Welcome to Tom O'Neill's Spot!
A few years ago I passed the half
century mark in my life. During that time I have owned a variety of
pets. There have been domestic shorthair cats, dogs (Heinz 57 and purebreds),
birds, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and even some more docile
members of the reptile family (frogs, salamanders and chameleons).
My wife (Carlyn) and I have been married over thirty
years. Most of the above pets I listed have been since we were
married. Some came into the house as a result of my darling daughter's
interests. My daughter has gotten older (notice I didn't say grown-up).
She moved away to college and now has returned home to the roost. Her
college years left our life of pets somewhat less challenging
and peaceful; however, there was the case of her adopting a muttley little dog
that she later decided she couldn't keep and she tried to send home to Mom and
Dad. Fortunately, we relented and let her give it back. Once she
returned home she decided to bless us with two (2) cats she adopted while away
at college.
Considering all of the pets we have owned over the years, I
would have to say the dogs were my favorites. Cats are cute but you never
own them and the rest of the bunch speak for themselves. There is nothing
quite as affectionate as a good dog. You can tell a dog things that your
best human friend wouldn't want to hear and the dog will look at you as if to
say "wow" or "bummer". Yes, dogs listen with a level
on concern more than any human and they aren't the least bit judgmental.
Of the dogs we have owned, I think the Dalmatians are my favorite; but, a word
of warning is necessary because Dalmatians are not for everyone and they don't
talk (at least not like the ones in the movies). My love of the Dalmatian
is the reason for the title of this page and the amount of Dalmatian graphic
content.