Hello - by Anne Hines
Hello, my name is Matao and this is my story. I am a Dalmatian puppy who was born May 23, 2003 in an animal shelter in a small town outside of Dallas Texas. That is were my life took a dramatic turn for the better. A caring shelter attendant contacted North Texas Dalmatian Rescue and told them that my mother had had a litter of puppies and could they please come get us so that we would not get sick with that nasty puppy disease parvo. DRNT agreed to come get us and we were placed into foster care. Little did I know that in a small town in Central Texas events were occurring that were going to affect the rest of my life.
Soon after I was born a wonderful Dalmatian was nearing the end of her wonderful life. She was sick with cancer and was very old. Megan went to Dalmatian heaven on June 2nd and her mother was very very sad. Her mother missed her so much that she decided to find a new puppy to help ease the hurt from losing her special friend. Megan's mom started looking on the Internet for puppies and ran across the web site for DRNT. DRNT just happened to have a litter of six wonderful puppies for adoption and Anne made an inquiry about the availability of a puppy. A very special lady by the name of Ann Rutledge called her the very next day and asked some questions about raising a puppy and then told Anne the great news. She was approved for a bouncing baby boy, ME!!!!
All of this occurred while I was just 2 weeks old so, Anne had to wait at least 6 more weeks for me. Anne tried to make arrangements to come see me before I was old enough to come home but things just didn't work out and Anne was very sad. Anne kept in contact with the other Ann and made sure that she did not miss out on any of my development. Time was fast approaching for me to go to my new home and arrangements were made for the two Ann's to meet but the day before I was to go home the vet said that I needed to stay with my mom for one more week. Ann had the hardest job that day, telling Anne with an E that she had to wait one more week for me. Anne said that that was the longest week of her life.
The day finally came that the two Ann's met in Hilsbrough Texas at the Outlet Mall for the great unveiling. Anne will never for get that day my new Dad saw me first and mom said that was just not fair. When my new mom saw me she started crying. She was so excited to finally have me, she had waited a long time. While mom was waiting for me to be old enough to come home she made me two blue and white baby blankets. I sleep on them every night in my kennel. She had also bought me a ton of neat toys and other fun puppy stuff. When I got to my new home I met my doggie sister and two doggie brothers and the funniest looking dog I had ever seen. I know now that it was a cat. His name is Elvis and we sleep together.
My new home is great. I go for walks with mom and my human sister Mallory. Mallory loves to take me walking and show me off the neighbors. Everyone thinks that I am so handsome. I have been horseback riding and swimming but my favorite thing to do is watch TV with my mom on the sofa. Mom and Dad let me have the run of the house because I am such a good puppy. I have not had an accident in a long time. The only time I have to stay in my kennel is when they go someplace that does not let puppies come along. I don't mind, my kennel is a great place. Elvis and I take naps together in there and I hide all my toys that I don't want to share with anyone in there also. As you can see a lot has happened to me in my short life.
All of the events have been very good. Mom says my name means gift from God and I must be because everyone that has had a part in my life loves me very much and only wants the best for me. I want to thank all the great people at DRNT that had a hand in making sure that my life as well as my brothers and sisters will always be the best. They also get a big thank you for making sure my mother will live the rest of her life in the best possible place too. I will keep you updated on the events in my life as I get older. Mom said just the other day that I can look forward to puppy school and I also heard her talking to the vet about some surgery that is coming up but mom promises that it won't hurt to much. She said that it will make me a better dog. I didn't know that I needed to get better. Mom swears that I am perfect. As theses events unfold I will let you know how I make out.
Bye for now.
Matao
