Welcome to Spots & Thoughts!

Hi, I’m Amanda! I’m a mid-20s woman living life with my energetic, quirky, and lovable two-year-old Dalmatian. What started as a passion for this unique breed has turned into a deep personal journey, and I’m excited to share it with you. In this blog, I’ll take you through my experiences—both the challenges and the rewards—of raising a Dalmatian. From their boundless energy to their endearing (and sometimes stubborn) nature, this blog is a mix of educational insights and my honest, firsthand perspective as a Dalmatian owner. Whether you’re a fellow Dalmatian enthusiast or just considering bringing one into your life, I hope you find this space both informative and full of personality, just like these incredible dogs!

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My Latest Posts

Why I Shopped Instead of Adopting

Everyone has heard the phrase “Adopt, don’t shop.” It is very emotionally charged and is often weaponized against anyone who doesn’t get an animal from a shelter. It’s a stance that I understand, and I empathize with the people who believe it—I used to believe it myself. But my experiences with adopting from a shelter…

Beyond the Spots: Temperament Breakdown

One of the most common questions I see online about Dalmatians is: “What is their temperament like?” Most people describe them as smart, stubborn, loyal, and loving—all of which are true. But those traits exist in many breeds, and yet, they present differently within each individual breed. So what makes them different from other breeds…

Why asking me where my other 100 are is never funny

Anyone who owns a Dalmatian has likely heard, “Where are your other one hundred?” more times than they can count (and no, it still wasn’t funny the 101st time). While I completely understand that people know this breed primarily from this franchise and that everyone who says it doesn’t mean any harm, as someone who…