See Spot Smile
September 2007
We all grew up loving Walt Disney but there is a dark side to Walt Disney Productions in the rescued animal kingdom. That is the release and the re-releases of the film, "101 Dalmatians". While you can't blame the Walt Disney people for making great films, the results of unwanted Dalmatians seeking homes has been absolutely staggering for over ten years.
In the Okanagan, we are very lucky to have a Dalmatian rescuer, Sheryl Riley of Peachland. She and Jenn Winder of Black Creek, share the love of this unique breed of dog and in 2003, Jenn started See Spot Smile, Vancouver Island Dalmatian Rescue. Sheryl partnered with Jenn with networking to keep some of these dogs safe and has since devoted a great deal of her life to this cause. Advertising in the local papers, Sheryl has been able to match people who desire a rescued Dal with a dog that may be in one of the shelters throughout B.C. She and Jenn keep pretty good tabs on the Dals in SPCA's and Dals just on a waiting list to get into rescue from private individuals. Their networking pays off for the dogs and sometimes it may just be a matter of someone going that extra mile to explain conditions and offer suggestions. They refer a lot of people to various dogs and that is only a win/win for both.
This private rescue group has a great need for foster homes that could commit to being on a standby basis when there is an urgent need to safely house Dalmatians. They also need donations to help pay vet bills because most of the Dals that come in require something - whether it's dental work or even just bloodwork for the dogs. Presently, expenses come out of pocket for these ladies.
Neither Sheryl nor Jenn have been able to spend the time and money to achieve the coveted non-profit and charitable status because all of their time and every dollar has had to go directly to the rescued Dals. That is most unfortunate but for those readers who have a special place in their hearts for these dogs and who do not require a tax receipt, donations can be sent payable to Sheryl Riley in care of Critteraid at 113-437 Martin Street, Penticton, V2A 5L1. Please mark on it, Dalmatian Rescue or See Spot Smile.
For the most part, the Dals that come to rescue are seniors, of the Disney era, about ten years. Pongo, the latest, came from the Kamloops SPCA where he had been surrendered from his only home because the new baby was allergic. Pongo is 11 years old. The SPCA recognized his stress and were able to get in touch with Sheryl to see about getting him into an environment that would ease his anxiety so that he had a better chance of finding a home.
You would do well to check out their website at www.seespotsmile.org. There's a photo there of Feisty, an 11 year old beauty that lives up to her name.
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