"102 Dalmatians" in Rescue and Shelters
(Author's note, added January 30, 2002: This article applies to all animal movies. The newly released movie "Snow Dogs" caused the same concern. Please make sure you get educated on the breed you're interested in. Too many animals are euthanized because of the ignorance of people who buy them because they look so cute!) For information on canine breeds, please go to AKC.ORG, the website for the American Kennel Club, or search google.com for information on a specific breed
by Liz and Colin Rainey October 2000
Thanksgiving Day a new movie will be launched "102 Dalmatians."
Remember what happened in 1997, the year after "101 Dalmatians" first aired? Canine Rescues and shelters were swamped with young Dalmatians, not even a year old, who had been bought by doting parents for their children at Christmas. Children who had seen 101 Dalmatians wanted one of those cute pups, and loving parents were only too happy to oblige. Four or five months later the cute puppy often is not looked at as lovingly. They turn out to be too energetic, destructive, demanding and just not an 'ideal' pet for the household where everyone is gone all day. The solution? Dump them on rescue organizations, shelters or turn them loose in well populated neighborhoods in hopes that a good Samaritan will pick up the stray and take them into his or her home.
Let's not repeat this tragedy the second (or one-hundred-second) time around.
I would like to see an awareness campaign launched to educate parents on the temperament of the Dalmatian breed. Please think twice before buying that cute, spotted Dal in the window.
Dalmatians are energetic, shed year-round, and prefer to be with their people. They do not like being left alone outside in a backyard - or alone in the house for long periods of time, for that matter. Boredom and loneliness easily lead them to acting out their frustration on the owners' belongings.
Another thought to be considered: A boom in requests for Dalmatians leads to the resurgence of backyard breeders, a.k.a. puppy mills. Their horror stories are many.
I ask people to get educated, learn all they can about the dog they choose to share their lives with before they buy. And if, after all your research, you decide to make a dalmatian your companion, I urge you to go to a reputable breeder to find your new friend. Breeders offer support and guidance even after the sale and can help you make the transition easier for both your canine companion and your family.
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