When I was growing up, I wanted to be a Dalmatian Fire Dog. They get to ride around all day on a fire truck, eat great fireman chow, and sleep on many different firemen’s beds at the firehouse.
Trouble is, I’m not a Dalmatian. And certainly not a fire dog. Hey, just look at me: short, stubby legs and scruffy fur.
Don’t we love those majestic dogs on Budweiser commercials, especially during the Super Bowl? Here’s some history on Dalmatians from Dr. Jon of PetPlace:
March 18th was the 61st Birthday of Sparky the Fire Dog. This little dog has saved thousands of lives over the years by serving as the spokesdog for fire safety and prevention. Happy birthday, Sparky!
Sparky was created in 1951 for an Advertising Council campaign. The campaign aimed to educate people. Over 3,000 people die in house fires each year and thousands more are injured, but Sparky helped work to change that.
Speaking of fires, did you know that pets can cause fires?
The most common way I’ve seen a pet cause a fire is by knocking over a candle. I’ve seen cats do this, and dogs as well (especially those with big wagging tails.) This is why it’s important to never leave a burning candle unattended in pet homes.
Dr. Debra, one of PetPlace’s editors, told me her cat Sammy nearly started a fire during a dinner party. When no one was looking he got up on the counter and burned the hair off his tail. Had she been out of the room and had Sammy knocked over the candle,who knows what could have happened?
Have decals indicating to fire personnel that you have pets in your home. In case of an emergency, firefighters can locate and save your pets. You can buy these decals or you can take a few minutes and make your own with this handy template; all you will need is a color printer. Go to: petplace.com/fireman-stickers
Have a great day and Happy Birthday, Sparky!
Until next time,
Dr. Jon 
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You know what my mom has? She bought some of those candles that look like they’re real, but they don’t have a burning wick inside. They’re flameless. She loves the ambiance (whatever the heck that is). She flips the battery switch on the bottom and then sets the candles on a table where they flicker just like real ones. It makes our house safer, and my mom happy (which makes me happy).
Even though I’m not fire truck material, that’s okay. We all have a job, right? Mine is to make my Male and Female Peeps happy (and I’m darn good at it). What’s your job?
Wiggles & woofs to you until next time,
Charlie Bear
One more tip from Dr. Jon: Make sure you have an emergency plan in the case of a fire. How will you get the pets out of the house safely? Here are some tips. They were written to prepare for natural disasters but they’re really good for fire plans as well. Go to – Plan Now to Protect Your Pet in a Natural Disaster
Charlie Bear; just remember that you are loved from the tip of your nose & all the way down to the end of your tail, to your toes and all the way in between; and thanks for all the tips on candles & fires.. You just be good now and don’t find you one of those Dalmations for i bet none of them could hug & cuddle half as well as you..
Woofs & Wags to all of your peeps & you..
Beaugie.
Beaugie,
Thank you (and your Mom Peep) for loving me all the way from the tip of my nose all the way down to the end of my tail and all of the way in between!
Wiggles & woofs to you!
Charlie Bear
Charlie Bear, I’ve gotta get me some of those fancy kind of candles you have at your house! So glad you thought to tell us about the dangers of pets and fires. I’d never once thought about it.
And I bet lots of dalmations wish they looked just like you. 🙂
Julie,
I would think big boy Clyde has a wicked whip-like tail, just like big dog Rex did. If so, that tail could knock a candle clear across the room. It’s why my Mom Peep bought flameless ones. They’re prettier than you think. Even I like them.
Wiggles & woofs to you,
Charlie Bear
Charlie Bear…you are LOVED and if you were here in Arizona, i’d cuddle you and let you cuddle me. i have Sadie and Shadow (just not here, they don’t like warm weather) who are both rescue dogs, but since Gene and Ethel took in Truly, who was a show dog, and was retired, i’ve been wondering what breeders do with their dogs…i know a breeder i’ll be asking that question to when i see her. Thanks for loving B.J and for sharing those tips.
Marianne,
If I were there in Arizona, I surely would wiggle into your loving arms and cuddle with you along with retired show dog Truly. Do let us know what breeders do with their retired dogs. Are they placed into rescue sites for their specific breed? Maybe there’s a list of people who want to adopt them? Inquiring minds want to know!
Wiggles & woofs to you in warm Arizona,
Charlie Bear
Enlightning post! Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you!
Wiggles & Woofs to you,
Charlie Bear
Gee, Charlie, I’m sure your peeps let you have fun! Don’t they?
I like you all the same. The best type of dog is one that lets you love him or her and loves you back! That can be any type of dog. Thanks to BJ for making you one of the dogs loved over the internet! Thanks, B.J.
Susan
Susan,
My Peeps let me have tons of fun! Just not on fire trucks!
Thanks so much for saying I’m a dog loved on the internet! That warms my little doggie heart!
Woofs & wiggles to you,
Charlie Bear
Thanks for the information. Even though I do not have a dog. I wish I had one. I am passing this info along so others can read it.
Melody,
I wish you had a dog too, but thanks for passing on the info to others. Maybe someday you can rescue a dog like my Dad and Mom Peeps rescued me. And the good thing that happened? After they rescued me, I rescued them!
Woofs & wiggles,
Charlie Bear