‘Dalmatians’ Musical Stars Shelter Dogs
This is the perfect story to go along with American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month. There is a new ‘101 Dalmatians’ musical starring shelter dogs, rescued from various shelters and rescue groups.
Animal trainer Joel Slaven didn’t have an easy time finding the dogs because shelters didn’t want a replay of what happened 13 years ago. After the original live action movie in 1996 and the sequel in 2000 dalmatians became the ‘it’ dog. Everyone had to have one, unfortunately many who adopted knew nothing about the needs of this particular breed. The other unwanted outcome was overbreeding at puppy mills due to the high demand, causing additional health problems in a dog that is already known to have issues.
This time Slaven was determined to do things different, to use the dogs’ celebrity to teach people about them. To let potential adopters know that when you adopt a dog you aren’t just adopting a cute fuzzy face. You are adopting a family member who is going to require training, love, and patience. Along with the medical expenses that come with dog ownership.
Here are the details from the Associated Press.
Now that they are on the road, the dogs have two rehearsals, playtime in the afternoon, grooming sessions and, of course, media appearances.
Rascal, along with the 14 other dogs, will need to find permanent owners after the tour, which is slated to run through at least June. However, Slaven, who already has two yellow Labrador retrievers, has committed to bringing back to his ranch any dogs who don’t find a home.
Until then, “home” is the bus. Kennels line one side (with living quarters in the rear for two full-time trainers), with a pet-care area for bathing and grooming. An awning pops up alongside the vehicle for shade and there are attachable pens for outside time.
Thanks to Slaven it looks like these dogs will all have good homes. Let’s just hope this time around people who watch the musical and fall in love with those adorable faces on stage will know adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment filled with responsibility, and it doesn’t end when it is no longer convenient for you.
* Photos courtesy AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
hopefully this will not cause a repeat of the problems stemming from the original movie. Dals are a wonderful breed but can have numerous medical issues. After adopting our Dal from the SPCA at 1 1/2 years old, we have spent approximately 5,000.00 on medical care in the past 5 years. Of course, she is worth every penny we have spent!!! Not every dog will have alot of medical problems but if you bring one into your life you must take responsibility for these issues. If you are not willing to do so, please do not adopt!!
As a once homeless Dally myself I am very please with this.
I was the owner of a dalmation that had been dumped out where I live. He was about 2 years old when he found us-had a broken leg, was sunburned badly and found to be deaf. He was attached to my own Dalmation and lived with us until he passed some 13 years later. We named him Lucky because he was lucky he found us. I would hate to see another series of over breeding because Lucky besides being deaf, also had seizures which was costing us about $100.00 per month for medication and another $600..00 a year for blood work but we feel good knowing that he found us and we took care of him and loved him and now, miss him
I was expecting, or at least hoping, to read that securing use of the dogs involved a commitment to promote the message of adoption & rescue at every opportunity, when the shows were presented and at all media appearances as well. I was disappointed that it was not mentioned. Perhaps it can still happen…?
this is great. the dalmations look happy and gorgeous, and they are going to get care, attention, and a chance at another life.