The Dalmatian Diaries Blog

17 years ago today a very special puppy did a very special thing.

Our first Dalmatian, Chili, was 10 weeks old at the time. I had left for work already that morning when he started crying. And crying. And crying. Brent was still sleeping and was slowly awoken to the sound of the cries. By the time he was alert, he realized the house was full of a thick, black smoke. He could hardly take a breath. He scooped up the little puppy and was able to escape from the burning building unharmed. Thanks to Chili, both my boys made it out ok.

Every anniversary of that heroic event we'd take the ChiliDog to Dairy Queen for a peanut butter sundae. Chili passed away several years ago now but we still think of him on this day each year. He was a smart boy. Tried my patience like anything, but he will always be my #1 Dal. I think he and Browser would have been best buddies. Although Chili was devious, and I could see him luring Browser into trouble!

Chili was such a huge part of our life. The three of us basically grew up together. He was such a part of our life that his name is part of our company even. CDKitchen.com was originally called "ChiliDog's Kitchen", and we still tell the story of its namesake.

This is the picture I keep on my desk of the infamous Chili Dog.

This was taken April 1, 1992 - the day we got Chili. He was a surprise for Brent's birthday (ok, so I got myself a puppy for Brent's birthday)

Chili and Pepper sit still for the camera. Don't ask me how I got them to sit still - that was the first and last time they ever posed nicely at the same time!