He emailed a famous dog expert named Cesar Millan and asked for help. Cesar came to the fire station, and he taught Wilshire many important lessons. He also trained Ryan and the other firefighters to be more aware of Wilshire’s needs.
Cesar said that only one person should be in charge of Wilshire, to avoid confusing the pup. Wilshire needed regular exercise. He needed to eat at regular times. He needed to learn to obey rules, like “do not sneak food” and “do not chew boots or equipment.”
Did You Know?
Dalmatians are white with many small spots that are either black or dark brown.
Wilshire learned from Cesar and so did Ryan. Cesar spoke in a firm, clear voice. He never yelled or lost his temper. He gave Wilshire treats for good behavior. He taught Wilshire rules to keep him safe and to help him to become a good member of the fire station team.
Ryan saw that Wilshire was becoming a relaxed, respectful dog. The pup was eager to work and obey. Maybe Wilshire could learn something else, something more complicated. Maybe Wilshire could learn how to help save lives.
There are many kinds of heroes, Ryan knew. Some heroes perform a single act of bravery. Perhaps they pull a drowning child from a lake or rescue an adult from a burning building. Others become heroes after a long period of time, like Martin Luther King, Jr., the great civil rights leader, or Florence Nightingale, a nurse. She tended to many sick and wounded people, and she started a school to train other nurses. Through their words and actions, heroes like King and Nightingale help to make the world a better, safer place.
Did You Know?
Dalmatian puppies are born with white coats. Their spots appear about a month later.
Ryan talked about his idea with Cesar. Cesar asked Clint Rowe to help. Clint has trained animals for movies and TV shows. He has trained many dogs. He even trained a bear once! Maybe Clint could help a spunky Dalmatian pup. Maybe he could teach Wilshire how to be a fire safety hero.
At the time, Cesar had a TV show about dog training and behavior. It was called Dog Whisperer. He asked Clint, Ryan, and Wilshire to be part of his show. Millions of people watched as Clint taught Wilshire and Ryan to work as a team.
Wilshire learned to act out many important fire safety tips. People loved watching the intelligent pup, but they were also learning something very important. They were learning what to do in case of a fire emergency. They were also learning how to prevent fires in the first place. Wilshire was only a puppy, but he was on his way to becoming a hero.
In the late 1600s, Dalmatians were popular “coach dogs.” When their owners traveled, the dogs trotted beside the carriages. They helped to soothe the horses and be on the lookout for robbers. Dalmatians were also used by firefighters in cities. They were like sirens! A Dalmatian would run ahead of the horse-drawn fire engine, barking. The engine’s red color and the dog’s loud barking were a warning: Out of the way! Fire ahead! As the firefighters dealt with the blaze, the dog would stay close to calm the horses. Today’s fire trucks don’t have horses, but many are still red. And sometimes, a Dalmatian rides proudly inside, often headed to a safety presentation rather than an actual fire.
Wilshire shows kids how to stop, drop, and roll in case of a fire. Credit 5
It was a sunny day at a park in Los Angeles. Children clapped as they watched Wilshire. Adults talked and smiled. There were many distractions. But Wilshire stayed focused on his important work. He and Ryan were doing their special show on fire and life safety. Ryan put some props on the stage, and Wilshire was ready. He knew what to do with each one.
Wilshire obeyed each of Ryan’s verbal commands. Wilshire activated a smoke alarm. He crawled under a wooden model of a fire to show the crowd how to “get low and go” in case of a fire. He pressed the buttons on a phone with his nose to show how to dial 911. That is an important phone number to remember for any emergency.
People were amazed at Wilshire’s next trick. They watched as the spotted dog suddenly stopped moving and stood very still. He then dropped to the ground, stretched out, and rolled. He was showing the crowd what to do if their clothes caught on fire. Stop, drop, and roll!
Everyone clapped. After the show, the children got into a long line. They wanted to pat Wilshire and take a photo with him. They wanted to look closely at his silver firefighter badge. Wilshire wanted to meet them, too. He wagged his tail as he greeted each child.
Did You Know?
A grown male Dalmatian weighs about 50 pounds (23 kg) and stands about 24 inches (60 cm) high. Females are slightly smaller.
Ryan knows that Wilshire is a good teacher. He helps kids remember important safety tips. It’s easy to forget when you read something, but when a dog shows you each tip, it stays in your mind.
“Wilshire’s presentation is fun,” said Ryan. “Kids love watching and learning from him.”
Wilshire often helps Ryan teach health and fitness, too. If people eat unhealthy foods and don’t get enough exercise, they may become overweight. Then they may suffer from health problems. Wilshire eats some fruits and vegetables to show how to make healthy food choices. He lifts a pretend barbell, or weight, to show the importance of working out. Ryan tells people that Wilshire runs on a treadmill at the fire station for 20 to 30 minutes a day. He exercises every morning with his firefighter friends. Go, Wilshire!
Did You Know?
The National Fire Protection Association uses a cartoon Dalmatian named Sparky to help people learn about fire safety.
Although Wilshire usually doesn’t help to fight the fires, he likes to travel in the fire truck, says Ryan. “What dog wouldn’t love a ride with lights flashing and sirens blaring and the wind in his face?”
Once, Wilshire and Ryan were coming back from giving a talk at a school. Suddenly, their truck got a call. There was a fire! The firefighters quickly put on their gear as the truck raced to the scene.
“When we arrived,” said Ryan, “we saw smoke coming from the building.” They jumped off the fire truck, grabbing ladders, tools, and the hoses needed to put the fire out.
Wilshire stayed in the truck with the windows rolled up. “He was barking like crazy,” said Ryan. He wanted to help!
Ryan and the other firefighters put out a fire on a stove in one of the apartments. No one was hurt. The smoke alarms had warned everyone to leave the building.