Back in January, I came to accept that it was about time to euthanize my 18 year old Dalmatian, Backdraft, due to failing health. I had her since she was a puppy, and I knew I couldn’t do it without having a replacement for her. I contacted Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado and agreed to adopt a heavily spotted dog named Freedom. I drove to Wheatland, WY to meet the foster parents and pick up Freedom. When Freedom first got out of the car, I immediately noticed that she was much cuter than her online picture indicated.
I opened my car door to get a harness, and she immediately jumped into my car. Since both the foster parents and I had long drives ahead of us we took off. Freedom acted as if she knew what her fate held. She just curled up on the back seat and went to sleep for the whole trip. This was great because I hit a ground blizzard on the way back to Montana, and not having a nervous dog was great.
Because of the weather, we had to stay in a motel in Gillette. While we were there, I renamed her Pepper, because of all the spots she has. I didn’t even realize what I’d done…I now have two dogs, Doc and Pepper (Doctor Pepper). HA HA.
We had some great bonding time, and Pepper slept next to me on the bed that night. Once we got home the next day, Pepper met Doc. He grumped a bit at her, but just like when she got into the car, she settled in nicely.
Since then, she has bonded completely. What I like most about Pepper is her easy going attitude. In fact when I first got her I couldn’t believe she was a Dalmatian because she is so mellow. When we play, she has the cutest growl that is more like a cat purring. She’s definitely a smart dog too. When we watch tv together, she immediately jumps down when I shut the stereo down. She hears the “click” and she’s ready for bed.
Now just a few months later, she has settled into the house as if she lived here for years.
Thank you Dalmatian Rescue! |
