Join Host Dayna Hilton and her fire safety dogs as they share fun and educational ways to stay safe on Sparkles' Safety Spot! During this live stream we will be sharing the importance for children to tell a grown-up of they find matches or lighters. Don’t miss out on free downloadable safety materials after each safety spot. Sponsored by First Alert and the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation. 7-7:30 P.M. CST
Saturday, April 30, 2011
New Episode of Sparkles' Safety Spot Tuesday!
Join Host Dayna Hilton and her fire safety dogs as they share fun and educational ways to stay safe on Sparkles' Safety Spot! During this live stream we will be sharing the importance for children to tell a grown-up of they find matches or lighters. Don’t miss out on free downloadable safety materials after each safety spot. Sponsored by First Alert and the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation. 7-7:30 P.M. CST
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog in upcoming book!
You can pre-order the book that Sparkles is going to be in on Amazon.com, "Animals and the Kids Who Love Them". Thank you to Allen and Linda Anderson for electing and sharing Sparkles' story!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sparkles' 'Safety Spot April 19, 2011
The recording of Sparkles' Safety Spot that was live streamed this evening is now up.
Here's the link: http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=191301574.
Enjoy!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
#1 Sparkles Drive is Finished!
After spending nearly 400 hours, #1 Sparkles Drive is now complete, thanks to the wonderful craftmanship of Susan Heikkila of the Ward Fire Department (AR)! #1 Sparkles Drive is a 1/12th scale model of an old fashioned two story firehouse, complete with pole.
According to Susan, this little firehouse is "big on love and craftsmanship." And no wonder! Susan's passion for this project, along with her friend Suzanne Schwabb of Suzanne’s Dollhouses in O’Fallon, MO, was fueled to help Firefighter Dayna and the fire safety dogs and Friends of Sparkles raise funds* for Sparkles’ Pathway, a section of the Walk of Honor® at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation®.
The walkway will honor Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and her work with children and fire safety, and will help keep her memory alive in all the hearts that loved and knew her.
According to Susan, this little firehouse is "big on love and craftsmanship." And no wonder! Susan's passion for this project, along with her friend Suzanne Schwabb of Suzanne’s Dollhouses in O’Fallon, MO, was fueled to help Firefighter Dayna and the fire safety dogs and Friends of Sparkles raise funds* for Sparkles’ Pathway, a section of the Walk of Honor® at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation®.
The walkway will honor Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and her work with children and fire safety, and will help keep her memory alive in all the hearts that loved and knew her.
This firehouse will be raffled off in July. Stay tuned for upcoming information regarding the raffle.
To learn more about Sparkles’ pathway, visit http://www.sparklesthefiresafetydog.com/sparklesmemorialpathway.html and the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation, visit http://www.firehero.org/.
*Please note that this fundraising effort is not sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. It is sponsored by the Friends of Sparkles to help support the work of NFFF.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Congratulations, Siren!
Congratulations to Siren for passing his AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test!
Siren took several weeks of training at SMART DOGS Dog Training and grew up before my very eyes to become a well mannered dog! Siren loved attending and loved being around the other dogs. He learned many wonderful things from Mary, owner of SMART DOGS Dog Training, as did I. I'm not sure who learned more!
Below is Siren receiving his certificate from Mary:
Way to go, Siren! You're a good boy!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog's Fire Safety Tips on Sprout's Webpage
Sparkles' fire safety site on the PBS Kids Sprout webpage. Fun videos, games and activity sheets for the pre-schooler in your life! To go the page, click HERE.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Our sponsor, First Alert
It's official!
First Alert has been supporting our fire safety efforts since 2006. We are excited that they are the official sponsor of our program! If you look on Sparkles' blog, you will notice that we now have First Alert's logo on the page! Thank you to First Alert for sponsoring our fire safety efforts and for helping us keep children and their caregivers fire safe.
First Alert has been supporting our fire safety efforts since 2006. We are excited that they are the official sponsor of our program! If you look on Sparkles' blog, you will notice that we now have First Alert's logo on the page! Thank you to First Alert for sponsoring our fire safety efforts and for helping us keep children and their caregivers fire safe.
Sparkles and Sparkles' Pathway in National Fallen Firefighter Foundation's Survivor Newsletter
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation publishes a newsletter for survivors of fallen firefighters and others interested in issues that relate to line-of-duty death. The newsletter focuses on survivor issues, benefits, and Foundation programs.
We are very honored that Sparkles and Sparkles' Pathway is featured in their Winter 2011 issue. To view the article, click on the picture below. Sparkles' story is on page 6.
To learn more about Sparkles' Pathway and how you can help support the work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, click HERE.
We are very honored that Sparkles and Sparkles' Pathway is featured in their Winter 2011 issue. To view the article, click on the picture below. Sparkles' story is on page 6.
To learn more about Sparkles' Pathway and how you can help support the work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, click HERE.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Surf Dog Ricochet and Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Raise over $5,000 for Target's Bunker
Our latest press release!
SURF DOG RICOCHET & SPARKLES THE FIRE SAFETY DOG RAISE $5074 FOR TARGET THE HERO DOG EUTHANIZED AFTER SAVING LIVES IN AFGHANISTAN
SAN DIEGO, CA, January 31, 2011… More than $5000 has been raised for Target's Bunker in a fundraiser that came out of USA Today's Most Heroic dog of 2010. Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog, and Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog were among the five nominees, along with Target, the Afghanistan dog who saved many soldiers lives, only to lose hers to an erroneous euthanization. Ricochet & Sparkles turned their votes into voices for Target, and began raising funds and awareness for her.On January 7th, Ricochet and Sparkles asked their supporters to turn their votes into voices during USA Today's Most Heroic Dog of 2010. In addition, they started a fundraiser to help Target's Bunker, an organization founded by Target's family. Donations came in from all over the country. Thanks to their generous donors, $5074 has been raised.
Target saved the lives of many soldiers in Afghanistan when a suicide bomber walked into a Border Patrol compound. Target, along with two other stray dogs, attacked the bomber. Despite the bombing... she survived. SGT Terry Young adopted Target, and brought her back to live with him in Arizona. One Friday afternoon, Target got out of the yard, and ended up in a shelter. Tragically, by Monday morning, she was erroneously euthanized. Target's Bunker has been formed with the hope of keeping another tragedy like Target's from happening ever again.
As this fundraiser comes to a close, a check for $5074 will be presented to SGT Terry Young in the name of Target's Bunker. Since Target's Bunker is in it's infancy stages of development, both Ricochet and Sparkles will continue their support of Target's Bunker through their individual non profit organizations. They encourage you to make tax deductible donations through either of their pages:
Puppy Prodigies/Surf Dog Ricochet, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, "A Tidal Wave for Target's Bunker" Fundraiser
SURF DOG RICOCHET & SPARKLES THE FIRE SAFETY DOG RAISE $5074 FOR TARGET THE HERO DOG EUTHANIZED AFTER SAVING LIVES IN AFGHANISTAN
SAN DIEGO, CA, January 31, 2011… More than $5000 has been raised for Target's Bunker in a fundraiser that came out of USA Today's Most Heroic dog of 2010. Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog, and Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog were among the five nominees, along with Target, the Afghanistan dog who saved many soldiers lives, only to lose hers to an erroneous euthanization. Ricochet & Sparkles turned their votes into voices for Target, and began raising funds and awareness for her.On January 7th, Ricochet and Sparkles asked their supporters to turn their votes into voices during USA Today's Most Heroic Dog of 2010. In addition, they started a fundraiser to help Target's Bunker, an organization founded by Target's family. Donations came in from all over the country. Thanks to their generous donors, $5074 has been raised.
Target saved the lives of many soldiers in Afghanistan when a suicide bomber walked into a Border Patrol compound. Target, along with two other stray dogs, attacked the bomber. Despite the bombing... she survived. SGT Terry Young adopted Target, and brought her back to live with him in Arizona. One Friday afternoon, Target got out of the yard, and ended up in a shelter. Tragically, by Monday morning, she was erroneously euthanized. Target's Bunker has been formed with the hope of keeping another tragedy like Target's from happening ever again.
As this fundraiser comes to a close, a check for $5074 will be presented to SGT Terry Young in the name of Target's Bunker. Since Target's Bunker is in it's infancy stages of development, both Ricochet and Sparkles will continue their support of Target's Bunker through their individual non profit organizations. They encourage you to make tax deductible donations through either of their pages:
Puppy Prodigies/Surf Dog Ricochet, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, "A Tidal Wave for Target's Bunker" Fundraiser
Ricochet and Sparkles believe thousands and thousands of dollars can be raised for hero dog, Target, and ask folks around the world to join their quest by making a donation, and/or help raise awareness by getting the word out about their initiatives... which will ultimately save lives.
For more information, contact Judy Fridono/SurfDog Ricochet at pawinspired@aol.com, 707-228-0679 or Dayna Hilton/Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog at sparkles@sparklesthefiresafetydog.com, 479-979-7328 http://www.sparklesthefiresafetydog.com
Helping out Emma Zen
Our good friend, Emma Zen is trying to raise money to purchase oxygen masks for fire departments. The dogs and I wanted to help out, so we are sent Emma Zen 5 copies of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog books and 5 audio books. This book has been credited with helping save the lives of 9 people and we are so happy to help support a good cause!
We help out with many causes, including helping Target's Bunker along with Surf Dog Richochet, the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation, and supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Helping out Emma Zen
Our good friend, Emma Zen Chiapuzio is trying to
raise money to purchase oxygen masks for fire departments. The dogs and I wanted to help out, so we are sending her 5 copies of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog books and 5 audio books. This book has been credited with helping save the lives of 9 people and we are so happy to help support a good cause!
raise money to purchase oxygen masks for fire departments. The dogs and I wanted to help out, so we are sending her 5 copies of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog books and 5 audio books. This book has been credited with helping save the lives of 9 people and we are so happy to help support a good cause!We help out with many causes, including helping Target's Bunker along with Surf Dog Richochet, the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation, and supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
#1 Sparkles Drive
#1 Sparkles Drive is a 1/12th scale model of an old fashioned two story firehouse, complete with pole. This little firehouse is big on love and craftsmanship.
The firehouse, donated by Suzanne Schwabb of Suzanne’s Dollhouses in O’Fallon, MO and crafted by Susan Heikkila of the Ward Fire Department, will help raise funds for Sparkles’ Pathway, a section of the Walk of Honor® at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation®. The walkway will honor Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and her work with children and fire safety, and keep her memory alive in all the hearts that loved and knew her.
Firefighter Heikkila has raised funding for other ventures and is performing her miniature magic again to bring this firehouse to life.
This firehouse will be raffled off soon, so stay tuned!
To learn more about Sparkles’ pathway, visit http://www.sparklesthefiresafetydog.com/sparklesmemorialpathway.html and the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation, visit http://www.firehero.org.
Stay tuned for in progress/under construction reports.
Breaking ground
#1 Sparkles Drive permit
Beautiful furniture by Susan!
The firehouse bay area
Sparkles' Dressing Table
The firehouse, donated by Suzanne Schwabb of Suzanne’s Dollhouses in O’Fallon, MO and crafted by Susan Heikkila of the Ward Fire Department, will help raise funds for Sparkles’ Pathway, a section of the Walk of Honor® at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation®. The walkway will honor Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and her work with children and fire safety, and keep her memory alive in all the hearts that loved and knew her.
Firefighter Heikkila has raised funding for other ventures and is performing her miniature magic again to bring this firehouse to life.
This firehouse will be raffled off soon, so stay tuned!
To learn more about Sparkles’ pathway, visit http://www.sparklesthefiresafetydog.com/sparklesmemorialpathway.html and the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation, visit http://www.firehero.org.
Stay tuned for in progress/under construction reports.
About Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog: To learn more about Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog, click HERE.
About Suzanne: Although not in fire service, Suzanne is a big supporter of firefighters everywhere, and donated the wonderful gift of this firehouse. She has helped with funding a firehouse/fundraising program in several states. Her first venture in AR was is partnership with Firefighter Susan Heikkila, Ward Fire Dept.
About Susan: For those of you that made it to the convention in Hot Springs this year, a firehouse made by Susan was auctioned to help build the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial.
Thank you to Suzanne and Susan for this amazing gift! More pictures to come, so stay tuned!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Nominated as Most Heroic Dog of 2010 by USA Today
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog, rescued from a home with 62 other dogs and who helped save the lives of 7 children and 2 adults from fire with her fire safety efforts, has been nominated for USA Today's Most Heroic Dog of 2010.
Sparkles is honored to share this nomination with four other amazing dogs, including Target, who was an amazing heroic dog.
Five year old Angelica shared this story with me, "Firefighter Dayna~ I was in bed under the 'cobers' and the smoke came. I crawled out of bed and crawled low, just like Sparkles [the Fire Safety Dog] showed me to. I said, 'C'mon daddy, you have to get on the floor and crawl low like Sparkles.'"
By this time, her dad was disoriented because he had been standing in the smoke filled room. Thankfully, he was able to follow Angelica out of the house. The firefighters later shared with me that Angelica's father followed her out of the home and they said that as soon as he reached the door, the firefighters scooped him up and took him to the hospital (where he spent 7 days~ 4 in ICU). Immediately after they carried him away from the front door, the firefighters stated that the home flashed over (a "flashover" is where the home totally becomes engulfed in flames).
You may watch a video of the story of Sparkles' life saving efforts and hear more about this incredible story HERE.
Although Sparkles recently passed away, her passion for helping keep children fire safe will live on. Thank you to USA Today for nominating Sparkles and for helping raise awareness of the importance of fire safety.
Sparkles is honored to share this nomination with four other amazing dogs, including Target, who was an amazing heroic dog.
Five year old Angelica shared this story with me, "Firefighter Dayna~ I was in bed under the 'cobers' and the smoke came. I crawled out of bed and crawled low, just like Sparkles [the Fire Safety Dog] showed me to. I said, 'C'mon daddy, you have to get on the floor and crawl low like Sparkles.'"
By this time, her dad was disoriented because he had been standing in the smoke filled room. Thankfully, he was able to follow Angelica out of the house. The firefighters later shared with me that Angelica's father followed her out of the home and they said that as soon as he reached the door, the firefighters scooped him up and took him to the hospital (where he spent 7 days~ 4 in ICU). Immediately after they carried him away from the front door, the firefighters stated that the home flashed over (a "flashover" is where the home totally becomes engulfed in flames).
You may watch a video of the story of Sparkles' life saving efforts and hear more about this incredible story HERE.
Although Sparkles recently passed away, her passion for helping keep children fire safe will live on. Thank you to USA Today for nominating Sparkles and for helping raise awareness of the importance of fire safety.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thank you to Ms. Karen's Class for the Pictures!
In November, Siren and I had the opportunity to Skype with Ms. Karen's class in Canada. We had so much fun! Recently we received some pictures that Ms. Karen sent us and we couldn't wait to share them!
Speaking of pictures, we really love the picture below! This is a picture of a special place in Ms. Karen's classroom. Didn't the student do a great job? The fire safety dogs and I love it!
Thank you Ms. Karen and to all of the very sweet students in Canada! We had so much fun visiting with your during our Skype visit!
If you would like to learn more about our Skype Visits, click HERE. Imagine your students meeting a real fire safety dog! Invite Author Dayna Hilton and the fire safety dogs into your classroom or library to video chat via Skype!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Siren's New Training Video
Siren [the Fire Safety Dog] is working hard to learn how to become a fire safety dog, just like Sparkles. This video is of Siren training at four months old.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Spotlight on Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Coloring Book illustrator Eileen Edwards
Spotlight on Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Coloring Book illustrator Eileen Edwards.
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We are so very excited that Firehouse Dog Publishing's Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Coloring Book, is doing so well! In the hands of children, this book will help keep children and their caregivers fire safe.
The 28-page coloring book is a perfect stand-alone coloring book or companion piece to Sparkles Goes to Boston and Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog. Children learn how Sparkles achieves her dream of becoming a real fire safety dog as well as learning valuable fire safety tips to help keep them and their families fire safe.
Eileen is a multi-talented artist that has had success in different mediums. A graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, she has worked in graphic arts, display, fine art and portraiture. She has also designed and constructed figure skating dresses for clients all over the world and has been a seamstress for televised shows involving Olympic skaters. Eileen lives in Pennsylvania with her three children, six rescued Dalmatians, one mixed breed, a Jack Russell Terrier and a cat.
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We love Eileen's work and she truly captures Sparkles and her heart.
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A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation.
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Thursday, December 23, 2010
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Memorial Pathway on the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation's Walk of Honor
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has designated a special section in the Walk of Honor to honor and remember Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and her fire safety efforts. Please consider joining this worthy cause by making a donation for a brick in this special section.
The brick walkway links the official National Fallen Firefighters Monument honoring all fallen firefighter heroes to the historic firefighters Chapel as it winds its way through the National Memorial Park, site of the annual National Memorial service. Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in 1992 to honor all fallen firefighters and to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives.
Now is the time to show your support for fire safety education and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation by helping to complete this permanent tribute to the American fire service.
Attached you will find a information on Sparkles' Memorial pathway on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Walk of Honor in Emmitsburg, Maryland at the National Fire Academy campus.
You have two options for ordering bricks (please note the first option has very short deadline of December 31): 1)The first bricks will be laid in June. In order to have your bricks laid at that time, please contact Judy Whitlow at 301-447-7913 December 30th (she will be in the office the rest of the day today and from the 27th-30th) 2) All breaks ordered after December 31 will be placed on Sparkles' walkway at a later time.
A memorial service is being planned for June in Emmitsburg. More information will be forthcoming.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Happy Holidays from our friends at the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation
Happy Holidays from the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation.
The Foundation Board and staff would like to thank you for helping support the foundation and its programs.
The Foundation Board and staff would like to thank you for helping support the foundation and its programs.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
New Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Column on Sparkles' Kids Zone on firelife.com!
Sparkles talks about the fire safety dog's recent appearance on Rainbow's Rescue Romp with their friend Rainbow Diamond, shares fan photos, and more!
Click on the picture below to see all the fun!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Today's Mail.....
Tango, Siren and I were very surprised to receive a special package in the mail today.
In the mail was a box from California, and I was happy to see that it was from a fellow dal and Facebook friend, Gabriel L. Martinez and his family.
Below is the note that was enclosed in the package:
Words don't know how to thank you for this very thoughtful gift from you and your family, Gabriel.
Thank you so much,
Dayna, Robert, Michael, Tango and Siren
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
New Coloring Page!
Attention kids, parents, teachers and fire departments. Have you checked out Sparkles the Fire Safety Dogs' fun fire safety activity and coloring pages? Check them out! We're adding new ones all of the time! Just click on the picture of Sparkles to see more!
Webmasters and bloggers: 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!
New Coloring Page!
Click the button below to download more free coloring pages!
Bloggers and webmasters: Please feel free to add the button above to your blog or webpage 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!
Siren the Fire Safety Dog has new Facebook Page!
Siren would love for you to join his Facebook page! Click on the picture of Siren to be his friend.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
New Firefighter Dayna and the Fire Safety Dogs Program and Skype Request Form
Click on the button below to submit your request!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Ringtone now Available for iPhone Users
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog ringtone by Michael Post and Roger Haak now available for iPhone users. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation.
Order directly on your iPhone.
Kids love it!
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