Success Stories
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Bisco
Bisco is one of the easiest, most gentle dogs I've ever been around. He
gets along with every dog we come across no matter the size and demeanor
of the dog. He is so well behaved and listens when called, he just wants
to say Hi to everyone he sees. EVERYWHERE I go I get compliments left
and right about how beautiful and well mannered he is. I just wanted to
say thank you for bringing us together!
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Lexi
It's been 6 months with Lexi, and I just wanted to update you that
she's doing so, so well! I couldn't imagine a better dog. She's so chill
and is friendly with every person she meets. She's great company while I
work all day, and we both love going for three walks a day. We also did
a couple months of dog training, and she learned so many new skills!
She's so cute. Thanks so much for helping me give her a home.
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Finn
Finn and his owner celebrated his birthday with Coho salmon and a 2
mile hike..... Finn's "catching some Zzzzes!
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Atlas
Atlas is a big, lovable guy who has found his new home and best female
buddy. He can be a challenge, but he is integrating into the household
nicely. He jumps in the pool for those hot summer days....
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Bear
Bear has come a long way from when we first got him in. He is a
special dog, that was brought to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia (a S.A.
shelter worked arrived in Denver for riding lessons and brought Bear
with her) where he was shipped from Turkey and no one picked him up at
the airport. His weight was down and the S.A. heat was quite much for
him - luckily the shelter has air conditioning and devoted volunteers
who worked with him so he was well tended to before his trip here. He's
been in Colorado for over a year now and is thriving! From his
current owner: "Bear is having good days way more often now & is the
social bug on daily walks! He's up to 125 lbs. and looks healthy. He
has a blast playing with his toys & it brings out the puppy in him.
-He's loving life!"
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Max
Max has been settling in nicely in his new home.... He has an older
sister and his owner takes them on regular walks & hikes. They rest on
the way home after an active day!
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Tucker
Tucker enjoys interacting with his two buddies... He's an amazing dog
- he responds well to training and his owners are just crazy about him!
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Asuka
Asuka was a great dog who enjoyed her active life with her family.
She passed away and is sorely missed by all...
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Khione
Khione is doing great. She is enjoying life up in the mountains,
camping, hiking, skiing, and swimming. We've had her for about a year
and a half now, with new developments all the time. I am now able to
walk her off leash with a training collar,
she is great at staying close by but she loves exploring when I let her.
We've also coaxed her up onto the couch and bed to cuddle!
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Nali
Nali was adopted to be a companion to Rosie Star, the energy dog. She
needed a companion; someone who could keep up with all her energy and
be her pal. Nali needed a forever home with humans and another dog who
loved him. He has been "my guy" ever since. He is the sweetest, most
gentle dog and he and Rosie are inseparable. In summertime, he has his
own pool. He even does yoga. Here he's showing his caterpillar pose. I
am so happy and thankful that I adopted him. He says he is happy too.
Thank you, Polaris, for taking him in and keeping him safe until we found him!
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Coachise
Coachise has become the greatest son a father could have. He loves his
walks in the mountains, playing with his toys, and singing in the truck
on rides and excursions. He loves camping, fishing and hanging out with
his pal Tahoe, a small terrier. God has truly blessed me and I am very
grateful for these wonderful years. He is in great health. Thank you so
much!
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Niko
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A boy and his dog...
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Both wiped out on drive home after camping trip...
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Behr and Kodi
Both dogs have been adopted (a year apart) from the same owner....it was
love and play at first sight! They run 5-6 miles each morning to get
warmed up for wrestling in the back yard....by evening they relax in the
living room. Notice how they have to touch each other - such a sweet
first Christmas together....
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Phoenix
Phoenix has joined a older furry female companion for new adventures together!
Phoenix is ready for anything... His owner adores him and has fun taking him
with her to work, on outings and in her home. The family is complete and stays
"happy together!"
Phoenix and his husky buddy, LaKai, on a pretty winter's day....
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Floating with his owner at the end of the summer...
-Isn't he adorable!
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Ero
Ero continues to do very well in all areas. We had a major breakthrough
at the beginning of April when he decided he would sleep alone in a
separate room. Snoring may have something to do with it, but
nevertheless we are very pleased at the increase in his
self-confidence. He is easy to live with and a joy to be around.
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Bella
Bella has recently been welcomed into her new home.....she is adjusting
nicely and slept through the night! Her new family is giving her lots
of attention and ensuring that the transition to a new home is a safe,
calm and helpful one. - Looks like she is having fun with her toys!
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Dakota
Dakota is loving her new family - they are with her constantly and enjoy
regular hiking adventures in the mountains.
- So good to see her enjoying the outdoors, her new home and family!
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Theo
Theo has been part of our family for 9 years now. His previous owner
gave him up because he kept jumping out of his kennel and running away.
Fortunately for us, he did not keep this up after we adopted him since
he had a perfect companionship with our German shepherd, our cats and
horses. He is a wonderful addition to our family overall. He is a
reluctant leader of the pack now that our shepherd is gone, but seems
to know it is his duty. Theo leads his pack with love and care. His
pack adores him! Theo is a bit goofy and he truly loves to make us
laugh! He is our big Teddy Bear!
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Kuma
Our standard morning walks are about two miles and we're even
running with him. He gets another walk about noon, and we're
taking for another long walk at about 8 p.m. As with all our Mals,
we're very careful not to give him much leash when in the presence
or even the sight of another dog, squirrel, cat, bird, etc.
Usually he looks at other animals, but then ignores them and just
gets on with his walk. He vocalizes a distinctive Mal
"conversation" with me. He appears to be totally comfortable
staying in the house, even to the extent of lounging on the sofa
in the living room. We are not used to this kind of gentle, cool
as a cucumber Mal in our lives. He is a joy and one helluva dog.
Now that we've moved, he's fascinated with everything up
here in the hills. So far, he's shown some interest in chipmunks
and rabbits, but little interest in the bigger critters--deer
and elk. This is the fourth Mal we've shared our lives with, and
he exhibits all of the best traits we've come to know from these
wonderful animals...
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Maynard
Maynard first lived with a family who loved him, but they had two young
children and focused their time and attention on the kids. They knew that
Maynard needed more exercise and deserved a family who would devote more
time with him. His new owner and Maynard are averaging 4-5 miles
walking and hiking a day and go everywhere together. Maynard is more
social with other dogs and has slimmed down to a good weight for his
size. He has been found to have allergies and is eating food & Chinese
herbal supplements that help with those conditions. -He's one lucky dog!
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Nala
Nala is doing great - she is part of the family. She is smart, loving and
very well behaved. Could not ask for a better dog. Thanks so much!
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Nala is a wonderful dog and now one of the family. She follows my
wife everywhere....
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Yuki
"Yuki" means "snow" in Japanese, so this name really fits this snow
dog! Yuki previously lived with another family and another dog, so it
took a week or so for him to adjust to a new home (the new owners slept
with him on the couch). He now realizes he's in his forever home and
is a great addition to the family. He is well mannered, a great
companion and has lost six or so pounds to result in a trimmer figure.....
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Yuki and his owner enjoy hiking in the mountains during the summer heat. His owner
considers Yuki a true blessing!
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Kodi
Kodi jumps into the car and toots the horn with his butt when going to
"work" at the nursing home.... -Everyone just loves him!
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Kodi gets his own swimming pool this summer! He checks out the hose
before he takes a dip before going to the nursing home & loving on the
residents there......
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Sesi
Sesi found a wonderful home in the mountains and enjoys going on walks
with her family. She even rolls in the snow when she gets hot!
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Tesla
Tesla has blended into our family almost perfectly! He has had a
couple of food/treat related moments with the resident female dog, but
the two of them have had a truce and the two are becoming good
companions. Tesla adores the boys and all three of them line up and
enjoy watching the lizards eat (ref: photo). He is just the sweetest
guy who is so happy to be around us. He loves to cuddle, be scratched,
go for walks, play in the back yard, chase squirrels on the fence, and
simply be told he is a good boy. He is a smart boy too! He is the
first Mal that I have ever met who will play fetch. He has learned all
of our commands while on lead. He has also learned "paw" (shake) and we
are working on his "high five" and "lay". It has only been about a week
or so but it feels though he has always been a part of our family.
Thank you so much for your help in matching him up to our house. He has
definitely found his forever home....
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Tesla's first hiking trip with a backpack....he started out a bit unsure, but
was very used to the pack on the return way back. He loved doing exactly what
the boys did as they hiked along - even as they walked on logs instead of
crossing through the streams!
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Bear
Bear and his companion buddy fishing in the river....
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Bear cooling off in a stream in the hot summer temperatures!
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Mya and Phoenix
Mya and Pheonix were both adopted at separate times by one POLARIS owner. They started out not being cat
friendly, but with time and effort have learned to live together with Morgan, the resident cat.....
This is a highly difficult thing to do with a breed who exhibits high prey drive - it's not for the casual
dog owner, or the cat could be injured or killed. Mya, Pheonix and Morgan enjoy their shared home and their
owner just loves them all! Here's a view of them chilling after playing in the snow....
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Chinook (Nookie)
Nookie was adopted by an elder man who needed a malamute companion. The owner is retired and enjoys baking -
especially baking dog biscuits for Nookie! Nookie has adapted to the home and enjoys being with her adopter
and going in the back yard. She welcomes the family members who come to visit and is loving her new home and
freshly made biscuits!
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Milly
Milly was surrendered by a family due to medical issues that kept them from providing her with adequate
exercise. She has been re-homed with a family who has a young male Siberian (Bullet) who loves playing
with his new companion in the big back yard of the home. The two dogs roll around and keep each other occupied!
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Samson II
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Samson transitioned info his new home very easily! He is doing great, he went to the vet recently
and he checked out just fine. Seems like the last week his new owners are finally seeing the true
Samson and he is a wonder. Well behaved, loving, playful and loves, loves the snow. He will actually
tunnel in the snow. He and the cat are OK, he wants to play, but of course she is not interested!
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Sitka
Sitka and her best buddy, Kale, hanging 'round the campfire......Mals can do well with kids!
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Cody
Cody came to POLARIS from an owner who was in an apartment and could not provide an active, attentive
environment for Cody. His adopter has been very tuned into having Cody develop a secure feeling at home.
Cody is a great representative of the breed and in the Denver neighborhood where he lives, all the people
know and love him. Cody's favorite things to do are outdoor activities - especially visiting friends at
9100 ft.! His owner and he drive over the pass to the mountains and Cody starts howling in anticipation
of the snowshoeing that lies ahead...it's amazing that his owner still can hear! He's one happy dog.....
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Kosi
Kosi has settled in pretty well into her new household. She adores people and welcomes everyone to the home.
Loves her regular walks, but is (typical mal) picky about other dogs - thinks she's the boss. Her owner is
working on training tasks to help socialize her more. You can see how happy she is living in her happy ever
after home!
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Kosi is doing well. Loves FOOD!(mine) working on table and counter ethics. Trying to wear each other out
on walks. She loves to ride but I think she wants to drive! Here is a shot of her with her owner while on
an outing during this year's first snowfall...
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Kaiya
Kaiya has settled in quite well and I think she is really enjoying being a part of our family. It took
a little time for her and Yukon (our older male) to adjust to each other, but they seem to be good buddies
now. The only downside for Yukon is he can't always keep up with her since she's younger. -Kind of reminds
me of us with our kids!
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Mallie
After my second Malamute passed away three years ago I finally started searching for another last
year - I love the breed, having such intellegence and hardiness - and this time decided to go the
route of a rescue. Within weeks I found Mallie on Polaris' web-site, and right away I knew she
could be perfect for me. Since I adopted her she has settled down to be a very loving and energetic
companion. We have in the past year travelled many trails, and she shares my love of winter as it's
in both of our DNA. I couldn't ask for a better canine companion.
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Kodiak
Kodiak is a 6-1/2 yr. old 100 lbs. male who loves going on walks and chomping on dog bones.
His owners adore him....
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Sitka
Sitka is an amazing animal and that we're very grateful that she's been a part of our family. I couldn't ask for
a more perfect dog (other than not being able to let her off lead to go play with the other dogs in the neighborhood;
we group them all in my neighbors 400+ sq foot fenced in arena to play it off once in a while). But yeah, Sitka has
been absolutely fantastic with Kale, who was two in April.
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Kenai
Kenai is loving the beautiful CO high elevation landscape and shares the passion of hiking with her adopter....
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Kodiak
Kodiak enjoys the cool temperatures in the central CO mountains as he is shown with his buddy, Juneau, and his adopter.
He has come a long ways in getting along with other dogs.
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Kodiak and Juneau love to "scoot" through the mountains!
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Sekoya
Sekoya (gray and white) enjoys her new buddy in their new home.....
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Kita
Kita adopted a wonderful family and loves exploring in the snow. She teaches her new Dad karate
lessons -hmmmmm....???! (A malamute can never be too prepared!)
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Kenai
Kenai smiles as she enjoys her adopter's "new digs." (-I wonder if she lets him stay there too?) She
checks out the passing deer and rabbits in her sight from her deck/kennel position. Her adopter's shoes
are equipped with sheet metal screws to dig into the packed snow, but Kenai has knocked him on his butt
a couple times anyways (from pulling).....-it must be love!
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Molly
Molly is a wonderful mountain dog and a former POLARIS rescue. She is slimming down with
all the outdoor activities she is able to do with her owner. She is living it up in the
high country: loves going on hikes, road trips in the Jeep and is building her strength.
She enjoys frolicking in the remaining mountain snow at this time of the year.
Molly is a great companion and her owner started her on shorter hikes, then worked her up
to longer ones (remember, dogs need to adjust to elevation too)! Now the two are together most of
the time (work and play) and are tightly bonding....
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Sarah
Sarah joined our family on Columbus Day, 2006. The wait that day for
POLARIS to deliver our precious girl to us was, I thought at the time, a
little like what an expectant father must feel while his wife is in
labor. Our expectations were fulfilled that day...a thousandfold. In
Hebrew, the name "Sarah" means princess. But, it was clear on that first
day, our Sarah claimed no regal affectations. She was, like most
Mals, imbued with the single-minded intent to please, to love, to
view humans as the center of her life, the objects of her affections.
Sarah encompasses all the traits we've come to expect from his wonderful
breed. She is a people lover, especially small children; she relishes
walkies, runs, romps in the wilderness of Colorado; her passion for
tennis balls is indomitable. She has, like most Mals, a mind of her own;
stubborn at times, and will vocalize her desires. Her intelligence is
remarkable, with a "vocabulary" (an understanding of words) that is
amazing. She has become a singular joy in our lives. We could not have
wished for a more loving, well-mannered, bright, energetic presence in
our little family. She is a joy. She is the center of our lives.
She encompasses the goodness of the world. What more could be hoped for,
what more could be desired than the noble presence of such a
creature sharing the travails of our earthly trudge through the
uncertainties of life? Thank you, POLARIS, for providing us the
opportunity to bring Sarah into our family...
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Tuko
Tuko (center), loves his new family and has become the center of
attention. He gets lots of exercise, whether it's the cats chasing him
around the house or racing Kiana (the husky) for hugs or food. He
always makes sure the teens, Eryn and Molly, are safe in bed after a
late night, before he retires with his owners in the master bedroom. He
reminds his owners of the dog, Nana in Peter Pan!
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Kodiak
Kodiak was a "city dog" and adopted well into his new home in the
mountains. His owner is a marathon runner and Kodiak is enjoying
running at high elevations. After a run, Kodiak spruces up at the K-9
Car Wash!
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Seven (aka Mishka)
Seven is a happy, healthy boy. As one of my co-workers put it 'That
dog hit the lottery with you H'. He absolutely LOVES coming to the
station with me. He does a quick run thru to get a head count and then
spends the rest of his time sleeping at my feet in my office,
supervising critical EMS operations, and maintaining accountability for
the crew. If someone manages to slip into another room without him
noticing he runs to me to let me know that something is very wrong. He
couldn't be happier, and he has brought some joy back into my life. He
is a GREAT partner. Thank you!!!!!
Note: Seven is owned by an emergency response person who also does
guide services on rafts on the Colorado River. Seven loves his jobs.
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Atka
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It has been just over a year since we adopted Atka. He fits perfectly into our family
and makes us laugh every chance he gets. Atka loves hiking, swimming, the dog park, or
just going on walks with his "sister" Kaya. Kaya and Atka get along very well and have
quickly become inseparable. Atka loves to "talk" to us all the time and follow us
everywhere we go. He is such an intelligent, gentle and loving boy. We can't imagine our
lives without him! Thank you again for helping us find such a great dog to become part
of our family.
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