101 Reasons to Love This Rescue

One of the stories in the May issue of Delaware Pets is about a wonderful rescue group in Milton for Dalmatians. Molly Paes and her daughter Brenda Paes care for six Dalmatians and two other dogs at their home on Dalmatian Lane (you can see this passion runs deep) near Milton. They also find foster families for dogs that get surrendered or that they pull from shelters, approve adoptions and raise money to fund all of their work.

In the photos above, that's Brenda with Cindy, Siren and Angel. And that laughing dog playing with the ball is Beth. (Great photos by Chunk Snyder.)

Here's the really fascinating part: Cindy and Siren are deaf -- as are about 10-12 percent of Dalmatian puppies. The Dalmatian Rescue of Delaware splits with the Dalmatian Club of America on how to deal with the disability.

The national club advises breeders to destroy deaf Dalmatians, citing aggressiveness and the likelihood of them being hit by a car. The Delaware rescue group says baloney. Responsible owners wouldn't let their dogs, hearing or deaf, near roadways or cars, Molly Paes says.

Susan Bunting of Dagsboro, adopted one Dalmatian who hears and one who doesn't. She says Fudge responds to hand signals and is well-trained, thanks to the work of the foster family. Plus, the other dog, Gidget, watches out for him.

Hey, Dalmatian Club of America, sounds like it's time to change your policy. Cindy, Siren and Fudge all deserve a place in the world.