing breed that we love—comical, stubborn, independent, laugh-inducing, vacuum-defeating, squirrel-chasing, loving and unique—the Malamute breed!!
 
Our volunteers are what make this all possible! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! We tip our hair covered hats to you all!!
 
--With Humble Admiration~~WAMAL Board of Directors
LOOT 4 MOOTS AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED!
Hey there, fellow Malamute lovers! The 5th Annual Loot 4 Moots Auction is approaching, and we need your donations! So, if you've got any Malamute, Husky, or Wolf-themed items or anything that screams "outdoor adventure", now's the time to gather them up and send them our way! If you're out shopping for your own gear, please keep an eye out for any fun goodies to add to our auction pile!
 
We need your items by June 30th, so we can start the long haul of uploading and photographing.
 
We're also looking for generous businesses that are interested in donating an item, service, or experience. So, if you have connections or work for a business that fits the bill, please reach out to Rickie Anderson at MalHappyTails@gmail.com.
 
Let's make this the best auction yet and show some love for our rescue pups! Thank woooo!
URGENT: FOSTERS NEEDED!
WAMAL is urgently in need of foster homes in Washington and Oregon - especially around the Seattle/Tacoma and Vancouver/Portland metro areas where we have more adopters, volunteers and established vet relationships.
 
Can you provide short term surgical recovery or back up help if an established foster goes on vacation? Or are you able to provide long-term fostering while our Mals await their furever homes? These dogs are in danger of being stuck in shelters or not being rescued at all if we don't have enough foster homes. These pups need YOUR help!
 
Fosters are truly heroes for our rescue Malamutes and play a critical role in saving these pups. By sharing your home with one of our adoptable Mals you provide a safe and loving environment while the pup can avoid the stresses of being in a kennel. You will be able to better assess the Mal’s true personality and needs, helping guide WAMAL in finding the best possible adoption placement.
 
If you can't commit to being a long-term foster, we also need temporary short-term foster homes who can serve as backup or emergency fosters when a long-term foster will be away. Also, short term post-surgery recovery foster homes are needed, especially for dogs recovering from spay/neuter surgeries. Since dogs need to be on a leash for all outside potty visits during recovery, a securely fenced yard is less important, but a way to safely separate your foster dog from your other animal(s) is mandatory. Recovering dogs need to rest, so no romping with your friendly pup is allowed. Please consider joining our post-surgery foster home team.
 
By opening your home to a rescue Malamute, you can make a life-saving difference. These pups need a safe and loving environment where they can thrive and grow. If you have a secure method of containment, time to exercise and interact with your foster pup, you can help. Foster families provide love, exercise, socialization, shelter, and food, while WAMAL covers necessary veterinary costs and offers personal training and support. If you have cats, small dogs, or other large dogs, a way to safely separate your foster pup from your animal(s) may be necessary.
 
Fostering has a direct, positive impact on the animal and is a tremendously rewarding experience for those who choose to become caregivers. You have the power to save lives and make a difference in rescue.
 
Don't wait…..become a WAMAL foster today! Complete a foster application or email us at wamal@wamal.com with any questions. Together, we can save the lives of these amazing dogs!
VOLUNTEER VIDEOGRAPHER WANTED!
Calling all talented videographers! We need your skills to help make our adorable adoptable Mals famous! A real estate company wants to feature some of our Malley Valley pups and foster dogs on their social media, and we need some amazing videos to showcase their personalities, quirks, and playful energy.
 
We know that your time is valuable, and unfortunately, we can't offer any monetary compensation, but we can offer you unlimited puppy kisses and doggy glitter, and a heartwarming feeling that comes from knowing you're helping our furry friends find their forever homes. Because let's face it, the joy that comes from making a difference in their lives is truly priceless.
 
So, if you have a passion for videography and want to help us showcase the personality, beauty, and playfulness of our pups, we'd love to have your talent on board! Our kennel is located in Puyallup, and we have foster pups scattered throughout the Puget Sound area.
 
Contact Rickie at MalHappyTails@gmail.com if you're interested or know someone who may be. Together, let's make these pups the stars they deserve to be!
FOSTERING WILLOW
Discover the Delights of Fostering: Meet Louise (not pictured) and Willow!
 
Fostering a dog is an immensely rewarding and joyful experience that can truly warm your heart. Allow us to introduce you to Louise, one of our incredible foster moms, who has been making a remarkable difference in the lives of our furry friends. After successfully fostering Remus, who found his forever home, Louise has now opened her home to Willow, a stunning 6-year-old Malamute with a heart of gold!
 
According to Louise, Willow is not only a quick learner but also a delightful companion and a skilled rodent hunter. Together, they have embarked on a journey filled with growth and learning. One of the greatest joys for Louise has been witnessing Willow's rapid development and her ability to adapt to new surroundings. Through positive reinforcement and redirection, Louise has been working diligently to desensitize Willow to various sounds such as the hair dryer, lawn mower, and thunder. The results have been remarkable. Willow has conquered her fear of these noises, has adapted to the once-stressful experience of getting her ears cleaned, and has become increasingly relaxed and receptive.
Initially, Willow displayed some hesitancy and restlessness indoors, but as soon as she stepped outside, her true colors shone through. Willow's love for exploring the great outdoors and her talent for hunting rabbits, squirrels, and rodents became evident. Additionally, she adores belly rubs and craves affection, making her an irresistible companion.
 
Louise has been dedicated to reinforcing Willow's knowledge of various commands such as sit, down, rollover, and paw. They are also working on leash skills and loose leash walking, and Willow's progress has been remarkable.
For Louise, fostering Willow has brought immeasurable joy and satisfaction. Witnessing the positive changes in Willow's behavior not only makes her more appealing to potential adopters but also fills Louise's heart with happiness. She encourages anyone with a love for dogs to consider fostering and join WAMAL's foster team. By becoming a foster parent, you can make a lasting impact on a pup's life while enriching your own.
 
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the joys of fostering. Join our foster team today and be a part of the transformative journey for dogs like Willow. Together, we can make a difference!
UPCOMING EVENTS



WAMAL is excited to participate in this year’s Petpalooza Event - there's something for everyone at Petpalooza! Enjoy live bands, thrilling pig races, and various animal attractions. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the petting zoo, explore the Beer and Wine Garden, indulge in delicious food from the food court, and browse through more than 100 vendors. Best of all, admission is FREE!
 
Make sure to stop by our booth, #117 in field C, situated between Fly Dogs and the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs (unrelated to our Alaskan Malamutes!). Come and say hello, and discover how you can get involved by volunteering, fostering, sponsoring, or adopting with WAMAL. You'll also have the chance to meet our wonderful AMBASSADOGS and capture some memorable photos. Don't forget to bring your cameras!
 
 
For more information about the event, please visit the Petpalooza Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/auburnpetpalooza. We can't wait to see you there!

  • Date/Time: Saturday June 3, 10AM-2PM
  • Location: Asbery Field - 1705 7th St, Marysville, WA

Your pooch is going to love this, and so are you! Poochella is a dog focused event for frolicking, fun, and festivities. Meet vendors and dog enthusiasts of all kinds, that love dogs as much as you do. Sno-King Agility Club will be demonstrating scent work, rally obedience, and Treibball. In addition to vendor booths, Asbery Field will be converted into a fenced-in playground and contest area. Activities will take place at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and include costumes and dog tricks. Marysville Sunrise Rotary group will be providing snacks and drinks for purchase. 

The organizers of the event request that you keep everyone safe and having fun by keeping your pooch on a leash at all times (if retractable, please lock at 4 ft.), and have extra doggie bags handy.

CALLING ALL UW DAWG FAN MALS & HUSKIES!
WAMAL has been invited to join in the Commencement celebration for the UW Tacoma campus on Friday, June 9th from 12:30PM-1:30PM!! 

Do you have a friendly and well-behaved Mal or Husky who would like to join in the “after pawty”? Ambassadogs will be present as people are leaving Commencement to help create a wonderful, festive experience and for photo opportunities. This event will be held in Tacoma. For specifics and to participate, please email Rickie at MalHappyTails@gmail.com for sign up details!!  
KENNEL NAMEPLATES ARE IN!
We are bursting with excitement over here at WAMAL! The individualized nameplates for our new kennels and volunteer shed are finally completed, and we couldn't be happier!

A huge shout-out to the talented Rhea Barber of Rheaclaimed Treasures for creating the most amazing, fun, imaginative, and individual designs!

We are so grateful to all the generous donors who made our kennel upgrades possible. Your support means the world to us and will greatly enhance the lives of our furry residents!

And if you're in need of custom gates, railings, firepits, or signs, look no further than Rhea! She does incredible work and supports rescue efforts. Be sure to tell her WAMAL sent you! 
ADOPTABLE DOG SHOWCASE
Hey everyone! My name is "Nozomi" - it's a Japanese word that can be translated along the lines of "hope for a better future."

And boy, was I ever in need of hope! I came to WAMAL super thin, shy, and very shut down. The folks at WAMAL initially thought I would need a lot of time to learn to trust people and become adoptable - but it turns out all I really needed was a chance to decompress in a place where I felt safe and loved. I've surprised everyone with how quickly I've come out of my shell in my foster home! I'm happy to explore now; I'm affectionate with people and friendly to other dogs. I feel like a whole new dog, and I am really embodying the meaning of my new name!

All in all I'm mostly perfect. My one "gotcha" is that, well, I have a penchant for eating things that aren't exactly edible. My perfect home will need to be vigilant and prevent my access to things like socks or other small textiles, toys small enough to swallow (or toys that I can rip into pieces small enough to swallow), plastic food containers, etc. I really don't mean to cause problems; it's just that I went hungry for so long that I sometimes can't fight the urge to wolf things down! With patience, training, and more time on a proper diet (and maybe a muzzle in the meantime to prevent accidents), I should be able to grow out of this habit as I mature.

I'm quite a striking pup as you can see, and probably about a year and a half old now. Could you be my hiking buddy and forever home? Please apply to adopt me today!
Oh hi there! I hear some people are afraid of ghosts. But don't be afraid, I'm a super friendly Ghost! Dog friendly, and people friendly too. I'm not sure if I'd be *quite* as friendly to other small critters; but my fosters did say my prey drive doesn't seem quite as high as most northern breeds!

I am a young boy - probably only around a year old - and I'm told I could use a little work on manners so I don't jump on people. I really don't mean to be rude...I just get *so excited* because I absolutely love everyone I meet! Likewise, I really love playing with other dogs and I never want to stop!

Like most young dogs I like to chew on things, so I'd love a home that could give me some appropriate chew toys and puppy-proof my space so I won't get into trouble chewing things that aren't mine. I'd also love an active family, maybe even one with a doggie playmate, to help me burn some of that excess puppy energy!

I was found as a stray, so not much is known of my history. You'll notice my eyes are red in some of my profile photos - I had a condition called entropion where my eyelids turned inwards and my lashes kept irritating my eyes. I just had a surgery to correct that, and I'm feeling SO much better now! As you can see, between my fluffy white coat and piercing blue eyes I'm already quite a head turner. I'll be even more so once the fur under my eyes grows back!

If you have room in your home and heart for an energetic, loving, and gorgeous boy like me please apply to adopt me!