08/25/03
I just have to let you know how wonderful my rescue Malamute is!!  We adopted Manuk four years ago (yes, from WAMAL) when he was six months old. At the time, he was a very shy puppy.  We have worked very hard and he has come a long way.  Just in the past year, he has earned his Working Team Dog title (WTD) from the Alaskan Malamute Club of America for sledding, his Canine Good Citizen certificate (CGC) from the American Kennel Club, and to top it off, last Friday, he earned the first leg of his Companion Dog obedience title from AKC.  Manuk took First Place in Novice B AND Highest Scoring Dog in Trial at the Snow King Alaskan Malamute Fanciers' Specialty Show!  He's also had three Third Place finishes in the Two-Dog Scooter class at the Northwest Sled Dog Association gig races over the past two years (with his "brother" Indy as his teammate).  He's really a wonderful dog and we just love him.  Manuk lives happily with his Malamute "brother" Indy,
"sister" Seven and OhJay the Cat.  His official name is MANUK OF HEART AND SOL, WTD, CGC. 

12/20/03
Mallie was originally "Brutus" who was a 2 year old that had been turned into the Kitsap shelter by his owners because they had to move.  Brutus was quickly adopted by another family who, unfortunately, found themselves in the same boat - they had to move and couldn't take him with them.  So, after a few short months, Brutus found himself back at the shelter.  This time the shelter contacted rescue.
The same week that Brutus came into rescue, we took in another boy from the Tacoma shelter.  He was an owner turn in as well and his name was Caeser. Later that week another boy needed rescuing from the Tacoma shelter.  He was picked up as a stray so he didn't have a name.  I couldn't resist keeping with the theme, so we named him Titus!
Jack had lost his old Malamute and was anxious to have another friend.  He had a hard time deciding between the three Roman boys, but eventually he chose Brutus who he promptly renamed Mallie.  Mallie and Jack have been together since December 2000.  Jack continues to help rescue with annual donations to SPDR in memory of his first Mal.  He also shares new pictures of Mallie each year to let us know how he is doing.
And yes, Caeser and Titus also went off to wonderful "forever" homes in 2001!
I want to thank each and every one of you for all your help in rescue. Without you, we would not have these "happy ending" tales to share.  I hope your holidays are peaceful and I look forward to working with you in the new year!

12/13/03
In a moment of insanity, I got the dogs pictures taken when a local hardware store promoted free pet pictures with Santa.  This is the first time ANYONE in my family has had their picture taken with Santa!
Java was a little overwhelmed by all the people, but of course perked her ears up with a big smile immediately AFTER they took her photo. Zorro was wild boy in the store, though instantly knew his favorite squeaky toy sound coming from the photographer.  Luckily, the person with a pet goat had already left the store so we didn't get distracted by a potential "goat sandwich".
There's plenty of snow here and we just finished pulling the three neighbor kids up and down our private road a zillion times on a snow saucer.  Hard to say who enjoyed it more--the kids, both dogs, or me!
Jeffrey, the neighbor cats has all but moved in with us.  The dogs know he's part of our "pack"  and Java always runs around the house looking for her little buddy.  He can rub his face right against Zorro's big head.  (incredibly brave cat!)  Jeff's our little "lead dog", since he's brown and black tabby on top with white nose, neck and legs and likes to go for walks with the two dogs and me.
The dogs stay comfy and dry in the deluxe dog house/kennel out back.  I built a metal roof to cover the whole thing with leftover material after our house got a new roof.  Java's a total sweetie--especially now that the ground's frozen and she can't dig holes!  Zorro made himself official guardian of the kitchen--ever hopeful for more treats.
I enjoy checking the WAMAL website frequently and cheer whenever one of my favorites gets adopted.  I hope things are well with you and your mals.  Write back if you get a chance.

12/13/03
In a moment of insanity, I got the dogs pictures taken when a local hardware store promoted free pet pictures with Santa.  This is the first time ANYONE in my family has had their picture taken with Santa!
Java was a little overwhelmed by all the people, but of course perked her ears up with a big smile immediately AFTER they took her photo. Zorro was wild boy in the store, though instantly knew his favorite squeaky toy sound coming from the photographer.  Luckily, the person with a pet goat had already left the store so we didn't get distracted by a potential "goat sandwich".
There's plenty of snow here and we just finished pulling the three neighbor kids up and down our private road a zillion times on a snow saucer.  Hard to say who enjoyed it more--the kids, both dogs, or me!
Jeffrey, the neighbor cats has all but moved in with us.  The dogs know he's part of our "pack"  and Java always runs around the house looking for her little buddy.  He can rub his face right against Zorro's big head.  (incredibly brave cat!)  Jeff's our little "lead dog", since he's brown and black tabby on top with white nose, neck and legs and likes to go for walks with the two dogs and me.
The dogs stay comfy and dry in the deluxe dog house/kennel out back.  I built a metal roof to cover the whole thing with leftover material after our house got a new roof.  Java's a total sweetie--especially now that the ground's frozen and she can't dig holes!  Zorro made himself official guardian of the kitchen--ever hopeful for more treats.
I enjoy checking the WAMAL website frequently and cheer whenever one of my favorites gets adopted.  I hope things are well with you and your mals.  Write back if you get a chance.

12/11/03
KODIAK'S REPORT TO WAMAL
OK, here's my report to Cindy and Sandy and Jennifer and all the fine folks at WAMAL who rescued me and sheltered me and found Judy for me.  I have two assistants (Judy and Jeri) who are transferring my report to a gray box which sits on Judy's desk and sending it to WAMAL.
I want you to know that I've been very good and I like my new home, but I do have a few questions.  I don't understand why Judy gets so excited when I play chase with the black, fluffy toy that moves very quickly around the apartment where we live.  (That's Samantha, an 8-yr-old black cat.)  There's also a grey toy that moves even faster (aka "Lily Grey," another 8-yr-old cat).  However, Judy seems quite pleased that these toys are slowing down.  Maybe they need new batteries.  At any rate, they're not so entertaining any more....
Judy and I go for walks every day by a very large pond near where we live (Bellingham Bay).  I like to chase interesting moving things in the water.  What I don't understand is how some of those things just seem to blow away just when I get close.  (He chases anything that moves, i.e., driftwood and seaweed riding to shore on waves, birds, etc....)  We go to our office almost every day so I can visit with all my friends and give them an opportunity to rub my head, or my back, or my butt, or my chin, or my nose, or my shoulders, or my legs....   Jeri named me "He who must be admired" and Judy added "frequently."
I'm happy to provide counseling and security services for Northwest Indian College, especially since I often receive treats in return.  I can tell you where all the best places for treats are located, including Judy's pocket, my shot-giver's staff (veterinarian) and the place where Judy has our car serviced (Subaru dealership).
Jeri and her husband Rich are part of my extended family.  They had an Alaskan Malamute when they lived in Alaska, so they really do an excellent job of admiring me.  I like to go for walks with them, too.  They do a lot of biking, so how about putting in a good word with Judy about one of those bicycle attachments that would let me run with them?  And while you're at it, would you also ask her about a sled for me to pull and maybe some snowshoes, too?  I hear they're quite tasty.
OK, one last question.  Why won't Judy let me do some exploring on my own?  She has this very long (26 ft.) leash which gives me some room to move around as we walk, but she just won't budge when it comes to letting me wander a bit.  She doesn't seem to understand that "All who wander are not lost."
In closing, I just want to say that I agree with something Judy found recently:  "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!" (Mae West)  Thanks to everyone at WAMAL who helped me find a new life with Judy and my extended family.
Kodiak
(Editors' note:  We send WAMAL our thanks, too, for allowing this charming, Kodiakian "love muffin" to become a part of our lives!  We're attaching a picture of Kodiak hard at work in his new office, waiting for the editing to be completed on his report.)