In the beginning...
As a Registered Veterinary Technician for the last 20 years and over 35 years experience and education with Dalmatians I am excited to share my knowledge of this versatile breed. I acquired my first Dalmatian Sparky when I was just 8 years old. He was just shy of 16 when he passed away, at the time he was still jogging 5 km and coming on horseback rides before he passed. He was amazing and thus started my spotted addiction for life. He passed just prior to the first Disney Dalmatian movie entered the big screen. I went on to rescue two Dalmatians after that Reuben and Rosco where I began to get involved in Obedience and Agility training as well as community dog events and local Fire Hall functions. My goal was to get the breed known in the community and set an example with my Dals as good canine citizens. From there I went off to start my Veterinary Technician schooling so I could gain as much knowledge as possible in the Veterinary nursing and nutrition field. When I returned to the island I then adopted another Dal Duke who played an important role in assisting the rehabilitation of many troubled Dals thereafter. I could not have done it without him. From there I went on to adopt and re-home many others including Ryker who became my Dock Diving Dal. Today I am still very involved with working my Dals in Obedience, Rally O, Agility and Tracking. I also have experience training obedience from horseback, hopefully one day we will be able to compete in Road-trials and maybe we'll even try some Barn-hunt and Scent work. My career as an RVT and working closely with the local shelters and SPCA has kept me directly involved with rescue. Being fond of many breeds I chose to narrow my love for dogs to the Dalmatian. It was inevitable due to my vast experience with the breed and the great need for rescue. The support of my directors, members, my family, and the Veterinary Clinics I have worked in is the reason I am able to continue rescue today.
With respect, Jennifer Winder
