07/29/03
Here are some pictures of me and Sierra for the Happy Tails website.  Thank you again for helping to make WAMAL possible.  Without it, I wouldn't have found my sweet companion.

07/09/03
Hello Ladies,
I just wanted to give you both an update on my adventures with Sierra.  What can I say?  I just adore her.  She starts obedience training this evening with a trainer who is a friend of her previous owners.  In fact, this trainer knows Sierra from an annual sledding event, so she is looking forward to working with her.   Sierra is very hot at the moment...no surprise.  She is presently downstairs in the basement with a large fan on her.   I take her to a large fenced in dog park, where she sees all of her friends every morning.  She is very well socialized and is wonderful with all of the dogs at the dog park, even females and little dogs.    When we arrive each morning, the other dog owners say, "Look, here comes that sweetie, Sierra."  She plays there for about an hour to two hours, then she comes home to the basement where she waits for our late evening walk.  She will hardly go out in the backyard right now because of the heat.   I thought my living situation was great, but another situation has presented itself that is even better.  Sierra and I will be moving two blocks up the street, where my rent will be the same, the house is the same size, and she will have a 1yr. old male malamute playmate, and a much bigger backyard.  The male malamute's name is River, and those two are already the best of friends.  River's owner, Melyssa and I take them on walks, to the dog park, etc.  River and Sierra look so much alike that when they curl up together in the back of my truck it is hard to tell where one begins and the other ends.    I tried to get her to sleep in my bedroom, but it was too hot for her.  So for the first week I slept in the basement with her.  I've also taken her down to the beach to my family's home.  She LOVES the ocean, and would play in it all day if she could.  I'm having some pictures taken this week of her and I.  I will send them for the "Happy Tails" website when I have some. 
Thanks again for all of your help.
A Happy Dog Owner.

06/09/03
She's been doing fantastic here! My roommate is in love with her - I'm going to have to talk to him about letting her get her way with everything. We went for a few walks yesterday and just got back from one this morning. No off-leash, of course, but this is a pretty dog friendly area, so a lot of people have their dogs off-leash and she's been great so far. Oh yes, and she met Quentin yesterday - she did great with him. She had to put him in his place just a little, but a short growl took care of that and now they're good buddies.
Ok... here's my one complaint about Stella... she's an early riser!!! No one warned me about the nose in my face at 6am! Just kidding... well, not about the nose, but about it being a complaint.
Stella is doing GREAT! As you can imagine, she's already the darling of the neighborhood. I took her in to work the other day and my roomate took her in to his office today. She did great in both situations, but I think she's just as happy to stay at home and hang out in the house or the yard. Especially with this heat we're getting here (pushing 100 today). I'm going to fill up the kiddie pool this evening and see how she likes that - considering her love for mud and mud puddles, I'm guessing it'll be a hit.
later....
It's SO funny... she gets in and wades around and then does this kind of dip like she's going to lay down, but as soon as the water gets to her tummy, she pops back up. So, it works something like: wade, dip, pop, repeat.
I live just a few blocks from one of Portland's largest parks - it has a ton of trails both in the trees and in the open, grassy areas - that's where we take our morning and evening walks. This is where I first noticed Stella's "interest" in small dogs. She seems to size them up and I can almost hear her say, "Hmm... that one would be one bite... the other might take two." Oops. But as long as she's on the extend-a-leash, she does great!
I wish you could see the doghouse in person. My mom and her husband built it and I think it's better built than my house! Stella likes it, but her favorite location is still in the kitchen, with the back door
open - it lets her see everything that's going on in the house as well as everything going on in the yard. And, of course, it's close to food!

04/30/03
Hello Malamute Fans,
I am happy to announce that Shasta, a "fostered" WAMAL Rescue out of Pierce Co; who has been with me since July 3rd, has been delivered to her new "Dad & Mom"! Mom & Dad anxiously awaited Shasta's delivery to them Sunday afternoon. Her new kennel system was all set up and awaiting her arrival.
Dad is a contractor and is looking forward to Shasta (who travels VERY well) join him in his truck to job sites. During her last two months with me, Shasta enjoyed being tied out where she never tired of watching me work on projects throughout the day.
Mom & Dad  are former malamute "parents", but lost Kelah to old age about 6 months ago. They couldn't be happier to get Shasta, and I know she has found a great home and a new "family" lifestyle!  In spite of earlier years of neglect and abuse by prior owners, Shasta has never lost her sweet disposition and aim to please!  She took some time and effort, but she was a pleasure to be "Fostered" in my kennel. I especially enjoyed our rides together. It was hard saying "goodbye for now" to her - but it's good knowing she is now in excellent care!
Her ever present "big smile" will hang with me for a long time. Overall, my Fostering tenure was a great experience - it was unlike looking after any other dog that has been a part of my family. I have a greater appreciation for those of you who have donated your efforts to save a malamute on a one by one basis. Thanks everybody, and Congratulations to Dad, Mom & Shasta!
Call of the Wild Huskies

10/31/01
She is GREAT. Just like our other dog. Well behaved, quiet, and isn't even interested in the Ferrets! She is becoming one of our pack, and seems to be having fun - playing outside, eating boney's, bagging rays - you know typical dog stuff. We are very happy to have her, and are enjoying her immensely. Thanks for helping orchestrate this!!! I'm glad we could finally find a match! Just took Sasha to the groomers and she is looking especially lovely. Thought you might enjoy seeing a couple of pictures. She is adjusting well, and she and Herk get along famously. Enjoy!