Good news! One hundred seventy-six (yes, 176) malamutes kenneled in Helena, Montana, are freeto be rehomed! After 14 months in the Lewis and Clark Humane Society’s custody, the Aluk Mala-mutes–40 adult males, 57 females, 24 sub-adult females, and 32 sub-adult males–received a Christ-mas present. The Court’s sentencing on Mike Chilinski ‘s 90 felony counts of animal cruelty allowstheir release. All of us are excited they'll soon be in homes where they can receive the love and indi-vidual attention they've deserved.

A generous donation from Alaskan Malamute Rescue of North Carolina and a donation from anadopter from Malamute Rescue of Alaska provided sufficient funds to spay/neuter the entire Mala-mute Village. Four teams neutered/spayed these lovely malamutes on December 29 and 30, 2012, inHelena. After they recover, they will be available to approved homes. AMAL’s first trip to movethese malamutes to a kinder, more loving world will be January 4, 2013. We expect the closest affili-ates will move the dogs out. Several of us are also working on a mass transport to the east coastwhere we can distribute them to appropriate adopters who have applied to affiliates and been ok'dto adopt. After the mega-transport back east, we'll work with AMAL affiliates closer to Helena to ac-cept the remaining Aluk Malamutes so they can place them with adopters and in foster homes.

We hope interest in these malamutes will grow with their release. Our need for homes for thesemalamutes is enormous. If you wish to adopt or can provide foster care for these malamutes, seeyour local affiliate at http://www.malamuterescue.org/rescue/listorg.html, e-mailmontanamalamuteseizure@gmail.com, or leave a message at (419) 512-2423. Providing a home forone of these malamutes could be one of the best things you've done in your life. It certainly will belife-changing for the dogs. —Bob Sutherland, President, AMAL

President’s Message:

Reporting Good News with Relief

AMAL TALESINSIDE:

● Many Thanks, page 2● Christianson Award, page 3● Dedications, page 4● Rescue Showcase, page 5●

Page 6● Meet Sherry, page 7

January 2013

Tonto, disappointed

that the 2012

Holiday Season

has ended!

Bob Sutherlandpresident@malamuterescue.org

Susan Conantvicepresident@malamuterescue.org

Mike Ulmansecretary@malamuterescue.org

Sharon Nicholstreasurer@malamuterescue.org

Angela Browndirector@malamuterescue.org

Shel Simpsonmembership@malamuterescue.org

Hotline: (419) 512-2423contact@malamuterescue.orgPO Box 54, Concord, NC 28026

Visit AMAL on the Internet atwww.malamuterescue.org

The Alaskan Malamute Assistance Leagueis a 501(c)(3) non-profit and charitableorganization recognized by the nationalbreed club, The Alaskan Malamute Club ofAmerica. We are an all-volunteer nationalrescue network which includes state andlocal breed rescue groups, as well asindividual members.

Putting Up a Howl: Welcome-Bag SponsorsThe following people and businesses contributed to theAMAL Rescue Showcase Welcome bags, and we’d be mal-adjusted if we didn’t put up a big howl of thanks:

● Karen Jordan● AMRNC.org● Sharon Huston● KongCompany.com● Sharon Nichols/POLARIS● Susan Conant● www.yummychummies.com● www.thepetclub.net● Kitty City/Cabarrus Cares● MoonPie/Chattanooga Bakery● Phyllis Ensley Photography● www.odobanpet.com● Rawandnaturalpets.com● www.happydogcafe.net● www.katiesbumpers.com● BioGroom.com● naturalbalanceinc.com

And Another Howl for…the ASPCAThe ASPCA awarded AMAL a $5,000 grant to be used fortransporting the Aluk Mals!

Thankful Doggie DanceFinally, Premier Pet Products in Midlothian, Virginia, getsthe “Thank You Doggie Dance” for sending 150 large and 50medium martingale collars for Aluk Mals heading to rescueorganization all over the United States in January 2013! Spe-cial thanks to Wheadon Dance, Inside Sales Account Man-ager, for coordinating this gift. Find Premier Pet Productshere: www.premier.com

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DONATEAMAL is a 501(c)(3) non-profitorganization whose fundingcomes from donations and fund-raising events. All donations arefully tax deductible to the extentallowed by law and go directly tohelping Alaskan Malamutes. Todonate contacttreasurer@malamuterescue.orgor go to http://tinyurl.com/c3jlyqjand use PayPal

Christenson Award: Triple PlayPresented annually at the AMCA National Special-ty Banquet by the Alaskan Malamute AssistanceLeague, the prestigious Christenson MemorialAward recognizes rescuers who always work butare seldom in the limelight.

This year’s Christenson Award is shared by deserv-ing rescuers and

.

Louise Sturm, Linda Owen, and Jeanette Prevelhave faithfully walked, groomed, and biked AlukMalamutes at Malamute Village since March 2012.They appeared as we evaluated the dogs. Withtheir unexpected assistance, we assessed morethan 60 dogs in a couple of days! That weekend,we also experimented with short walks for a fewdogs. Ever since, these ladies spent any “idle”weekend volunteering at Mal Village. Note thatthis trio also volunteered a little over ten years agoafter a huge collie puppy mill bust in NorthernMontana. They drove from Helena north to “CampCollie” as often as possible to work with the dogs.

Louise still has a rescue Collie from that seizure.Linda has quite the menagerie of dogs at herplace, and Jeanette shows and competes severalmals in agility events. Even with dogs of their own,Linda, Louise, and Jeanette have helped the Alukmalamutes enjoy their long stay at Mal Village.

AMAL representatives have noticed a wonderfulchange in the dogs each time they visit! Withmore exercise, the Mals became calmer, and someof the shyer dogs seemed more confident. Seeingthe example set by Louise, Linda, and Jeanette,others carved out time from their busy schedulesto walk and brush dogs.

These three volunteers addressed the greatestneed first. Superbly organized, they maintainedprogress notes for each dog—this was an invalu-able addition to baseline assessments. Their initia-tive to name all of the female dogs got caretakersinterested in naming the males. Louise updatedour huge master spreadsheet, adding dog namesand recording progress.

Faithful. Dedicated. Hard working. Louise Sturm,Linda Owen, and Jeanette Prevel have enrichedthe Aluk Mals’ lives. They deserve–andepitomize the spirit of the Christenson Award.

is The Alaskan Malamute AssistanceLeague’s Newsletter, published quarterly in thespring, summer, fall and winter. All rights reserved.Copyright 2013.

All articles and photographs remain the property oftheir respective authors.

Submit articles, stories and/or letters to the editor to:Jeannette WickEmail: jywickrph@aol.comPhone: (703) 629-6259

The Alaskan Malamute Assistance League (AMAL) isnot liable and assumes no responsibility for loss ordamages arriving directly or indirectly from errorsoccurring in the publication of AMAL Tales. Opinionsexpressed by our correspondents do not necessarilyreflect the standards, practices or opinions of AMAL’sDirectors or AMAL Tales’ editorial staff. 3

Jeannette Preveland & Thor

Louise Sturm

& Mya

Linda Owen & Moonbeam

Special Donations Received by AMALSeptember 1 – December 31, 2012

For the Aluk dogs, in memory of CH. Zardal Knik-Knak Qtr. Pounder, by Kimberly LaceyIn memory of James Scott Dewitt Cinnamon,

by Ronelle W. GenserIn memory of Juneau and Kodiak,

by Linda Jansen McWilliamsIn memory of Snobuk's Early Call - Xena and Snobuk's First Solo - Mackie, by Maria & Rolf DinwoodieIn memory of Choya, by Tanja GubeIn memory of Crystal, by Gail ZenkerIn honor of “the great old malamutes of HUSKY-PAK,” by Robert ZollerIn honor of Tarra Naeher & her malamute, Luce,

by Michele PritchardIn honor of Paradise Animal Hospital for their continued support & care of malamutes, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Jennifer Remazki, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Ziggy & his humans, by Jill PitcherIn honor of new friends Sonja & Irene, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Dennis & Carol Collins, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Jelly Paonessa, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Kathleen Corkum, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Ariane Forget, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Joyce & Tom, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Cheryl McFarland, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Peter & Marilyn Drake, by Jill PitcherIn honor of Linda Pike, by Jill Pitcher

AMAL Membership Application/RenewalJuly 2012 - June 2013

Go to http://tinyurl.com/cn72xz7 to renew on line!

Name/s:______________________________________Street:_______________________________________City:___________________State: _____Zip:________

(HINT: Use a return address label)

Phone:__________ E-mail:______________________

$20: Individual/Family who want to receive AMAL Tales,the quarterly AMAL newsletter.

$100: Benefactor receives AMAL Tales plus Compact Diskwith Alaskan Malamute Pedigree & Registry Program.***

I would _____ / would not _____ like an updated CD sent to me.

Please find $____enclosed. Is this in memory of or in honor ofsomeone? Tell us here:

Yes, I'd like to be contacted about helping Alaskan Malamutesin need of assistance: _____________

Membership / Donation PaymentTotal Amount Enclosed (membership + donations): $________* Include AMAL Memberships and other donations all in onecheck --- simply designate the amounts on this form.

Please make your Check or Money Order (International MoneyOrders must state "US Dollars") payable to the Alaskan Mala-mute Assistance League (No abbreviations Please!). Mail to:

AdvertisementsAMAL Tales accept advertising on topics related toMalamutes or dogs in some way.

Business card size (1/8 page)……...…$39.00/moQuarter page……………………………$69.00/moHalf page……………………..………..$129.00/moFull page……………………………….$199.00/moThe AMAL Board reserves the right to declineadvertising that is in conflict with AMAL’s missionor unrelated to dogs or rescue. Contact JeannetteWick at jywickrph@aol.com for information.

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AMCA members also helped out by providingpreparatory "fluff and puff" grooming resources forthe event. Thanks go out to Barbara White fororganizing them. Rob Platt also stepped in toannounce the dogs and read their stories at theshowcase. Bob Sutherland (AMAL President) andSteve Anderson (AMCA President) congratulatedeach owner and presented the ribbons and awardsto the dogs after they circled the show ring. Theample crowd was enthusiastic in their support ofeach dog's story, clapping as the dogs movedthroughout the ring. A final stance included eachhandler and dog (as a group) in the diagonal acrossthe show ring, and was the ending tribute for thesespecial dogs!  Paul Ganci made a great video of theshowcase, so if you have not seen it, check it out onYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1x-uJ1K1JE&noredirect=1.   Each owner received aDVD of this tribute.

The 2013 Alaskan Malamute National SpecialtyShow is scheduled for October 7-9 (CentralRegional) and October 9-12 (National). It will be heldat the Olympia Resort & Spa, in Oconomowoc, WI(near Milwaukee). Find more information athttp://www.amcw.org/nationals/Documents/2013_Show_Flyer.pdf . We'd love to see another goodshowing of the Central region rescue dogs. Pleasebegin considering those dogs who would be greatambassadors of the breed and are dog social. Makeyour reservations right away and we'll see you there!Look for more information to come in early 2013.

Sharon NicholsAMAL Showcase Chairperson 2012

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Rescue Mals: Resilient, BeautifulThe 2012 Alaskan Malamute National Specialty’sRescue Showcase Parade was a great reminder ofwhat wonderful accomplishments our mal rescuescan achieve. The show took place in Chattanooga,TN and more than 250 show dogs participated! Ourshowcase rescues were very well behaved andseemed to be in awe of the number of other happyfaces they encountered. The owners were delight-ed to attend and their dogs made a great impact inthe parade!

This year's showcase event featured 11 dogs fromthe Southern region with a few Mals from neigh-boring states. There were service dogs, woolies,BIG dogs, a little dog, dwarfs and shy dogs—eachevolved into a wonderful pet and good contributor,reflecting well on the breed! Each dog had its ownspecial story and parade viewers saw what terrificresults the adopters attained with time, patienceand love. The short bios brought a tear to my eyes.We heard about each dog’s origins and some expe-riences they endured. We recognized that their re-silience allowed them to project secure comfortlevels...this is rescue at its finest.

AMAL had a great support team (notably LynneAnderson, Sharon Huston, Karen Jordan, SusanConant and the regional affiliates) working in ad-vance to recruit parade participants, order showitems (ribbons, sashes, and arm bands) and devel-op gorgeous memory books and generous wel-come bags. The upfront work was an extensiveeffort, but worth every moment when you met thespecial rescue dogs and listened to their remark-able histories. The owner/handlers were warmlywelcomed and very much appreciated.

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Hereditary Polyneuropathy

Polyneuropathy (PN), a genetic disorder that affects thenervous and neuromuscular systems, leads to a lack ofcoordination and muscle tissue deterioration. Lars Moe,a Norwegian veterinarian, identified this disorder inAlaskan Malamutes imported from the United States inthe early 1970s.

Rare and often misdisgnosed, PN usually starts as gaitor walking problems before a dog turns 2 and progressesto other symptoms (see Sidebar). When symptoms beginto affect the dog, they do so rapidly - typically withinabout 2-3 months. Muscle tissue loss makes affecteddog "boney" (you call feel the ribs, hips, and spine, andeyes are sunken and the ridge on the top of skull is pro-nounced) even without weight loss. Swallowing prob-lems appear as taking a long time to eat, licking water,coughing and slow digestion that causes internal organstress. As the disease progresses, esophageal dysfunc-tion leads to coughing up goo, loss of use of the hindlimbs and respiratory infections (pneumonia, etc.).Dogs usually do not live past age 3, but some have livedup to 8 years.

A typical exam for PN should include gag reflex func-tion, bending the dogs feet forward, nerve reflex reac-tions and questions about any symptoms. Some vetsmay confuse PN with a brain tumor. Brain tumor symp-toms are less severe and sudden and include memoryproblems like forgetting dog door or water bowl location,walk routines, etc. Vets will recommend an MRI to ruleout brain tumor, a procedure that is unnecessary for PN.

Traditionally, vets diagnose PN using blood samples torule out other diseases. After referral to neurology, anelectromyography would be done. It sends an electriccurrent through the dog's nerves when he is under anes-thesia. An atypical reaction indicates PN is likely. Mostneurologists then recommend a nerve biopsy. Ownersmust discuss the risks carefully—this risky procedurecan damage nerves further, creating chronic pain.

Luckily, since July, 2012, to see if the dog is affected (sick and not

merely a genetic carrier). For a few hundred dollars, youcan do it yourself or work with your vet (see Table 2).

Unfortunately, PN is incurable. Adding psyllium to foodto aid digestion, increasing dietary fat to combat weightloss, and reducing stress on stomach muscles and hindlimbs can help. Studies show the non-prescription sup-plements L-Carnitine (2000 mg per day), riboflavin (100mg per day), and CQ10 (100 mg per day) can helpnerves, muscles, pain and energy. Physical therapy and acupuncture can be effective in slowing progress of the disease.

Table 1. Symptoms of Polyneuropathy● "Bunny hop" run in adults● Difficulty jumping● Dry eye, nose and mouth● Exercise intolerance and lethargy● Falling●● Paralysis● Pain in the hind limbs when touched, espe-

cially around the sciatic nerves●● Tremor or trembling in the limbs●● Voice changes● Walking with the foot folded under

Table 2. Polyneuropathy Resources● A test for PN is available at

www.vetdnaservices.com. After doing acheek swab, you’ll send it to Department OfVeterinary, Clinical And Animal Sciences,Section Of Genetics, Groennegaardsvej 3 Dk-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. You can con-tact them at +45 35 33 28 28, dir +45 35 33 3053, or minnaj@sund.ku.dk orwww.sund.ku.dk). For more information, seewww.ampoly.info.

● A Facebook support group for owners of Alas-kan Malamutes with Polyneuropathy is avaluable resource. Find them athttp://www.facebook.com/groups/125185114180834/

Mals on the WebAMAL’s web site (http://www.malamuterescue.org)is a valuable resource for any Malamute owner,actual or prospective. If you haven’t tagged it inyour favorite sites, please visit. On it, you’ll find themost recent news, ways you can wear yourcommitment to Malamutes, and links to articlesand resources.

We’re also on Facebook! It’s an active page withplenty of pictures, so “Like” us and see theMontana Mals finds homes one by one!

My New Life Sherry LevinterI'm Sherry and I live in the land of the red-coatedMounties. I moved a long way from ChesapeakeArea Alaskan Malamute Protection (CHAAMP) tomy forever home in Hawkestone, Canada. Ridingin a vehicle with two strange humans was scarybut they did their best to calm and comfort me.When I arrived, everything was strange. I wasespecially scared of humans, even when they triedto pet me. I tried to get away but I couldn't runvery far. They let me settle down, gave me freshwater and let me walk around the compound.

Soon, they let me into the human cave. I had neverbeen in a place like that and the first thing I sawwas another dog. I thought I was going to be anonly child! This dog did everything I did, exactly.After I explored the house, Hu-mom gave me abowl of food but when I saw this other dog go forit, I was really mad. I charged that dog and toldher to stay away from my food. The humansmoved my bowl away and I gobbled up my meal.

Then I explored. The floors had soft, fuzzy stuff onthem which kept me from slipping (carpet). MyHu-mom observed how I reacted to the newsurroundings but didn't bother me. I walked into aplace called the mommy room–its tall glass doorsshowed that dog following me around again! Itmade me angry and charged at the other dog.Finally, the humans put something in front of herso I couldn't see her.

One day, Hu-mom left a sliding cupboard dooropen. When I looked inside, I saw racks of shoesand other things on the floor. I moved that junk,lay down and slept. When Hu-mom came in I toldher I to move her stuff elsewhere. She compliedwith alacrity. I found another cave when she left adoor in the hall cupboard open and made thesame demand. Now I have two comfy places tosleep-but only if someone leaves the doors open.

Soon, it got very hot outside. Whew! I still woremy winter clothes; you don't just step out of them.I started to drop hair in clumps. Hu-mom hadnever seen that much hair fall from what shethought was a short coat. She brushed andcombed. The front lawn looked like it had snowedagain and it stayed that way for a month. Iappreciated the nice, cool human cave. Iwondered how they kept it that way but whocared? I decided that was the place for me. 7

Alaskan Malamute Assistance LeagueC/o Wick306 Preston RoadGriswold, CT 06351To switch to electronic distribution, please contactmembership@AMAL.org

ADDRESS LABEL

Rescue Showcase participants came from some long distances to be at this year's event...."