NOOKA, another of our Super Seniors, came to WAMAL from California in July 2018. She came into our partner kennel in Spokane, was briefly adopted but returned, was transferred to our commercial partner kennel in Burlington and, finally, was transferred to Malley Valley about 6 months after we started taking dogs there. She is currently 11 years old and has been awarded Sanctuary dog status due to numerous guarding incidents and unpredictability with new people. It is thought she had little positive human interaction in her earlier years and little physical handling; therefore, she is reluctant and guarded at being touched. She has a pronounced limp due to ligament injury and limited mobility, but her age and fragility do not support surgery. Nooka is on medication to keep her comfortable. A volunteer favorite, it takes time for her to warm up to new people but once you have earned her trust and you are aware of her dislikes, she is a pretty chill pup. Her voice is really beautiful, and she is not afraid to use it. As a Sanctuary dog, we are striving to keep Nooka comfortable and healthy as she lives out her life at Malley Valley.