Tashe

Our 101 Dalmatian

On The Dog Squad's first anniversary, we went to the shelter to rescue Monty, our 100th dog. While there, we came across a 5 year old Dalmatian, Tashe. She had been an outdoor dog and was given up by her owners because she was about to give birth to puppies. She was in a very poor state with a bad ear infection and bad teeth; she was also infested with fleas. We were touched by her and decided to rescue her too. It suddenly struck us that, as our 101st rescue, she was our "101 Dalmatian".

Tashe's babies had died inside her and had to be removed. Her eyes and teeth were cleaned. We had to bathe her 5 times in a row to remove the flea dirt. Her rear end was raw, swollen and hairless from her chewing herself. At first, she had kennel cough and had to be kept separate from the other dogs in her foster home. A week or two later, when she was allowed in the house, she couldn't believe her luck. She made a little spot for herself in the corner of the family room and never wanted to leave it. She nudged the other dogs away when they got too close.

Tashe turned out to be a very sweet, gentle dog. Amazingly, for a previously outdoor dog, she was completely housebroken. Everything she did, she did gracefully and elegantly; she was a true lady.

One day, we got a call from a couple, Kathy and Bucky, who had recently lost their older Dalmatian. We took Tashe to meet them and their 3 year old Dalmatian. Their dog was in beautiful shape, pure white, trim and healthy. Tashe was still discolored after years of being outside. Her waist was still thick from the pregnancy and her hair had only just started growing back. Kathy and Bucky told me that they were interested in her but had already committed to viewing a golden retriever puppy the next day. They'd let me know afterwards.

We really believed it was over for Tashe. Who would take a 5 year old, neglected Dalmatian over a golden retriever puppy? We weren't sure that they'd even call us but they did, on the way back from visiting the puppy. Kathy told me that Bucky had made up his mind before seeing the puppy... Tashe was their girl.

Tashe went to her new home the next day. She now sleeps in bed with Kathy and Bucky and her new sister. All their friends and family love her gentle, loving nature. We've no doubt that, before long, she'll be fully recovered and beautiful again.