I found a year-old Dalmatian in the Los Angleles SPCA where I did volunteer work on weekends. He cowered in the corner of the kennel but welcomed my offer to take him outside for some exercise. Although our bond formed very quickly a family had applied to adopt him.  Later that day I found out their application had been denied and I took him home. Within weeks it became clear his previous owner had abused him. He loved walks but when I came home and changed from work attire to casual attire, he became nervous and timid when I removed my belt. Sad but true. I named him Jean-Claude and he remained my buddy for years.

I took him for walks along the boardwalk in Manhattan Beach daily. One day I took a black marker to a pair of white walking shorts and made matching spots. It wasn't long before we got our picture in the local newspaper and attention of many people, especially single women!