Dalmations

Hi Puzzler,

I was just looking at our Three Alarm Fire puzzle. It’s the one with the three adorable Dalmatians sitting in a red wagon. Those little puppies instantly remind me of fire trucks and Cruella De Vil. Some things will forever be linked together and Cruella and fire trucks go with Dalmatians.

Dalmatians have a long rich history with firehouses that dates back to the days of stage coaches. Now you might be thinking, Dalmatians and stage coaches? How does that relate to Dalmatians and fire trucks? Well the answer lies with the horse. Dalmatians were the perfect coach dog not only because of their height and weight, but, because they are a very active, strong, muscular breed which is able to run long distances without fatigue. These mighty creatures can keep up with a team of horses and follow them for 20-30 miles! In addition, Dalmatians are very loyal to their owners, and are a superior opponent when challenged. They have an innate ability to calm and soothe horses which in turn helps foster a close bond between horse and dog.

During the 17th century horse theft was very common and Dalmatians were used to protect the horses and the content of the carriage. If a stagecoach driver did not own a Dalmatian he would be forced to sleep with the horses and carriage to help insure that nothing would get stolen. Even the fire-wagons needed protection from thieves. Some thieves were so ruthless that they would steal equipment and horses from a fire-wagon while its team was helping to extinguish a fire. Owning a Dalmatian quickly put an end to this despicable behavior and it would forever solidify the Dalmatian as a fire house mascot.

In 1956, the book One Hundred and One Dalmatians by author Dodie Smith is published. It introduces to the world the villainous Cruella De Vil. Cruella is a wealthy fashion-obsessed heiress who wants what no one else has… a fur coat made out of Dalmatian puppy skins! This brilliant novel was turned into an animated Disney classic in 1961and has since become a classic. If you have never read the book I would highly recommend it. The movie was good but the book is better!

Fire trucks, Cruella and Dalmatians, forever synonymous with each other!!!

Happy Puzzling!

A Christmas Poem

Hi Puzzlers,

Today we have a very special treat for you, a Christmas poem by King Kramer. It was composed by Alicia, one of his favorite elves. Enjoy!

By Kramer, with apologies to Clement Moore

It’s a White Mountain Christmas
And all through the warehouse
Felines are stirring
But not that old mouse.

My friends have gathered
From all over the East
For our yearly celebration
Of a roasted mouse feast.

Packages have been flying
Out of the door,
Bound for Christmas gifts
From shore to shore.

People will “ooh” and people will “ah”
When they open a puzzle sent from Grandpa.
Is it Divas, or Cheers, or perhaps Candy Wrappers?
Or Lewis & Clark, those historic mappers?

The White Mountain crew
Have worked hard for the cause,
While I’ve lounged around,
Grooming my paws.

Now the warehouse is quiet,
Except for MY crew –
Lew Johnson’s cats, Patterson’s too,
All gathered round for a big whoop-de-do.

We'll have Bar-B-Que, Fair Foods,
Maybe Spring Chicken,
Catfish with Olio --
That's so finger-lickin'

Washed down with Tea Time
A little Wine Country, too.
And when Comedy arrives
This will be a real zoo.

But I'm taking a moment
To thank one and all
Of our puzzling friends --
Who have decked our halls.

I heard FedEx exclaim
As they drove out of sight
Merry Christmas to All
And to all good night.

Happy Puzzling!

Meet Artist Linda Picken

Hi Puzzlers,

We would like you to meet artist Linda Picken. Linda joined our puzzle family earlier this year and we are proud to present to you four great new puzzles.

Linda Picken lives in America's Ozarks where she revels in the country life surrounded by a menagerie of dogs, cats, horses, ducks, Canada Geese, and an assortment of other birds and wildlife. Her love of animals is evident in her paintings of dogs, horses, and wildlife, which reveal the joy, humor and majesty of the animal kingdom.

Linda has been painting professionally for over 30 years and travels to art shows around the country to license her paintings on a wide variety of products including collector plate series for Hamilton, Lenox, and 52 plates with Bradford Exchange.

Linda studied at the Des Moines Art Center, majoring in Art at Drake University, and then very ably developed her own style of wildlife and animal portraiture. She is an award-winning artist, named an Honorary Trustee of Ducks Unlimited and recipient of its first Silver Palette and Chisel award.

Her paintings have graced dozens of magazine and catalog covers such as Cabela's, Nite Lite, Quail Unlimited and Fur Fish and Game. Many of her paintings have been selected by US Air Force Association, Ducks Unlimited and Quail Unlimited to be used as limited edition prints to raise money for those conservation organizations.

Welcome to the family Linda!

Happy Puzzling!