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By Kathy O'Loughlin
Special to the times If a dog is man's best friend, then a Dalmatian is surely a fireman's best friend. Or so Lucky seems to think. The 14 month old Dalmatian is the newest member of the Gladwyne Fire Company and continues a long tradition in the fire-fighting service as well as the Gladwyne Fire Company's history. Lucky, who was found at the Willing Hearts Dalmatian Rescue, an organization based in Royersford, PA, first set his paws on the firehouse floor about six weeks ago. He's the third Dalmatian to call the firehouse on Conshohocken State Road home. "Most of the members really wanted to have a dog again. They took a vote and the majority wanted the dog," explained Chief George Culbertson, Sr. of Gladwyne, who said Lucky is making an easy transition into the firehouse family. "He is doing good. He has a great temperament." "Lucky is tremendous. We struck an absolute gold mine, I'm not sure who is luckier, us or him," said A.J. Malloy, a house man at the fire company who spearheaded the drive to find a new dog. |
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"Everyone loved our other Dalmatian Dutch, who died on June 17, 1995.
Everyone kind of missed that feeling. That hole was still there, and
it was time to fill it." Malloy said Lucky was owned by a single woman
living in Baltimore, MD. But she was involved in a serious accident
and was badly injured and unable to care for the dog. Enter the animal
rescue shelter, and soon after that, Gladwyne's fire fighters, who
arrived en masse on July 8 to welcome their newest member. "His first
day here, word got around real fast he was coming, and all the firefighters
came with their kids and neighbors came with their kids. He did so
well. It was impressive. There were 15 to 20 kids and a new environment,
new people and he was just phenomenal with everyone," said Malloy.
"It is not easy getting adjusted with all the fire calls and whistles.
The first couple of days he was a little tentative. After the first
week, he was spectacular. He is one of the best dogs I have ever met,"
said Malloy. Many others in the community are also fond of Lucky,
including the chefs at the expensive Guard House Inn. "He's already
managing to eat better than we are," laughs Malloy. "When we walk
by the Guard House, they will come out with treats for him. I'm a
little jealous. I think we're going to know where he is if he ever
runs away. He's already making his mark around town." More about Lucky.... |
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