Wilshire the Fire Dog

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Wilshire the Fire Dog

The use of dogs in the fire service dates back to the days of horse-drawn steamers. In those days, dogs, notably Dalmatians, were known for their ability to run alongside the horses and to keep them calm. When the horses were replaced with motorized apparatus, many dogs found themselves without a "job" and became mascots instead.

Today, some dogs have found themselves with a new kind of job: fire safety. And one fire dog in particular is very special. His story is remarkable and his commitment to fire safety is second to none.

The story begins on a cold night in March of 2006. The firefighters at station 29 heard their doorbell ring. A ten-year old girl was at the door with a young Dalmatian puppy. She explained that her apartment was too small to keep a dog, and even though it was her best friend, she had to give him up.

The firefighters at 29s worried that there was no place for a puppy in an active fire station on a busy street and gave the young lady instructions on how to contact the local animal shelter. Unfortunately, she learned they would only keep the young pup for one week. Determined to find a better life for her four-legged friend, she asked her parents to help her once again to seek the help of the firefighters at 29s.

It was a good pitch and reluctantly, the firefighters agreed. The young puppy spent his first night in his new home on St. Patrick's Day. A new life had begun for this Dalmatian and within a day or so, the firefighters had named him Wilshire, after the busy street facing the front of 29s.

Still, the firefighters worried that Wilshire might be in danger, especially when their fire engines were leaving the station and pulling out onto Wilshire Blvd. What would happen if Wilshire tried to follow them? So, they began to train him, and with a bit of expert help, they soon found that this Dalmatian was a very special fellow indeed. He loved to work. And, he loved to learn. Soon, Wilshire was working out on the treadmill with other firefighters. He learned to bark 9-1-1, and became an expert at demonstrating how to "stop, drop, and roll." And within a few months, Wilshire discovered he had a new job: fire safety instructor!

Wilshire has a lot of attention, too. Fire Station 29 has three shifts of 16 firefighters. That's 48 different people to say hello to over three days. And, most importantly, Wilshire is out and about every few days - visiting schools, fairs, and other special events to teach children and their families key fire safety messages.

Wilshire makes special appearances at the LAFD Museum in Hollywood. Please visit our calendar to check out the next event with Wilshire the Fire Dog!

You can learn more about Wilshire the Fire Dog by visiting his website!