Mack
(aka Max)

Sorry I haven't written, it has been a busy time with kids, school and work. Max is wonderful! I still can't believe he is only 2.5 years old. He has the manners and temperament of an 8 or 9 year old Dal. We have changed his name only slightly, to Mack (it is after a 1978 Mack fire truck we have here at the fire station. It is my husband's favorite truck to drive). Mack is settling into the family and our routine quite well. We have only had to correct him a few times about anything, mainly about helping himself onto the furniture. He got down without hesitation and hasn't gotten up since the second week. He is a smart dog and learns quickly! He did get out of the yard only once and was able to get back in before I even got home. I live only one block from work. My neighbor saw him out in the front yard just before lunch and called me. I rushed right home and Mack was already in the back yard. He had found a spot above the 4 foot metal fence where the natural 6 foot fence had a very small opening in it. He must have cleared it easily as he didn't have a scratch on him. We patched up the hole and haven't had a problem since. All he really wants is to be with his people. He follows me around the house. And goes into what ever room I'm in. I have brought him to work a few times and he lies under my desk. He stays when I ask him to. He is not over excited nor jumpy. He is as mellow a dog as I have ever seen. He is also learning that we are not going to leave him and he is finally in his forever home!

We took him downtown Estes on Halloween to meet and greet people at the fire truck (the fire department hands out candy every Halloween). He was such a gentleman. He got lots of hugs from the kids and had his picture taken a ton. He was a big hit. He was a little nervous but did very well. Even with all the scary costumes (we had only had him a week at that point). Mack also has really wonderful leash manners. He is a joy to take for walks. He heals and never pulls on the leash. He is only a little hesitant when we go to the dog park. He growls under his breath when he meets a new dog. He also barks at other dogs at the fence when he is off leash. I correct him and he seems to listen. He just needs more socializing and that habit will go away. He and Rusty (our little Pomeranian mix) are finally good friends. They are starting to play together and chase each other around the house and yard. Mack tries to put his paws on top of Rusty and they jump all around each other. Mack is bigger so he can be a little ruff and overpowering at times. But he is learning quickly what to do and not to do with Rusty. Rusty gives Mack a subtle correction and you can tell that Mack is gentler the next time. Now that Mack has let his guard down he is quite open. He even rolls around on his back and is letting Rusty lick his ears after they are done playing. We are very happy with him and he has brought a lot of love to our family. He has filled that space that only a Dalmatian can do for those who are familiar with and love the breed. He moans when he stretches, flaps his ears when he shakes his head, leans against you at every opportunity and will crawl in your lap if you let him. He is a Dalmatian, a big-hearted lover. The girls just love him and fight over which room he is going to sleep in at night. We are so blessed that you kept working with us. The right dog really did come at the right time. Thank you.

Kelly C.
Estes Park, CO

See, Rusty, I told you I could fit in your bed.

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