Rescue group finds and assists Dalmatian owners

By Marty Metzger
North Forty News

Dalmatians are easy to spot. The polka dot dogs' black or liver-brown spots on a white coat can leave no doubt about their branch of the canine family tree.

The first Dalmatian was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1888, and the breed's parent club, the Dalmatian Club of America, was founded in 1905. But similarly spotted dogs' history is lengthy. They were depicted running behind Egyptian chariots in paintings on walls of ancient tombs. They were mentioned in letters written in the mid-1500s from a poet named Jurij Dalmatian to a Bohemian duchess.

Size-wise, Dalmatians range from 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 70 pounds, although some individuals can tip the scales higher. The breed's short coat requires adequate winter shelter (above 50 degrees) and its year-round shedding is best controlled by a quick daily currying.

High energy and stamina remain characteristics bred in to sustain forbearers that ran 25 miles or more daily alongside horse drawn-carriages. To ward off boredom and resulting misbehaviors, a second dog/play pal, fenced yard or daily walks and vigorous exercise sessions with the owner are recommended.

The Dalmatian is a basically healthy breed but does carry two genetic disorders. Approximately 10 percent of the dogs are born deaf, and many of these are needlessly euthanized. Many owners of deaf dogs of all breeds claim it's easier to train them than their hearing counterparts because no audible distractions are present. American Sign Language or standard obedience training hand signals "speak" canine language, which is the interpretation of facial expressions and body language. The web site www.deafdogs.org offers owners more information.

The more common problem for Dalmatians is a tendency to develop urinary stones and associated skin ailments. The painful and sometimes fatal condition can be monitored by routine urine tests and controlled by use of a low-purine diet subsidized with fruits and vegetables.

Dalmatians are intelligent, loyal, loving (especially toward family) and usually easily housebroken. They make wonderful pets for people who devote time, space, commitment and adequate preventive vet care to their dogs.

As with other breeds, Dals should only be acquired from reputable breeders or rescue organizations.

Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to locating permanent, loving homes for unwanted or abandoned Dalmatians. The group coordinates rescue activities in Colorado and surrounding states and works to educate people about the breed, as well as assisting owners to keep their Dalmatians.

The group's president, Beth White, officially began the organization in 1989 as part of the Greater Denver Dalmatian Club. In 1996, White changed the rescue's name and obtained private nonprofit status. Her expertise with the breed extends back to 1971 when she and her husband, Zach White, began raising and showing them.

Dalmatian Rescue has placed about 1,000 dogs since 2001 and averages 115 to 120 per year. This includes some Dal mixes. About 10 percent of placed dogs are returned due to incompatibility, divorces, military deployments, allergies or financial difficulties. The group serves a huge area since the closest other Dalmatian rescues are in Phoenix, Dallas and Oklahoma City.

The large number of dogs the local group assists requires foster homes, volunteers and financial donors to assure as many dogs as possible are saved from euthanasia at shelters, where their time may be up in just a matter of days from admission.

White works with breed aficionados around the country to network Dalmatians to safety. She told of a happy ending that took place when she learned of a beautiful 11-year-old female that had languished for two months in a New Jersey shelter after the dog's owner died. Through breeder connections, White placed the dog in a fabulous home.

To get involved with Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado, call White at 970-226-2844 or e-mail her at melodee101@msn.com.

Volunteers can also call the rescue's hotline, 303-281-8963, or e-mail via the web site, www.dalmatianrescue.org. The national Dalmatian Club of America's official web site is www.thedca.org.

The famous movie profiled 101 Dalmatians but there are many times that at risk nationwide each year. Responsible ownership and rescue group volunteers' efforts can dramatically lower these numbers for dogs that are for many potential owners exactly spot-on.