The Dalmatian has been the firedog since the fire department used horses. Dalmatians were bred for endurance and stamina. Dalmatians are not fast dogs but are able to run for long periods of time without rest. Dalmatians were trained to escort the horse drawn engine to the fire scene and prevent stray dogs from interfering. The spotted Dalmatians were easy for the horses to distinguish from other dogs. Once at the fire scene Dalmatians would continue to protect the horses from other animals.
What an interesting story Starrphyre. Thanks for sharing that with us. I have always wanted a Dalmation. Maybe some day. Have a good Sunday.
carolsapple
Jul 10, 2016
Yep true Starrphyre. Growing up we had a male Dalmatian named Patches. My father took him to obedience school. He become such a handful that my father hired a man to take care of him. He was in dog shows and won awards.
This was a bit more challenging than I thought it would be - and now I see spots before my eyes. ;-)
I used to have a friend who had a dalmatian. Almost anytime she was late coming home from work, Zoe, her dog, would leave something fairly close to the door instead of waiting and going outside and, when my friend would get home, Zoe would stand close to her mess, face away from the door and turn her head back with this guilty look on her face. Unfortunately, they have both passed away - my friend from breast cancer and Zoe from old age.
Since last month was breast cancer awareness month, I hope everyone does BSEs and had a mammogram if appropriate.
I used to have a friend who had a dalmatian. Almost anytime she was late coming home from work, Zoe, her dog, would leave something fairly close to the door instead of waiting and going outside and, when my friend would get home, Zoe would stand close to her mess, face away from the door and turn her head back with this guilty look on her face. Unfortunately, they have both passed away - my friend from breast cancer and Zoe from old age.
Since last month was breast cancer awareness month, I hope everyone does BSEs and had a mammogram if appropriate.