Author: Amanda

  • 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…

  • Why did I get a Dalmatian?

    One of the questions I get asked the most when people hear that I have a Dalmatian is “Why did you choose a Dalmatian?” It’s a valid question—they are definitely not a breed that is meant for every household. Getting a dog, and especially a Dalmatian, was not a decision I made lightly and I…

  • Welcome to Spots & Thoughts!

    Hi there! I’m Amanda, proud owner of a Dalmatian named Indie (and an avid em-dash lover—you’ve been warned). Before bringing Indie home, I spent hours researching, but even then, I felt unprepared in some ways. There were so many questions I knew to ask… and so many I didn’t even realize I needed to ask!…