In memory of Dottie LaFrance

"Dottie" was our first dalmation at the Swannanoa Fire department.

She shared many similar traits to Ashes. Dottie was our first experience with just how much value such an animal can be to our lives in a workplace.
Firefighters will eventually experience traumatic events in their career. The most basic comfort was provided by Dottie for each member after such difficult times.
The Dalmation knows not what you saw, how you peformed or which person was injured or passed away .... but ...... they do sense how you feel and pass no judgement back your way.... a friend is always waiting for your return.

Dottie also provided us with humor.
On one occasion, the duty crew (2 at that time + 3 more volunteers) fixed one of those grand suppers. Ribeye steak, baked potato, rolls and a salad.
The crew responded to an alarm soon after full plates were set on the table. We responded, handled the call but were going to be there for a while longer. Someone finally pointed out that our food still sat on the table and we became concerned about Dottie..... a person was released from the scene to go check.
Within a 10 minute span, Dottie had eaten 5 ribeye steaks, 10 rolls, 5 baked potatoes with all the fixins and 5 salads..... no dressing left in the bowl. 
She was sprawled out on her bed, so full she only had the ability to move her eyes towards the person. She groaned... and didn't move for hours but still we saw no regret in her eyes. 

Dottie once delivered a litter of 13 pups. A suitable place was made for her in the alcove of the main station (Northwest corner). Most pups were delivered fine and began breathing on their own. 5 of the pups were not breathing after birth. 3 of those pups were revived by firefighters and the other two pups passed away. These two pups were buried by the flagpole in a small ceremony.

Dottie became sick and after further study we learned she had cancer. The University of Tennessee performed an operation but the cancer had already spread further than expected. She became weaker and weaker and eventually could not stand on her own four paws. She lost the strength to stand and shook constantly. She stared at us with the most concerning eyes..... wondering why she hurt and what was going on.
Some of the firemen gathered and we decided she was facing an irreversible path and to a level of suffereing that was not acceptable. We requested that the Veteranarian come to the fire station to put her to sleep. We couldn't stand the thought of her passing away in a strange place.
As best as I can remember, there were at least 12 firemen standing around when Dottie was put to sleep at the station. While we can tell many stories to build a picture of what she meant to us..... none can portray that better than the way the firemen wept.
Dottie was buried by the flagpole at the main station beside of her two pups.
Dottie had several people attending her funeral. She was buried in a coffin filled with her favorite stuffed animal, chew toy and several other of her favorite items.
If anyone can ever asked if a dalmation deserves to wear a Firefighter's badge, all we can say is that we from that time know she served our hearts well.