Station 69 Dalmatian Needs a Name

A 10-week-old Dalmatian will arrive at Fire Station 69 on Saturday after a brief ride from LAX. That same evening he will leave for a month’s training before making the station his home, replacing the late Buddy. The puppy needs a name and Station 69 firefighters are seeking community input. Choose one of the eight names below (or provide your own suggestion on paper) and put your selection through the mail slot by noon Saturday at the fire station, corner of Sunset and Carey. Only one vote per person. Possible names include: Buddy II, Spot, Pali, Sunset (Sunny), Chief, Carey, Skipper, Smokey, Duke and Zorro. The new puppy, which was born on September 27 at the Allen Kennels in Winder, Georgia, will have big paws to fill because Buddy, who died last December, was a goodwill ambassador to the town, and beloved by the community. Allen Kennels specialize in large dogs and breed for character and temperament, which is important for a dog that not only goes to neighborhood birthday and block parties, but also participates in the Fourth of July parade. The newest addition to Station 69 is a gift of the Miller family: Ram, Caroline, Jake, 9, Cole, 7, and Gigi, 4. The station and its firefighters have a special significance for the family, because on November 22, 2004, Gigi was born there after her parents realized they were never make it from their home to the hospital in time for the delivery. Every year, the family celebrates Gigi’s birthday with the firefighters. When the Millers offered to buy a new dog after Buddy died, the firefighters said no. Caroline asked again this past summer, and this time the answer was affirmative. The 36 firefighters, who work on three different shifts, had to vote to take responsibility for the dog’s expenses, including vet bills, food and training. ‘The vote was overwhelming to have a dog,’ said Scott Gill, who has been Station 69’s hook-and-ladder driver for six years. After the Millers located a puppy, the firefighters knew that some sort of training would be needed. ‘We decided that with 36 guys, the best thing for the new puppy was to have one trainer,’ Gill said. Clint Rowe, a Hollywood trainer who has prepared animals for ‘Turner and Hooch,’ ‘Man’s Best Friend,’ ‘Borat,’ and ‘You Don’t Mess With the Zohan,’ will work with the puppy. Rowe is also currently training Wilshire, Fire Station 29’s Dalmatian. ‘He normally doesn’t do this, but he did it for us,’ Gill said. Rowe will teach the dog boundary and house training, as well as a few simple commands. When he returns to the station, two firefighters on each shift will specifically deal with him. Palisadians Ninkey Dalton and Charles Eglee, whose late Dalmatian Bongo used to play with Buddy, will donate $100 towards the new puppy’s care. Addition checks can be made out to Fire Station 69, and on the memo line write ‘puppy fund.’