Our Beginning
Founder (and now retired) President Emeritus Terri Haase established “Save the Dals” in 1996, when she and a friend began distribution of educational flyers about Dalmatians. Terri’s motivation was a preemptive measure to the American action-comedy adventure film “101 Dalmatians” (starring Glenn Close) which was set to release that same year. The movie, which filmed utilizing live Dalmatians and their adorable 99 puppies, set off a wave of impulse-buying of Dalmatian puppies. Shortly after the “cuteness” factor wore off, individuals and families who knew little about the breed, were now faced with real issues like potty and behavioral training, socialization, exercise, etc.
Then reality set in, and a great majority of innocent Dals were being dumped into animal shelters because simply put, people had bitten off more than they could chew. They were then faced with a long-term commitment and the dedication required to care for and love a pet for its lifetime. Thus, the birth of “Save the Dals”: Terri’s legacy to save Dalmatians.
Terri, with her partner in crime (and husband) Bill, played an invaluable, active, and key role for more than 20 years in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming (our three R’s) of countless Dals. Their home became a safe haven for many of the newly rescued Dals to start the next chapter of their lives. Special kennels, dog runs, and exercise yards were built to help the Dals, many of whom required medical attention and post-rescue vetting, until they were well enough to be placed into foster care with one of our volunteers. Terri kept accurate and detailed records of each rescued Dal, while Bill helped wash, feed, walk, and care for the dogs. Their legacy will forever live on, and we are grateful to both of them.