10/20/01
I wanted to let you know how Wakonda is getting along. He is a wonderful dog and a great addition to our "dogpack". He enjoys playing with the Schipperke, and we now have the added bonus of a calm Schipperke at the end of the day! Wakonda and the Schipperke have become incredibly bonded which is amazing considering their opposite dispositions.
Wakonda is extremely well mannered and responds instantly to his name. He responds well both on and off the leash. We recently took him to Bark Around the Park and he was a perfect gentleman - even enduring the attentions of a young mal pup. The sound of car keys sends this huge beast running the the door everyday begging for car rides. I often take him to pet stores with me and he is instantly surrounded by children.
Wakonda has a non-stop grin and a mellow disposition. Thanks to a trip to the groomers and a steady diet, his coat is positively glowing. This is one of the easiest dogs I've ever adopted.

10/20/01
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I did just like everyone else by not getting back to you right away about Tela after our visit, even though I told you I wouldn't! Well, everything went well and we brought her home. I decided to take Thursday and Friday off work in order to be able to spend those first couple days with Tela. I'm happy to say that all is going really well with us and Tela. She is very well-mannered, especially in the house, and loves to go outside on walks. We have socialized her a little bit around people and one other dog. She has also done well in those situations and seems really playful. She seems happy with us and loves the attention she gets.
So, it looks so far like everything will work out. Both Kris and I (and Tela, too!) owe you, Tami, Cindy K, Mike and Elsa G a huge Thank You! I am so grateful for all your help, support and patience. If there is anything else I need to do to help things go smoothly for you, please let me know. Otherwise, Thank You again for everything and I will talk to you soon! Take care, Cindy!

10/20/01
I had a long talk with Russelle this afternoon and it was like two moms talking about their newborns. She and her husband and kids are absolutely delighted with Talla, now named Tasha. Playing with her is the oldest child's incentive to get his homework done (he is the really shy one) and the younger child loves having "someone" to boss around. All are learning obedience terms. They have connected with an obedience instructor who has already gently chastised them about allowing a mal puppy to chew on human hands:-). They are working with her on calming down the exuberance with which she greets anyone new who comes to visit (I guess she has barreled down a few 3-4 year olds and so far all have ended up in a delighted furry pile) and they have already trained her to stay off the furniture. She is a great incentive for the kids to keep their toys picked up as anything left on the floor is fair game--so far the boxing mitts and a few stuffed animals have been claimed by her as dog toys. I kind of liked the fact that Tasha chewed up the boxing mitts. Geez, who needs to learn how to hit people.
Also, Tasha has been trained very well to relieve herself in just one corner of the yard, which makes cleaning up after her an easy task. So far she has shown absolutely no interest in the other side of her fence. There is enough social interaction on HER side of it to keep her pretty busy.
I hope they eventually get around to sending you their own "happy ending" and perhaps a photo or two. I think this rowdy little one will turn out to be a queen with a fun streak.

10/20/01
Just wanted you to know that Samson is coming along very nicely. He has settled well, is much calmer, although we haven't tried him in the car this summer. He loves it here at our place in Montana and we even let him roam the yard when we are out and about. He still does growl a little now and then if he meets a strange bearded man wearing a baseball cap. Must be something from his mysterious past. But all in all has become a good friend and is loved by everyone in the family.

08/16/01
Eight weeks ago, my wife and I adopted a gorgeous mal named Juneau. We feel that we got the pick of the litter. He's been wonderful. We were relatively new to the breed and knew right away that we made the right choice with Juneau. He loves to run and take hikes with me in the evenings. Juneau's been lucky that there are four other mals who live near us and once a week the five of the boys play in this huge field. We have a neat community of malamute owners in Snoqualmie. We learn something new about Juneau everyday. I also wanted to mention that my wife and I were completely satisfied with the process of adopting Juneau. Cindy was wonderful taking lots of time with my questions and giving advice. Juneau's foster parents were also great. Juneau was in a perfect environment with 26 playmates, which was relaxed and comfortable. Thank you Cindy, Heidi, Kathy, and WAMAL for our new companion.