Animal Breed
Dalmation

Adopted or Rescued?
Yes

Pet personality / Story of adoption / Why is your pet special?
Axe is the official firehouse dog for the McCook Nebraska Fire Department. It may be due to popular Disney movies, or because of their amazing good looks, but the Dalmatian might be the most recognized dog breed on the planet. Axe is absolutely gorgeous, well trained, and well behaved.

Background on the Dalmatian breed:
In early colonial years Dalmatians ran for miles alongside carriages, helping to ward off highwaymen while adding a touch of flair to the vehicle with aristocratic passengers. Not surprisingly today, Dalmatians have an endless capacity for exercise and are ideal companions for people who walk, jog, skate, bicycle, or play Frisbee type activities. They are incredibly loyal, responsible, and intelligent,

Dalmatian Trivia History:
Dalmatians often ran in pairs, with one on either side of a coach, or close behind the horses. English aristocrats during the late 1600s were among the first known to use Dalmatians to accompany their carriages, according to Trevor J. Orsinger's book, "The Firefighter's Best Friend: Lives and Legends of Chicago Firehouse Dogs." The dogs became a status symbol of sorts; the more Dalmatians you had running beside your coach represented your social standing.

The use of Dalmatians carried over to the horse-drawn wagons that firefighters rode to the scene of a fire. When a fire alarm sounded, the Dalmatians would run out of the firehouse, barking to let bystanders know that they should get out of the way because the firefighters' wagon would soon come roaring by. Once the wagon was out on the street, the Dalmatians would run beside it.

The brave, loyal dogs also served an important purpose once the wagon approached a fire. Horses are afraid of fire, and the Dalmatians' presence could distract and comfort the horses as they pulled the wagon closer to a blaze. The Dalmatians also stood guard near the wagon to ensure that no one stole the firefighter's belongings, equipment or horses.

One would think with the invention of the automobile, Dalmatians would no longer be needed by firemen. But many firehouses choose to keep the dogs around both as friendly companions and to preserve a time honored tradition. And while Dalmatians continue to guard firefighters' possessions in the firehouse, today instead of running alongside fire trucks, they ride inside of them.