WASHINGTON ALASKAN MALAMUTE ADOPTION LEAGUE - SAVING THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE

Cool Hand Luke made two things crystal clear right away: He loves people and he hates being alone in the kennel. Sooo… then we learned that he can get on with other dogs, because he opened that pesky kennel so he could play with the 2 malamutes in the Big Yard. No fights; just happy campers.

Luke needs to gain 10- 20 lbs; he may not even be completely full grown. At this point he is fur and bones and really needs to put on a little weight and grow some muscles; his body still needs to catch up with his big head. His stamina is low but he is fast and smart. Stamina and muscles will come.

And when this boy is fast-running-free, he has a lovely dark deep woowoo. Want him back? Open a car door and he heads right for it - people is where it is at for Cool Hand Luke. When Luke went down to the vets office for his little procedure he easily put his front paws on the chest high counter in order to greet all the wonderful people on the other side. After that he showed his manners by stepping nicely onto the scales and sitting!

For such a young dog, he is remarkably laid back. He walks very well on leash, mostly leaving some slack. But the scent or sight of wildlife can really get him excited. He will not be a candidate for a home with cats. He sits, he comes, and picked up lie down after a couple of tries – so smart, so willing. Right now we are beginning to recognize our new name.

Luke loves riding in a car and quietly takes his place behind the front seats. I took him to a meeting and after greeting a couple of people gently he just lay down and relaxed for the following two hours.

He is totally as delightful as his pictures. We are SO happy we were able to save him!!

Luke is being cared for in Spokane.

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Rohn is soooo sweet and a total cutie. As soon as we sprung him from the shelter and he caught sight of his liberators young son, he started play-bowing, as if to say Hey! A Playmate! Cool!

And he has such a beautiful and easy-care coat for summer, he will be able to play, camp, walk, bike and lay around the shade on even the hottest days with you. And wait until he fluffs up with his snowcoat. He will be gorgeous then.

Rohn loads easily into car and crate, needs to learn some leash manners but is not hyperactive. Rohn is going to be a truly awesome dog and it won’t take much to get him to that place. If you want a dog who can keep up with all levels of activity and travel with the family and who loves people, seems to get along well with other dogs and will generally be an all-round great addition to your family, Rohn is well worth meeting.

Rohn is being cared for in Spokane.

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Tarzan is taller than your average Mal, and covers a lot of ground quickly with his long stride. He is a very striking boy with his unique markings and beautiful eyes. He is very athletic and loves to hike and run in the woods. He can not wait for snow to show off how well his big wide feet will do to keep him moving rapidly! He is very playful but does settle rather quickly when you stop playing He seems to know when play time is over and it is time to settle down. He will rest his head in your lap and loves getting his ears scratched or long strokes down his back. He is initially a puller on the leash, but settles into a walk or run after a short time. As you may be able to tell from his photos, Tarzan has an interesting twist to his front left leg. It certainly does not slow him down or bother him a bit, and he is ready to hike, bike, ski and pull your sled!

Introductions to other dogs have gone well, although need to be slow and easy since he does tend to want to dominate given the chance. He is a big eater and gets very excited at meal times. He will need to be fed separately from other dogs as he likes to enjoy his food in peace. Tarzan, like many Mals, does not care for cats so will want go to a home without any. He has never challenged the fence or dug holes in the yard at his foster home and is generally a very well behaved boy.

If you would like to offer this striking boy a forever home, please fill out our online application and we will schedule your home visit as soon as possible.

Tarzan is being cared for in Goldendale, WA.

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Are you looking for a leonine love? This big boy (138 pounds of big boy!) is appropriately named Simba for his looks AND his demeanor. He will remind you of Simba in Disneys Lion King. He is great with older respectful children, as any good king should be, and if they are not to his liking he simply dismisses them - by walking away. Like many a fickle Malamute royal he may be particular about which other canines may attend court with him but he is quite amenable to his human subjects needs. With true courtly manners he will quickly adapt to your rhythms - if you are in a mellow, relaxed mood he will be, too. And if you are in a playful mood he is right there to join the fun.

Like many of the kingly-type, he needs gentle wooing to achieve best results. Training is best accomplished with slow, gentle handling and coaxing rather than stern forcefulness (so typical of kings!). He is house-trained and can walk up a ramp to his throne in an SUV or truck. However, he really prefers not to go for rides - walks are far more to his liking.

Oh, and if you do not believe he has got a little feline in him, this boy loves to watch cats, and will even follow them and bounce and play with them if they allow it. We can not guarantee cat safety with a malamute but this boy shows the potential to live with them peacefully.

Simba has not had the best life so far. Prior to his last owner he was kept in a backyard full of muck and filth. As a result he his sensitive feet that need to be watched but that hasnt stopped him from hiking with his foster mom! He has a thyroid condition that is easily managed with meds and prefers a simple, strict canine diet. Simba currently has a summer shave to deal with some skin issues but his coat is growing back. What he really needs is someone to love and care for him in the manner befitting a royal! Do you have the special canine kingdom Simba is looking for? If so, please fill out an application and we will schedule a home visit right away.

Simba is being cared for in Shoreline, WA.

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Hello, my name is Gus and I am the kind of fellow Paul Newman would have played in the movies....beautiful blue eyes and a bit of an independent spirit. Like that other incredibly good looking blue eyed charmer, Im a svelte guy but I look larger because Im whats known as a woolley siberian. You know, in Hollywood its all about the costuming and disquises! Like Mr. Newmans characters Im a bit of a cowboy...I like to roam and for my own safety would need a very secure yard. I was not very keen on being chained up on my last gig! I really love the outdoors and I have good manners when walking on a leash. You can forget cats cause Im not too fond of the little furry critters. Give me a couple of good saddle partners, and some open air and I will be happy to be your leading man. I even like two legged tykes as long as they show me the respect a dignifed gentleman deserves.

Gus is a mal-sibe mix. If you would like to meet Gus or any of our beautiful Mals, please fill out an online application and we will schedule your home visit as soon as possible.

Gus is currently being cared for in Kent, WA.

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She is a classic, gorgeous malamute and very much a typical mal - good with many male dogs but pretty sure she should be the queen of everything. She loves to play with toys and loves all people; she has a great deal of confidence and will love being introduced to new things. Mallie is active and strong but not hyper and this girl is smart as a whip.

Mallie has a beautiful woo-woo. You will love hearing her tell you just how happy you have made her. A coat just made for snow, a playful attitude in life and a dollop of malamute-stubborness that the smart ones all have. Mallie is a joy to watch and to be with. If you love malamutes, you will love this girl.

Mallie lives outside of Spokane.

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Max is very playful and very food motivated. He plays rough but really really well with another active dog (he is paired with Rose these days). Max is shy with people but incredibly good at learning - he learned to sit for food the 2nd night here. Max needs to learn that people are source of good things and being petted is fun and a leash means a walk. A little experience with those things (ok, with a few food bribes) and he will be a fantastic dog.

Max is very good with children, btw. He is not afraid of them but enjoys their company.

Max is in Cle Elum, WA.

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Are you looking for a fuzzy Sweet Tart to turn into a Sweet Heart? Young Keisha is a 14 month old spayed female who may be just what you are looking for. She is an owner surrender because of a move that couldnt include her.

Keisha is bursting with energy and sparkle and a bit of uncontrolled youthfulness that needs some containment. Right now she wants to jump up and love you, tell you how much fun she can be, and how sweet she really is. She needs to go to school - after all she is still school age! - and is so in love with people and with life that she will probably mistake that training for attention, which is all she really wants anyway.

Keisha rides well in cars and is not crate shy. Just like any teenager she needs a good grooming to make ready for the summer.

Keisha says: I have manners, but sometimes forget how to use them; really I am still a puppy. I would love to go on long runs and hikes and am just waiting for my human to show me the ropes! I am an independent, intelligent girl and have a mind of my own, like all my malamute buddies. I love to get hugs and loves and will return them ten-fold.

If you would like to meet Keisha or any of our beautiful Mals, please fill out an online application and we will schedule your home visit as soon as possible.

Keisha is located in Cle Elum, WA.

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Bolt is an absolutely gorgeous, stunning dog. Do you want a beautiful house ornament? Want a dog that does not need to go for a walk? Want a younger dog who will stay in a small yard, and-or a 3 foot fence. Be easy enough for your elderly family members to handle?

A Guilt-Free SnowDog!! If that sounds attractive, Bolt is your man.

Bolt is truly beautiful (we sort of cannot get over his looks), loves to be in the house and has Canine Wobbler Syndrome. I swear that is what it is called – google it yourself. When he first arrived, he could barely walk; he dragged his rear. Later his front legs looked like nothing was holding him together. X-rays show nothing wrong – his bones show no arthritis or damage at all. Best of all, he got better – MUCH better – with a dose of steroids. Some of us think he was hit by a car and is slowly healing.

But we do not believe this boy will ever be an athlete. And he does not care one whit. He just wants attention and to get to come in the house. And he is a great house dog; so quiet you will have to remember to take him out (which you DO need to do).

Bolt will only cry for attention when he is stuck behind a fence and he sees you and thinks it will do some good, or at mealtimes. He is incessant at those times – and only at those times – but he is not loud. We believe he has been debarked. The fun thing is that as soon as you give him what he wants – attention or in the house or his dinner – he is as content as a placid summer lake.

Bolt is located in Cle Elum, WA.

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Harley and Jenny are crate trained, good with other dogs and even great with small children. AND they were raised with cats. It does not get any better than that!.

Until you look at those faces and see the big grins and abundant love that these dogs know how to give. They are well worth a Meet-n-Greet. The poor babes are stuck in the backyard for now, not knowing where their mom went or what is in store for them.

Harley and Jenny are turn-key, sweet as pie and in need of a permanent or even temporary family of their own. If you and yours want a big Teddy Bear, well, take a gander. Harley and Jenny are a Two-Fer-the-Price-of-One. A single adoption donation will be happily accepted but our primary focus here is to find a place for two deserving Teddy Bears to snuggle.

Harley and Jenny are located in Olympia, WA.

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Her name should be IsADORABLE. Because Nakita has the sweetest, cutest face you can imagine - we have a new picture that almost captures her sweetness. Almost.

Nakita is a very mellow and laid back girl, found as a stray, who is far younger than we had originally thought. Although very easy going and one with excellent house manners she is also playful, can jump higher than she is tall (which aint very), and loves to walk. But not nearly as much as she loves being in the house. And except for counter cruising, she has really excellent house manners. They all love to be in the house but Nakita knows HOW to be a house dog.

If I were picking a family dog, looking for a Hearth-and-Home companion, Nakita is the one I would pick. Her size combined with her manners put her near the top of the list.

Nakita is one of those little Tank-type mals. Once she sheds her excess poundage she will be small and her agility may very well increase; she already has more bounce-to-the-ounce than many young pups.

Nakita is eager to please, eager to have fun and eager to love. Like most malamute females, she will not share with another girl but does well with boy dogs as long as she doesnt have to share that precious food, bone...well, you get the picture. She lives daily with a boy dog in her yard - sometimes Bolt, sometimes Max, sometimes others.

If you would like to meet Nakita or any of the other Mals that are eagerly awaiting new homes for the New Year, please fill out an online application and we will schedule your home visit as soon as possible.

Nakita is being cared for in Cle Elum, WA.

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Dewey is a small malamute, or perhaps a mal-sibe mix, sable and white. Selena is a silver sibe. They live together with their human Dad and will need a new home soon :-(. They would love to be adopted together. They dont absolutely have to be but it will be best for Dewey if they are; he is a bit shy in new situations and leans on Selena.

They are terrifically well-adjusted home-activity-family dogs (have not lived with kids but have been part of a normal home for several years.) Only reason they are going to a new home is that Dad has joined the Navy and cannot take them with.

They are a smart, happy-go-lucky pair with no special needs - well, beyond the normal Requirement for Snowdogs to be the Center of the Universe and All things Fun. Dewey and Selena will bring great joy into their new families lives.

More pictures to come...

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Picking her up from the shelter we discovered that we had a little mini-mal-mix on our hands. And a cuter - and stinkier one - could not be found. Ladybug is a woolly snowdog probably mixed with some gsd, or maybe something a little smaller. She is petite. And sweet. And not stinky anymore.

LadyBug is a wonderful companion. She is adorable and is a homebody looking for love. She is eager to please and slightly scared when she thinks you are mad at her. Sweet little ladies like LadyBug learn quickly and Ladybug is smart, very smart.

She loves to go for walks and is ready whenever you are but also loves to just be with her human. She will be a great home dog and may do well with chldren. Too short to be a counter cruiser she would certainly try if she could! Likes food, ignores other dogs - she would just rather be loved and is quite certain that is her Due in Life!

Ladybug does not need lots of room and will do well in town. She just needs a warm hearth and lotsa love.

She is not old, or young. If you have a weakness for little (old) ladies and bouncy little toddlers you may fall in love at first sight. LadyBug has a few creaks and leaks, very easily managed and inexpensive. She has been checked by a vet so we can give you all the skinny. Her coat does take some extra care!but OOH she is such a fuzzy furry teddy bear it is SO worth it!

Ladybug is in Cle Elum, WA.

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But if you are not up for some snuggles she will happily go for a ride, or a walk with you - she is very good at both. She is lead-trained and, like most law-abiding Mals should always be on a lead when in public. She is papered (not the newspaper kind) but has never been registered. Maya is also house-trained and crate-trained and has lots of wonderful loving qualities, not the least of which is loyalty.

She is an owner-surrender because her current environment doesnt allow her the singular attention she needs and wants - well, really like many female malamutes, she is just plain not willing to share her kingdom with another canine female. Male canine - well, probly ok. Human female - most definitely!

In fact Maya likes some men, after getting to know them (dont we all) , but she is been raised with her mom and will initially gravitate there. So Dads, you may need to do a little courting. But she is a cheap date - couple hotdogs and you will get the belly-rub-nod too.

Like most mals, Maya is not a good candidate for dog parks or puppy playskool. Good news is she doesnt need to party; she is happy being part of her human family Guess its that loyalty thing! So if you are looking for a fabulous female friend, full of furry fidelity who you can love, and who will return all that love right back to you, this fur-girl is for you.

Maya is located in Issaquah, WA.

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If you would like to meet Misha, please fill out an application and we will schedule your home visit as soon as possible.

Misha is being cared for in Spokane, WA.

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OOPS, fooled you! Yep, these ARE two malamutes! Whisper is about 3 and a sibe/mal who definitely leans toward the Siberian side of her makeup. Izzy is a mal and between 7 and 9. They are both special needs kids and require a loving and understanding forever home.

Whisper has a few emotional issues with closeness. She still cowers when approached and will run. She has started to join in the family in the living room rather than hide in the bedroom..but only as long as Izzy is there. HE has been critical in helping her adapting to people and these two will need to be adopted together.

Whisper is not a puppy, and not a cuddle bug. Contact with her MUST be on HER terms, she still cowers when approached and will run and you will never catch her! An absolutely secure fenced yard is a must, not an option.

Izzy,on the other hand, is usually at hand nudging for a pat or tummy rub. He is not obnoxious about it, just loves to know you are there for him.

Both dogs have chewing issues probably stemming from isolation. Izzy recently had major surgery for things he ingested.including poop.Whisper isnt quite as bad with the ingestion of things, but she does chew any and all things, especially if left alone, or even with Izzy.

The vet recommend a basket muzzle for Izzy when he isnt eating, and he doesnt seem to mind it at all. But both will need an environment that is picked up and cleaned up daily.

They are both wonderful dogs, funny and responsive. But their new family will need to appreciate them for the good things, roll with things, and love them as they are. BOTH DOGS ARE CAT TESTED AND TOLERANT.

If you are looking for a great team and a ready made family, please fill out an online application and we will schedule your home visit as soon as possible.

Whisper and Izzy are being cared for in Puyallup, WA.

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He does not have to be adopted with Lucky but they make a most-entertaining duo!

So if you want a big malamute to love, meet George. And why not meet Lucky at the same time. You will never regret it if you do. They are an absolute joy.

George and Lucky are with a rescue outside of Spokane.

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Lucky runs Georges life. She rides him like a pony, pesters him unmercifully. And George loves her and lets her get away with whatever she wants.

So if you want a big malamute to love, try taking this little bundle of joy with him. You do not have to - they can be adopted separately - but you will never regret it if you do. They are an absolute joy.

George and Lucky are with a rescue outside of Spokane.

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Rose is a loving CuddleDog. Rose is also an amazing Athlete. Add to that her unusual plush velvet splash coat and you have a very unique dog. Rose has more than malamute in her, no doubt. Possibly some Siberian husky and maybe even some Karelian Bear Dog. Her unusual coat and those KBD eyes are the features that will initially catch your attention.

But her athleticism may be her most striking feature.

She plays hard with other dogs. She is SO fast. She could easily maintain pace and distance with runners and bicyclers. But she adores people and will stop her playing and running to be petted because she truly loves attention. And she is gentle when she asks for pets, turning herself inside out for belly rubs and gentle kisses and asking to be held.

Rose has a beautiful malamute woowoo and will try to be boss with other dogs - especially if they are bigger than her. She LOVES having a big male playmate.

She focused on cats at the shelter, but when one swiped at her she retreated without aggression and walked away. She has not challenged the fence in her foster home, although she could clear it easily.

If you would like to meet Rose or any of our beautiful Mals, please fill out an online application and we will schedule your home visit as soon as possible.

Rose is being cared for in Cle Elum, WA.

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