Top dogs
SUN-TIMES AWARDS | Frisco the Wonder Dalmatian has looks, talent, personality

July 10, 2008
Recommend (16)

BY PAIGE WISER
Frisco, the Wonder Dalmation
More videos

» Click to enlarge image
Frisco the Wonder Dalmation has the looks, talent and personality that makes him Chicago's Top Dog.
(Tom Cruze/Sun-Times)

RELATED STORIES
Video: See Frisco at play Disagree? Send us pics of your pooch

We didn't say "Chicago's Cutest Dog," and we didn't say "Chicago's Most Ridiculously Dressed Dog" -- although we received photos of dogs in skirts, sports jerseys, goggles, skull sweaters, pearls, a polka dot tie and, in one instance, an "I Dream of Jeannie" costume.

No. The contest was for "Chicago's Top Dog," and we could not award the title for mere cuteness.

After perusing more than 300 entries and much anguishing deliberation, the honor goes to Frisco the Wonder Dalmatian, who was 6½ when he finally found his home with Frank Getz and Caron Buinis in Hillside.

"We would like to think that Frisco's story would encourage others to consider older rescued dogs," Buinis says. "They are so full of love."

We chose Frisco for his:

- Looks: Aside from his Pongo appeal, Frisco has one blue eye and one brown. "He would rather stare a hole through you to get his message across than bark at you," Getz says.

- Talent: He is helping Buinis train for the Chicago Marathon. In addition to the usual tricks (sit, roll over), Frisco has a special flair for catching skunks.

- Personality: Frisco does not discriminate when it comes to spreading the love. He counts among his friends Myrna, a mini-Dachshund. "They just hit it off," Buinis says.

Oh, sure, he has his faults. Frisco is under the impression that he is a lapdog, and sleeps on Getz's lap as he reads the Sun-Times each Sunday. And then there was the time that Frisco tried to eat his way through Getz's money clip.

But Frisco is an inspiration to older dogs awaiting adoption. "We wish we could have found him sooner, but feel blessed for every day we have with him now," Getz says. He recommends looking for a dog from PAWS, the Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago Canine Rescue or Dalmatian Rescue of Illinois.

more on the other top dogs and video of Frisco at link:

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/wiser/1048788,CST-FTR-Dog10.article

and a rescue Spotty ta boot!!!   

not that I'm bias or anything, lol!~ Doesn't he look good for 10 1/2?! He's helping his owner train for the marathon. Sure hope Dot doesn't see that . . . .   

Poco is 15?!?! Wow, didn't realize that!

Yeah, adult rescues are great. My parents are loving Abby the Beagle. My mom wanted to know what she was getting in a dog and that's why she wanted at least a 2yo. She was looking at older ones, but Abby at 2 seemed the best fit for now and in the future as far as adding more dogs to the family. They liked one older boy and were considering him, but he was a bit of a bully with other dogs. Cute as heck though! I was cracking up, the 2 dogs they seriously considered were missing body parts. Abby the tail, and the other an eye, lol!~

I enjoyed this - and I love reading about older animals being adopted, too.