Snow Started Falling on Christmas Eve, and the Dalmatian Pup Saw It First

Snowflakes drift past the dark windowpane, and a spotted puppy sits right by the glass, her nose pointed toward the storm. Her white coat is freckled with black patches, one large patch circles her ear and eye, and her eyes follow the falling flakes with total concentration. Behind her a lit Christmas tree glows in the corner, with wrapped gifts and blankets scattered around the cozy living room.

Dalmatians are athletic dogs who were originally bred to run alongside carriages, so even puppies have plenty of energy. They usually need a lot of exercise, early training, and gentle socialization. The famous spots are not there at birth, since Dalmatian puppies are born white and develop their spots in the first weeks. The breed is also prone to some specific health issues, so ask your vet about diet and screening. Winter nights are a good time to burn off extra energy with indoor games like hide and seek, and a short walk before the evening settles in.

At this moment, though, the puppy is calm and a little mesmerized. The room is warm, the tree is lit, and the world outside is turning white. It is the quiet kind of magic that only a Christmas Eve snowfall can bring, and she is the best audience it could ask for. Soon she will probably be bounding through the drifts, but tonight a front-row seat at the window is plenty.