WAMAL | Saving Alaskan Malamutes

Welcome to WAMAL

Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League (WAMAL) was formed in 1998 by Cindy Neely to help with Malamute Rescue in Washington State and since then has expanded into Oregon. WAMAL rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes Malamutes (or Mal-enough-a-mutes!) who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without a home or in need of a new home.

Serving the greater Northwest we are also part of a national rescue network, AMAL, that covers other areas of the US. WAMAL provides hope to families that must rehome their malamutes when life has taken a sharp detour; training support to those families desperately working to keep their 4-legged family members; works with shelters and takes into rescue strays and those pups needing an extra level of thoroughness in the adoption process; and, actively recruits adopters and foster homes.

We are a 100% volunteer run, 501c.3 non-profit organization that is celebrating over 20 years! Our volunteers come from all walks of life and locations and WAMAL is only able to do what we do because of this generous and dedicated team of volunteers. They truly make it possible to save the lives of this gentle, stubborn, and loving working breed. WAMAL has rescued many hundreds of malamutes to date and each holds a place in our hearts.

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Highlighted Dogs
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KAIN Wanted: Super cushy bed! It would be great if the bed came with the accessories of a loving family and a calm environment too! Kain is a senior mal that has unfortunately experienced some major changes in his home that makes it best for him to find a new place for his retirement years. Kain is a very good boy; however, he does need someone who is patient and understands he doesn't like being startled (I mean who does?) The best home for him will be with adults and may do well with another dog of similar energy levels with proper introductions. He walks well on leash, which will be good to help him lose a little extra (ahem) fluff. He is very smart and knows a number of commands. He can be a little excitable, so may need to be reminded of those commands on occasion. True to his breed, he has a strong prey drive so no small critters. Kain is ready to join his new family with some walks, hangin...read more about KAIN

KANGA is ~4 year old, 85 pound malamute. He thrives on adventure and would love an active adopter who will take him on adventures and give him plenty of play time! Kanga is a loyal guy and will be a great companion for someone. He also LOVES the snow! His number one favorite activity (even more than walks and treats!) is going for car rides! He loves feeling the wind in his face through an open window (car surfing). Kanga is incredibly observant and curious. Kanga’s comfort with people has grown significantly while in rescue. He does need a little time to build trust, but eventually he will follow you around and give you kisses! He is also quite affectionate and loyal to those he bonds with. Kanga has excellent house manners and is happy to chill on his bed or lay beside you as you work. He has basic training and knows: sit, down, come, get it, stay, and release and is ready for the next level of training. He is very t...read more about KANGA

SPIKE will do anything with and for you as long as he trusts you! Spike knows basic commands, walks nicely, and will let you brush anywhere. Timid at first, he will lean in for pets and will woo, leap, and twirl when he’s excited. He is very smart and extremely food motivated, so you can teach him pretty much anything. We have been working on ‘sit’ and ‘wait’ to teach him not to push through the door since he doesn’t like to be left behind. Spike will play fetch with you, bringing the toy right to your hands sometimes. His favorite past time is sleeping and gnawing on bones. There have been a couple of times that he has guarded a bone (it was a rawhide that had broken off) and a rat that he had caught, but I never worried that he would bite me. He will warn you if he is not comfortable with you getting too close or guarding something (only twice in the time he has been with us), so you have to be able to read h...read more about SPIKE

KOA Who's a good boy? Koa's a good boy...suuuuuuuch a good boy!! This pup will do best in a home of his own where he can get a lot of activity and attention. He loves people and especially getting belly and ear rubs. He walks great on leash and does very well in the car, so will be a joy to hike with! He knows 'sit', 'down', and is very receptive to voice, even coming when called. This polite boy will also give you his paw for a shake! With all that intelligence there has to be a little malamute mischief and here it is...he can open doors! So typical of his breed, he will need a secure space and activity so he doesn't get bored and decide to take himself for a walk. That challenge is easily overcome by ensuring he is exercised and engaged - which will be super easy with his personality - I mean who wouldn't want to pay him all the attention? As one of our volunteers aptly put it, Koa is 're...read more about KOA

LONO is a very special malamute seeking what we can best describe as a zen home. This young guy has experienced some of the worst life has to offer a pup - both physical and emotional abuse, required to live in the garage once he 'outgrew' the house. Due to that he has some behavioral challenges that will need time, patience, and training to change. Specifically, he is sensitive when he is in a kennel (especially when someone approaches quietly), has some sensitivity around his neck and face, and has also shown some resource guarding. All of these things are understandable, and frankly not unexpected with his history. And fortunately this is only part of Lono's story. He is also a young, playful malamute that knows 'sit' and 'down' already, enjoys walks, retrieves Frisbees, and is starting to seek petting and affection. He has done well with another large dog, so may enjoy a furry pack member in his new home.&...read more about LONO

BUBBA is a big boy that is ready to fill up your home and heart! Sadly, Bubba's previous owner abandoned him - though at least he was left at a wonderful boarding facility where he was loved and cared for while working through the legal process of having ownership officially transferred. The kennel owners were then able to contact WAMAL to have us help find him a new furever home and even gave him a groom before he joined us. Bubba really enjoys people and getting attention and we think he will transition really well into his new home. The kennel owners described him as fun to be around! Typical of his breed he is a bit of a puller on leash; however, that is easily remedied by taking him on lots of adventures and training, which will work well for him since he enjoys exploring his surroundings and is a great car passenger! He is very food and treat-oriented and he is ready to impress with his range of tricks and comm...read more about BUBBA

DEKOTA came to us from a challenging living situation. She had recently given birth but was surrendered, suffering from several health conditions. Dekota is almost 1 ½ years old and weighs in currently at about 90 pounds, is thin and lithe, standing tall on long legs. She has been under the care of a wonderful foster and has been nursed back to health! Dekota is super gentle but also very shy with humans. She is far more comfortable around dogs and so we will be looking to place her in a home with another medium or large well-behaved dog or two. Currently she is best buds and a playful companion with her foster brother and she watches him for behavior cues around humans. Dekota is sweet, happy, playful and energetic with no guarding issues nor aggression. Dekota needs an adopter who has an abundance of patience and understanding of her fear and shyness. She needs time and a calm environment without a lot of commotion or noise. W...read more about DEKOTA

TIOGA is ready to GO! This happy boy is all energy and effusiveness! He came to WAMAL from one of our amazing shelter partners and is ready for a malamute savvy furever home that is ready for lots of activity and adventures. He can get excited and will jump up, so may do better in a home with older children as he may knock into little ones. Tioga is very friendly and loves attention and interaction - he even enjoys being brushed. He knows the command of 'sit' so far and with his intelligence will quickly pick up other commands. He enjoys walking and settles in nicely after some initial pulling. While in the shelter it was reported he adapted quite well - better than most - and quickly learned the routine. Tioga is a great pup that we expect will be adopted quickly so get your application in ASAP!

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DIAMOND wants to live up to her name and be a girl's best friend! This young mal mix has been bounced around quite a bit already and is craving the security of knowing she has a forever family and home. She is cared for in her current home; however health issues of her owner require her to need a new soft spot to land. She would do best with a female owner, though does also warm up to males in time. Right now strangers and being left alone are, understandably, a little scary for her; however, you can tell she really wants to get to know people and bond. She took treats gently from our volunteer and sat prettily for them and followed the command of 'down' as well. We have also been told she knows 'sit', 'lay', 'down', 'paw', and 'speak' so training with additional commands will be a fun activity with her new family to bond! While Diamond does have a couple challenges to work through,...read more about DIAMOND

BARBULA is in need of a loving home and, well, a barber! As with many of us, Barbula was the recipient of a "quarantine haircut" and the important thing is it will all grow back and be beautiful! And that bad haircut can't distract from the amazing pup she is. Barbula comes to WAMAL from one of our amazing shelter partners and is described as a very nice, sweet girl. She is curious about everything around her and is very attentive to people, sniffing around and then walking back to check in with our evaluator and give some kisses. Her favorite things so far are attention, squeaky toys, and treats! She will sit nicely for a treat and this smart girl will enjoy learning more commands in her new home. She walks well on leash and is energetic so will make a great hiking buddy. She may most enjoy being an only dog or possibly enjoy a large dog of the same energy level. Barbula is a talker and she ...read more about BARBULA

HAKU was a return visitor to one of our amazing shelter partners and this most recent time his owners did not claim him, allowing the shelter to reach out to WAMAL to get him into an amazing furever home! He is underweight and was stressed in the shelter environment, though still did well with the staff. Haku would do best in a malamute experienced home and may do well with a canine companion. Once he settles in we expect he will be a wonderful companion, and even allowed our transporter to hold his paw while he rode shotgun! He walks well on leash and enjoyed laying down in the play yard and rubbing his body all over the grass! He is described by one of our volunteers as 'a really cool guy' and we could not agree more! Haku enjoys treats and will sit for them (though he tries to protest with barking!) but then will sit and gladly gulps it down! It is good to see he is treat motivated as it will help him get back up to a healthy we...read more about HAKU

The lovely NANUKA is described as VERY friendly with people and loves getting attention and pets—she has no aggressive tendencies towards humans but can be quite vocal when wanting attention! This social butterfly would love to join you on your daily walks, greeting friends and neighbors you meet along the way. Nanuka is described as very calm and low-energy without much interest in toys, but this lovely girl has a unique bedtime ritual--she runs playfully back and forth, evading capture but stopping quickly for a little lean-in. After repeating several times, she takes a flying leap onto the bed, lies down, and rolls over on her back for tummy rubs. She walks well on leash and knows commands including 'sit', 'down', 'go to bed', and 'shake'. Nanuka would do really well in a home as a single dog--she would prefer to not share her home with another pup - she wants to be the queen! She is house traine...read more about NANUKA

BEAU wants to be your shadow and join you on every adventure and be your constant companion at home! This is both because Beau enjoys attention and also because he really struggles with anxiety if left alone. This is very understandable as he has moved from home to home, with one of his previous homes neglecting him. In fact, his current home kindly took him in after a neighbor found him running loose with a collar that eventually had to be pried off with pliers with multiple infections and being underweight. This family loves him and has done wonders for him in the time they have had him, unfortunately they aren't allowed to make changes needed to make the area secure enough for Beau and aren't able to be his forever home. They have started to set him up for success in his forever home by working through house training, house manners, and commands. He has done really well with his learning with the exception of not mastering catching the ten...read more about BEAU

METRO needs a hero that will heal his broken heart and we hope that is you! This poor pup found himself on the run and fortunately was brought to one of our amazing shelter partners as a stray. Unfortunately, between being alone and scared, the shelter environment was very overwhelming for him, so his shelter caretakers got right in touch with rescue. Despite his fear, he has never responded with aggression. Not unexpectedly he was scared during his eval, but our WAMAL volunteer was able to see behind the fear and eventually he was comfortable enough to come sit beside them and even gave his shelter caretaker a kiss! Metro needs to be in a home where he can learn that people can be amazing and will let him take the time he needs to build that trust. This special dog wants to get and give love, it will just take patience. Can you provide this special dog with his furever home full of love and peace...read more about METRO

OMAHA is a young malamute pup looking for his furever home where he can learn and grow to be a good canine citizen and family member. This cute bundle of fluff needs a malamute (or other strong-willed breed) experienced home as he is already displaying some of those challenging malamute behaviors. He has strong opinions and is not shy about sharing them with you. Consistent training and setting boundaries will be important for him. The great news is he is super smart, so will pick up on commands and rules quickly! He is also a typical puppy - friendly, curious, playful, and energetic. He is potty trained and is crate trained as well - sleeping at night in it and often choosing it as a nap location too! His current family has worked hard to set him up for future success, teaching him 'sit' and 'stay' and he has been trained to not jump up on people. Omaha rides well in the car and already walks well on leash so wi...read more about Omaha

CLEO is in search of all the squeaky tennis balls money can buy along with her new forever home! Still a puppy, Cleo's typical malamute traits are already coming out. She is active, super smart, stubborn, and wants to be with her family. She has some anxiety when left alone and has figured out how gate latches can work, so will need secure containment. She is also already becoming picky with other female dogs, so would do best in a home with a male canine companion of her general size and energy level or as an only dog. This young mal has been set-up for success as her current family already has taught her 'sit', 'down', 'paw' and many more. She is also house trained and crate trained. Cleo is also a great car passenger and ready to go on adventures with you near and far! As a big puppy she will do best in an active home with adults and would also be good with older children. She ...read more about CLEO

BADGER is a giant fluffy bundle of love! This mal weighs in at over 100 pounds and while he has a bit of extra fluff to lose, he will always be a big boy. He greeted our WAMAL volunteer with excitement and a wiggly bum! This well-loved mal needs a new home due to a serious illness with his owner, sadly requiring them to make the tough decision to rehome Badger. He has been set-up for great success in a new home, knowing the commands of 'sit', 'stay', 'gentle', and 'down.' He is crate trained and does well at the vet. He LOVES people and enjoys all the pets and attention. He enjoys going for walks and playing. He gets along great with other dogs and would enjoy having a furry canine companion in his new home! He has also done well with children he has met. Badger is going to make a lucky family very happy!!

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Courtesy Listing ICICLE is residing with his foster, Genny, so for more info please contact her directly: gennybreon@gmail.com or 515-227-9092. Genny is coordinating his adoption directly. His foster says, “ICY is doing amazingly well! His last surgery was December 23rd at SVS in Kirkland, a bilateral TPLO plate removal. We don’t have enough kind words and prayers to thank Dr. Vince and his team for the wonderful care. He’s such a happy playful pup! He's loving our longer than usual walks and doesn’t seem in discomfort or pain anymore (before a bit of exercise could cause lots of discomfort). He’s in a better mood and always smiling. He is a bit more interested in the kitties and the playpen is not something he sees as a big obstacle, he’s more confident on standing, but we manage to be always close and put some blankets around so he doesn’t see them and it’s fine. So, I think definitely no other animals in his f...read more about ICICLE (Courtesy Listing)

COURTESY LISTING KONA is a sweet, gentle and loving Malamute mix, he is around 5-6 years old and weighs 80lbs. He is ready to find his forever home! Kona is a well mannered, mellow and sweet dog who is happy to just be where his people are. Kona can be more shy at first and takes a little bit of time warming up to new people and feeling comfortable in new situations. Once he knows you, he is so loving and sweet as can be! He enjoys walks and walks well on leash. He does get a little more confidence with other dogs around to show him things are 'safe', so he would do well with another dog in the home. He would love to live in a quiet area with a fenced yard for him to lounge and roam. He is not a busy city dog. He is not tested with cats. Kids over 8. Kona is neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped. Also, Kona’s Son is Bowie so please check out Bowie too on their website. Kona is being lovingly cared for at Forever Home Dog Rescue. F...read more about KONA (Courtesy Listing)

COURTESY LISTING BOWIE is a sweet and happy Malamute/Husky/Pit Mix, he is a little under 3 years old and weighs 90lbs. He is ready to find his forever home! Bowie is well mannered, fairly mellow after he gets a good walk or playtime in and enjoys being with his people. He is happy to go where his people go, he likes to be outside and would love to tag along for camping adventures! Since he is very large he would not make the best long or rigorous hike partner, but loves trails. Bowie is happy to lounge with you after his daily activity. Bowie is good with other dogs. He would love to have a fenced backyard to lounge and play in. He’s not tested with cats. Kids over 8. Bowie is neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped. Also, Bowies’ Dad is Kona so please check Kona out too on their website. Bowie is being lovingly cared for at Forever Home Dog Rescue. For more info and to meet Bowie please contact them directly at f...read more about BOWIE (Courtesy Listing)

Courtesy Listing My name is Max! Max is a 7-year-old Alaskan Malamute/German Shepard/Lab mix. Max has bounced around a couple of homes due to some behavioral issues but with the right family that is dedicated to him and his training, he is a wonderful dog! Max will resource guard and is protective over his food, toys, and his person. His previous family claims he began this behavior after getting attacked at the dog park at the age of 2. The majority of the time he is a great dog with no issues, but he will need a family that is experienced and can work with him in the areas he has some issues. He is up to date on all shots, neutered, potty trained, crate trained, and walks well on leash unless he sees a bunny, squirrel, or another dog. Since Max can be protective of his person, Max needs a single owner home or a home with two very experienced and committed owners as he will likely end up bonding with and being protective of one of the owners. We will not place him in a hom...read more about MAX (Courtesy Listing)

COOKIE, MOCHA, and BROWNIE are a pack of sisters in search of a new pack leader! This sweet trio are all very, very scared right now and need a patient family that will help them gain confidence and learn how amazing people can be. These dogs have lived their lives outside within a larger pack and are thought to be fairly low in the pack structure. After an incident where they escaped their yard and killed a neighbor's pig, they need to find a new home. Our shelter partners contacted WAMAL so we can get them into a furever home where they are safely contained and can learn how to be furry family members. When being evaluated all three were huddled together in the farthest corner of the enclosure, shaking and scared but with no signs of aggression of any kind. They all appear to be healthy and at a good weight. They have just not been exposed to people other than their previous owner, so everything will be new and scary for them.&n...read more about BROWNIE (Courtesy Listing)

***Adoption Pending*** INDIGO is a 6 year old female who is currently living in Dallas Texas. She was bought directly from a breeder and was the runt of the litter. She stands at 24 inches tall and weighing in at 65 lbs. Her owners are moving to the Seattle area by the end of the summer. Indigo does have smaller siblings but due to her inability to realize the size difference, she has been kept separated from them. She is non aggressive but she plays too hard. The owners are moving to a houseboat and there is no way to keep her dogs separated in a already smaller living arrangement. Owners just want what is best for Indigo. They were going to move earlier until the Texas blizzard, causing damage that need repairs before selling. Indigo has little experience with other dogs so preferably a one dog home with no small children. Indigo's main goal in life is to be petted and cuddled. She also loves watching action movies and will bark at all the crazy scenes.

**COURTESY LISTING** Hello my name is MARGE! This 9 year old, 78 pound mature malamute is seeking her furever home with lots of belly rubs and attention. She has mainly spent her time in a foster home, which had some great things to say about her. Having some typical malamute behaviors, she will need an experienced, breed-savvy adopter. Marge is a calm dog, and enjoys daily walks. She likes playing with toys, likes to sleep through the night and also sleeps in, and is a talker! She loves to lounge about, and likes to be with her people all the time! She is sweet and very loving, and bonds quickly to people. She is housebroken, crate trained, and knows some commands including 'sit', 'shake', 'lie down' and ‘stay.' Marge is calm and not particularly high energy level, although will need her walks. She is satisfied with shorter walks but especially mellow after a longer walk. She walks well on a leash, jogs well alongside you, and doesn’...read more about Marge (Courtesy Listing)

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