Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog in Parents Magazine

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog, featured in this month’s issue of Parents Magazine in the full page article, “Kindergartner Saves Dad from Burning Home.” The article follows on the heal of a three page spread featuring Sparkles in the July issue of Cesar’s Way Magazine.

The magazine, with a circulation of 15.3 million, shares the story of 5 year old Angelica Riggins, who was able to save herself and her dad, Kenneth, from their burning home. Angelica had attended a fire safety presentation at her school by Sparkles and her owner, Firefighter Dayna Hilton just two months prior. Angelica attributed her action of knowing “exactly what to do” to save herself and her father by crawling low under the smoke to get out of the house.

Sparkles has received national recognition throughout her years as a fire safety dog and has been featured in Cesar’s Way, Dog Fancy, Dog World, DogSport, and FIDO Friendly magazines, USA Today.com, People Magazine.com, AOL.com's “Paw Nation”, FOX and Friends, PBS KIDS Sprout and on an Animal Planet e-newsletter.

To learn more about Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog, visit http://www.sparklesthefiresafetydog.com.

Printable version of Press Release

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and Author Dayna Hilton Celebrating Release!

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and Author Dayna Hilton are celebrating the release of the 2nd edition of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog! After a successful print of 15,000 of the first edition, the new edition is now available by ordering at your local bookstore and on Amazon.com.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation.

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog in Norwegian Magazine!

Thank you to Miriam, one of Sparkle's friends from Norway, who included Sparkles in her Dalmatian Club Magazine! Miriams club has almost 600 members!

Miriam, thank you to you and to everyone in your club for sharing Sparkle's story! We are truly honored!

Click on the picture of the magazine cover to see the article!

Daryn Kagan Makes Inspirational Video about Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Thank you to Daryn Kagan for helping share Sparkles' story and the fire safety message. We would also like to thank Daryn for including Sparkles in her second book, all about inspiring animals and featuring her 3-legged wonder cat, Tripod that will be published by Guideposts Books in April 2011. We are truly honored!



Daryn Kagan is the creator and host of DarynKagan.com, an inspirational online community that features a daily Web cast of stories that, "Show the World What is Possible." DarynKagan.com has become a daily destination for thousands of Internet users who seek news stories that inspire. Launched in November 2006, the Atlanta Journal Constitution described DarynKagan.com as "a lively gathering spot," while the Boston Globe noted DarynKagan.com is "bucking the media tide," with its "emphasis on stories that illustrate the triumph of the human spirit."

Before heading into cyberspace, Daryn anchored both news and sports for CNN. Described by the Los Angeles Times as a "CNN mainstay," Daryn traveled the world during her 12-year tenure at CNN, and reported live on-site during numerous global events, including the war in Iraq from Kuwait. Daryn also reported from Africa during a 10-day tour with rock band U2's Bono and U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, and provided the CNN News networks with in-depth reports on AIDS and famine. Her reports were featured on CNN.com, along with a daily blog that chronicled her reports, experiences, and travels in Africa. Additionally, Daryn reported from across the U.S. to cover numerous Presidential elections, the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, and the hunt for the Washington, D.C. sniper.

Daryn was on the air live during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. She reported throughout that day and covered the unfolding event from CNN's world headquarters in Atlanta, as well as from the network's Washington, D.C., bureau, as the crisis turned into a search-and-rescue mission that evolved into a war on terrorism. Before joining the news team on CNN, Daryn served as a news anchor and reporter for CNN/Sports Illustrated, the 24-hour sports news network from CNN and Sports Illustrated, covering such major events as the Super Bowl, the NBA playoffs and international figure skating.

To read more inspirational stories, visit Daryn's site HERE.

Thanks, Daryn!

Stay safe everyone!

New Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Video!

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog on Lola Belle, the Canine Correspondent's Blog!

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog on Lola Belle, the Canine Correspondent's blog!

Thank you to my good friend, Lola Belle, for a wonderful interview! Read the interview HERE!

I made Lola Belle an Honorary Fire Safety Dog today! Congratulations, Lola Belle! Woof!

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Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog on Local Station

Friends of Sparkles with their copies of Cesar's Way Magazine

The pictures are coming in! Friends of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog were asked to take a picture of their four-legged friend or child with the cover of the July issue of Cesar's Way Magazine (or the article about Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog). These entries go into a drawing to win some very special items to help keep you and your family safe!

Thurman and Brian checking out the article

Thurman and Brian's mom, Devri, posing with her copy of Cesar's Way Magazine.

We can't wait to see your pictures! Click HERE to learn more about how to submit your photo!

Let's Celebrate Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog being featured in Cesar's Way Magazine!

Let's celebrate!

A note from Sparkles!

I am one lucky dog! Thanks so Cesar Millan, an article about my journey to become a fire safety dog, as well as valuable fire safety tips to help keep you and your family safe, are in the July 2010 issue of Cesar's Way Magazine.

Take a picture of your four-legged friend or child with the cover of the July issue of Cesar's Way Magazine (or the article about Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog) and your name will go into a drawing to win some very special items to help keep you and your family safe!

A random drawing will be held to select one winner who will receive one of the very first copies of the revision of Sparkles' children's fire safety book, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog, due to be released in July! The book will be autographed by Children's Author Firefighter Dayna Hilton and "pawtographed" by Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog!
The winner will also receive a Talking Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm from our good friends at First Alert! Woof!





Send your photo to me, Sparkles, along with the name of your four-legged friend(s) to sparkles@sparklesthefiresafetydog.com (include "Cesar's Way Magazine" in the subject line) or upload your photo on Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog's Facebook page. One entry per person. All countries welcome! I love my friends from all across the world! Drawing to be held June 31, 2010. Good luck and stay safe my friends!

This contest not affiliated with Cesar's Way.

Cesar's Way Magazine Features the Inspirational Story of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Seven years ago, I was surfing the internet looking to add a Dalmatian to our family and found “Daisy” on the Dalmatian Assistance League of Tulsa website. Never in a million years did I ever dream that that would be the beginning of our journey in the fire service together. We have been blessed with having so many amazing to share the fire safety message far and wide to millions of children and their caregivers.

Thanks to Cesar Millan and everyone at Cesar’s Way Magazine, Sparkles’ story will be shared in a three page spread in the July issue of the magazine. We couldn’t be more honored and excited! And, the icing on the cake is that the magazine will also include fire safety tips. This means more to Sparkles and me more than anything. Helping save the lives of children and their caregivers, reducing injuries and decreasing property loss from fire, that is our mission. Every fiber of our being is dedicated to helping keep everyone safe!

Sparkles and I would like to share a very special thank you with Rick Markham, the writer of Sparkles’ inspirational story. Rick, we appreciate you more than you know and we enjoyed the whole experience so very much!

According to his website, Cesar has been called a Dr. Phil for dogs, and for good reason. Cesar's amazing rehabilitations of aggressive, scared, lazy, compulsive, and jealous dogs captured the national spotlight when his National Geographic Channel (NGC) series Dog Whisperer premiered in September 2004. Regular viewers soon came to realize it wasn't the dogs but the quirky owners who needed Cesar's help the most. In January 2006, Dog Whisperer returned for a primetime second season with expanded hour-long episodes.

Cesar’s Way is an all-inclusive lifestyle magazine for loving and dedicated dog owners. This publication was founded by and is editorially directed by Cesar Millan, an internationally known professional dog trainer and truly an expert in his field. Also known as “The Dog Whisperer,” Cesar offers his readership authoritative practices, philosophies, and teachings. Every issue of Cesar’s Way includes real-life testimonials, feature articles, exclusive interviews, and advice columns. This publication provides information on a wide range of relevant topics, such as nutrition, behavior, familial assimilation, training, and more. The articles in Cesar’s Way focus on specific issues that all canine owners come across; for example, how to prepare your dog for travel, how to maintain a pup-friendly home, how to connect with your dog’s energy levels, and much more. Sections titled “Your Photos…” and “Pup Stars” are included in every issue, and feature the adorable and melt-worthy pictures that any canine-lover will look forward to. Cesar’s Way helps dog owners be effective disciplinarians, while instilling comfort and confidence into the beloved relationships they share with man’s best friend.”

The issue will be out on the shelves in a couple of weeks. We would love to hear what you think about the article!

Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan Airs Fridays, 8 PM ET/PT on National Geographic

Learning to Draw Sparkles

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am trying to learn how to draw so that I can capture Sparkles on paper.

It has gone from being challenging, to being so much fun!

Today, I applied many of the concepts that I learned in Sandra Angela's books. She is truly my Fairy Art Mother!

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog's New Banner!

Learning to Draw with Art Coach Sandra Angelo

Ever since I was little, I have loved to draw. The only problem is that I am not very good at it!

Even though I have two degrees; one in art and one in communications, you wouldn't know that I have one it art as I tend to draw very simple figures.

Over the years, I have met some of the most amazing people on Facebook, and Sandra Angelo is one of them. An incredible artist that I really look up to, she has a passion for drawing and teaching others to become artists.

I contacted Sandra several months ago and shared with her that I would like to be able to draw pictures of Sparkles to help support the work of the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation. I had two big challenges facing me~ One is that I tend to be a perfectionist and the other is the lack of time for any "down time" due to our very busy schedule (I am a volunteer who works 14-16 hour days on fire safety projects).

After visiting with Sandra, I realized that her program was perfect for me, and without further hesitation, I signed up to take Sandra's 90 Day Home Study Course, "Draw PETS 101."

In Sandra's first book, she talked about the importance of spending at least 30 minutes a day on art and shared arts therapeutic value. I loved the concept, but was in the middle of our Midwest Fire Safety Tour. It seemed like I kept putting this project off because I was "too busy" or maybe even a bit scared that I would like this drawing so much that it would take me away from what I love to do. Not true I later learned!

Over the past few days, I finally committed myself to begin reading Sandra's books and finally got to put Sandra's teachings into when I got to Book Four.

Today's project was "Draw the Dog's Eye." I don't know about you, but I love starting "small" and this activity was just right!

I started out by drawing the outline of the eye first and have to admit that I was so nervous that the pencil was shaking!

After I got into the "groove" of drawing, I was starting to have fun and actually enjoyed it! It was very relaxing!

Here is a picture of my finished assignment. Sandra's drawing is on the top, and mine is on the bottom:

I am looking forward to the challenge and spending many more relaxing days drawing!

New Sparkles Goes to Boston Coloring Page

Click on the picture below and print your very own coloring page!

Please feel free to add this button to help spread the fire safety message. Together, we can help keep children and their caregivers fire safe!

A special thank you to Eileen Edwards for this wonderful drawing!

Top Secret Draft of Sparkles Goes to Boston Read for the Very First Time!

Today was a very big day! The children in Mrs. Kelly Grigby's class at Clarksville Primary School were the first children to see our next children's fire safety book, Sparkles Goes to Boston.

It was a wonderful day and Sparkles and I would like to thank Principal Steve Ziegler, Mrs. Grigsby, and the students in Mrs. Grigsby's class for their wonderful, honest feedback!

My New Keepsake Bracelet from Heritage Makers

While the fire safety dogs and I were on our Midwest fire safety tour, I was excited to get home to find a box with my new keepsake bracelet by Lisa Taron.

Lisa and I met over Facebook and she is one very special person! Lisa is one of the Founding Directors (Independent Consultant) of Heritage Makers, the Online Publishing and Digital Scrapbooking Company, I learned very early on that Lisa is very passionate about helping people celebrate the love for their pets with her products.


I have got to tell you~ I love my new bracelet of Sparkles! When Sparkles can not travel with me, I feel as though she is always there with me in spirit and the bracelet makes me smile and think of her and the many good times that we have shared when I look at it. The bracelet is so special to me, that I have already given my family instructions that I want it to be with me when pass on someday. That way, Sparkles will always be with me.

Thank you, Lisa! I just love my new bracelet!

Frankie and Sparkles' Two Dogs Rollin' Big Give Away!

In celebration of the Frankie and Sparkles Two Dogs Rollin’ Tour, we are giving away some really exciting items, worth $175.00! Hurry, the deadline is May 1st!

Items include:

• One copy of the award-winning critically acclaimed children’s fire safety book, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog. The book will be signed by author Firefighter Dayna Hilton and “pawed” by Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog
• One copy of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog audio book
• One copy of the multi-award winning Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog book. The book will be signed by author Barbara Techel and "pawtographed" by Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog
• One copy of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog activity book.
• Two Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog collector’s pins
• Two Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog collector’s pins
• One First Alert combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm
• One First Alert Tundra Fire Extinguishing Spray
• One First Alert two story escape ladder
• One First Alert battery operated combination smoke alarm (the voice alarm is really easy to program even notifies you which hazard is being sensed!)
  
  Learn more about this amazing give-away at Frankie and Sparkles' Blog!

Pictured with some of loot are Frankie and Sparkles. It's easy, its fun and it's free! So, tell all your friends and help spread the word!

A huge thanks from Frankie and Sparkles to our friends at First Alert! Working together we can help keep children and their caregivers fire safe.

Frankie & Sparkles' Story is Spreading Far and Wide!

Thank you to FIDO Friendly Magazine for featuring our story on their blog! Read all about it at Frankie and Sparkles: Heroes Unite.

Another thank you goes out to Petit Fours & Tea with Pops for finding our story and falling in love with us-- we love when that happens! Thank you!

FIDO Friendly Magazine Blog Features Frankie and Sparkles' Story

High paw to FIDO Friendly Magazine for featuring Sparkles and Frankie's story on their blog! Real all about it at Frankie and Sparkles: Heroes Unite.


A huge thank you goes out to Petit Fours & Tea with Pops for finding Frankie and Sparkles' story and falling in love with them-- we love when that happens!

Visit to the Iowa Fallen Firefighter's Memorial

On the way from Chicago to Omaha, Sparkles, Tango and I stopped by the Iowa Fallen Firefighter's Memorial. What a beautiful tribute to those who died in the line of duty in Iowa.

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog on USA Today website

We are so excited that Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog and Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog on the USA Today's Paw Print Post. A huge thank you to reporter Janice Lloyd for covering the historic event! View the story HERE!

Fire Safety Educator Dayna Hilton on FireEMS.com

Recently I had the opportunity to be interviewed by FireEMS.com where I shared some tips geared toward fire safety educators and fire departments. A few of these tips included conducting a risk assessment, low cost fire safety programming ideas, etc...

Thanks to everyone at FireEMS.com for allowing me the opportunity to share with others! To listen to the podcast, please click HERE.

Sparkles the FIre Safety Dog on AOL's Paw Nation

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog is featured on AOL's Paw Nation website. Thank you to Kristen Seymour and everyone at AOL's Paw Nation for helping share Sparkles' story! We appreciate you helping share the fire safety message.

You may view this wonderful article HERE.

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog on Pet Book Lady's blog

Thanks so much to the Pet Book Lady, Lisa, for sharing such wonderful information about Sparkles! You may visit Lisa's blog post HERE.

Frankie and Sparkles "Two Dogs Rollin' Adventure

As many of you may know, I met Barbara Techel and her amazing friend, Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog on Facebook.

In February, Frankie and Sparkles got to meet for the very first time during a skype presentation for the boys and girls at Clarksville Primary. Sparkles and Frankie made history that day and it was a day that I will remember forever!

So if you think that was fun, you haven't heard anything yet!! Wait until you hear the big news! We have a surprise and we couldn't wait to share it with you.

Frankie and Barbara live in Wisconsin and Sparkles and I live in Arkansas. Sparkles and I will be em "barking" on a big adventure and will be traveling to Wisconsin and we will meet in person! Not only will we meet for the first time, but we have some special things planned.

Wednesday, April 7th: Sparkles' and I roll into Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin for the official sniff and greet!
Thursday, April 8th: Sparkles' and Frankie, along with Mom's Dayna and Barbara head over to Elkhart Lake Fire Station for day of photo shoots and video coverage.
This documentation will be put together into a future e-book!
Friday, April 9th: Sparkles' and Frankie roll on over to Elkhart Lake/Glenbeulah Elementary School to do a first time ever, special presentation for K-5 boys and girls. Sparkles' and Frankie will then do a Skype presentation from Frankie's home in Elkhart Lake and chat live with students in elementary school in Western Canada. Karen Keys, teacher/librarian is thrilled for this opportunity for her students!

So do keep checking back as we share the unfolding of our big adventure, Two Dogs Rollin'!

To view the media release, click HERE.