Cesar's Way Magazine Features Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

I'm so happy for my pal, Sparkles.. So happy in fact, I did wheelies in my wheelchair!! Her story of all the wonderful work she has done in helping keep kids safe from fires is in the wildly popular Cesar Milan's magazine in the July issue on newsstands soon. Be sure to get yourself a copy-- I can't believe all the good things that have happened for Sparkles (and me!) since we both met in April--as mom would say, "What divine timing it all was."  Ok, sure mom, not sure what that means... just arf-a-roo happy for Sparkles! 

Mom had the honor of receiving a sneak preview of this inspiring article. As I sat nestled in my periwinkle bed, my periwinkle star blankie covering me, Mom read me Sparkles story. Her voice cracked reading the last paragraph and she had to pause before going on... I licked her hand to say, "It's okay to cry Mommy." Mom said the story touched her so because of how hard Sparkles' and her mom have worked to keep kids safe-- they are passionate about their mission and it shows in all they do-- as well as the lives they have saved, which is outlined beautifully in the story written by writer, Rick Markham.

And the best part of all for families are the fire safety tips highlighted in the story! You'll want to cut them out, along with Sparkles awesome picture and paste to your refrigerator.

Congratulations, Sparkles! I wish you were here so I could hug you-- sending all our virtual love.

For more on this exciting story be sure to visit Sparkles the Fire Safety Blog.

New Media Release from Frankie and Sparkles' Big Adventure 2010

Just wanted to share the press release our Frankie and Sparkles' Big Adventure 2010. Since our last blog post, our moms have found out that Frankie and I will be skyping to a school in Canada while Firefighter Dayna and Sparkles' are in Wisconsin. How cool is that? My mom and I, and Firefighter Dayna and Sparkles will be skyping across the border and we couldn't be more excited! Be sure to follow our blog to follow our big adventure!

TWO CANINE CELEBRITIES JOIN FORCES TO TEACH FIRE SAFETY AND HELP OTHERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Two Dogs Rollin’: Frankie and Sparkles Big Adventure 2010
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Shows Local School Children How To Get Low and Go and
Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Encourages School Children to Help those with Special Needs

Friday, April 9th, 2010 10:30am and 1:00pm

WHO: Sparkles, a fire safety savvy Dalmatian resplendent in her red service vest along with her human mom, educator and volunteer firefighter Dayna Hilton.
Frankie, an exuberant disabled dachshund outfitted with special harness to help her walk along with her human mom, author and educator, Barbara Techel.
Elkhart Lake/Glenbeulah Elementary School
Western Canada Elementary School

WHAT: History in the making! After meeting on Facebook and Skype this past year, Sparkles and Dayna travel from Arkansas to meet Barbara and Frankie at their home in Wisconsin. They are coming together for this first time ever event to help children stay safe in case of a fire, and to encourage children to be of service by helping those with special needs. They will first present in person (and dog!) to elementary students at Elkhart Lake/Glenbeulah Elementary School. They will sign books and pose for photos. They will then present via webcam and the technology of Skype from Barbara’s home in Elkhart Lake to Karen Keys, teacher librarian, and students from a elementary school in western Canada.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. and 1:00pm, April 9th, 2010

WHERE: Elkhart Lake/Glenbeulah Elementary School at 10:30am followed by 1:00pm presentation via Skype from Barbara and Frankie’s home in Elkhart Lake.

WHY: As children follow the adventures of Sparkles, they learn valuable fire safety tips enabling them and their families to keep safe. These tips include recognizing the firefighter as a helper and friend, knowing the sound and purpose of a smoke alarm, learning how to crawl low under smoke, and understanding the importance of practicing a home fire drill using an escape map. Also as children follow the adventures of Frankie, they learn how to be positive when faced with any challenge. They learn despite a challenge they can be of service and help out in their communities. Along with Sparkles, Frankie will encourage children to be aware of those with special needs in the event of a fire to help them stay safe as well.

VISUALS: Sparkles, Dayna, Frankie, and Barbara will show:

· How Sparkles teaches children to get low and go in case of a fire
· How to get low and go to your outside meeting place
· Knowing the sound and importance of smoke alarms
· The importance of being of service and helping those with physical challenges stay safe.
· Sparkles and Dayna’s book “Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog.”
· Frankie and Barbara’s “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog” book series.

OTHER: Both dogs love children, educating them on fire safety and being of service and going to work, while both mom’s of these special dogs are grateful for the opportunities their dogs have brought them and are passionate in helping and encouraging children of all ages. For more information please visit their blog http://www.frankieandsparkles.com/

Life-Saving Important Message from Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog!

Thank you my good friend, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog for reminding all of us that with Daylight Savings Time we need to change the batteries on our smoke alarms!!  And a reminder if you know of someone with special needs who may need help changing their batteries, please lend a helping hand.  It's a good thing... and it will make your heart feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Guaranteed!

Video Footage of Frankie and Sparkles Historic Day!

Sparkles and I had one of the best days ever in dog history when we were able to meet because of the help of Skype... we were tail-waggin excited to share our messages of never giving up hope, overcoming challenges and fire safety with all of the kids from Clarksville Primary School in Arkansas.  Teachers, kids and even the principal just loved it!  Arf-a-roo!!

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Frankie and Sparkles Make History!

It is a day I will never forget!  Read the full press release below... and be sure to check out my new blog with Sparkles... Frankie and Sparkles for upcoming, fun projects we two canine friends will be doing together!

Canine Friends Visit via Skype to Make History


Author Barbara Techel and her paralyzed dog, Frankie, along with Author Firefighter Dayna Hilton and her dog, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog, came together today via the internet to educate children about disabilities and fire safety.

Clarksville, AR- Two educators of the four-legged variety from different parts of the country, came together today to share fire safety with the children of Clarksville Primary School.

The first presentation of its kind in the country, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog from Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog from Clarksville, Arkansas, along with a little support from their human friends, children's authors, Barbara Techel and Firefighter Dayna Hilton, participated in this historic event. The four participated in a Skype visit, sharing the importance of fire safety and encouraging children who may have family or friends with physical challenges to help them have a plan, among other fire safety messages, so they and their families and friends can help stay safe from fire.

500 plus children sat glued to their seats as they listened intently as Frankie and Barbara shared their story of inspiration and hope. The students clapped and cheered loudly when Frankie and Sparkles met virtually for the first time. Kathy Howell, library media specialist for the school, was not sure initially how the visit via Skype would go as the school had never participated in one before. Excited about the end result, Howell stated, “The presentation was tremendous, and the excitement from the children continued throughout the day.”

“It was cool watching Frankie and Sparkles make history,” said one six year old student.

With the help of their new four-legged friends, Frankie and Sparkles, the children of Clarksville Primary School now have the tools necessary to stay safe, be positive, and keep on rolling.

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History of Frankie and Sparkles’ first Skype visit:

Techel, one of the pioneers of Skype author visits, met Hilton over Facebook and the two developed a unique fire safety program for schools, with a little help from Frankie and Sparkles. The two plan to bring Sparkles and Frankie together again with their messages in future Skype visits, so more children across the country will benefit.

About Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog:

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, is a dachshund who suffered a debilitating spinal injury and now walks with the aid of a doggie wheelchair. For the past two years, Frankie has been helping children of all ages realize that their challenges can be overcome by having a positive attitude, and despite these challenges, they can be a contributing member of society in their own unique way. Frankie is the mascot for National Disabled Pets Day and is the 2009 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog. Frankie’s motto is, “Always be positive, make a difference, and keep on rolling!”

About Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog:

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog, a Dalmatian who was rescued from a home with 62 other dogs, travels across the country with Firefighter Dayna educating children and their caregivers about fire safety. Sparkles has helped deliver fire safety tips on PBS KIDS Sprout, reaching millions of children and their caregivers nationwide. To date, Sparkles has been credited with helping save the lives of two children and their two families.

To learn more about Frankie and Sparkles and their upcoming projects, please visit their website at www.frankieandsparkles.com

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Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Don't you just love making new friends?  Well, I happen to have a new friend named Sparkles.  She has lots of black spots, a leathery black nose, and black eyes and all her spots sit upon a blanket of soft white fur.  You might have guessed it by now, and yes, she is a Dalmation.  Even better she has her own book... even better yet she a Fire Safey Dog and she teaches kids how to be safe and that is what her book is all about!  It is way cool!

Staying safe if there is a fire in your house is really important.  You will learn all of this very easily with the lessons that Sparkles and her Firefigher Mom, Dayna Hilton teach you in their wonderful book, Sparkles the Saftey Dog.

Th pictures are so endearing and you will fall in love with Sparkles and won't even realize you are learning about staying safe.  Sparkles makes if so fun...especially when she shows you how she crawls under the smoke, and as her mom says, "how to get low and go."

Sparkles and Dayna with one of the little girls they saved after having been to her school teaching fire safety.  She had a fire in her home and woke her Dad to get out safely.

This is a must have book for every household for children to understand in a friendly way how to be ready if there is a fire.  With Sparkles as their guide they will not fear a fire, but be prepared and ready to act.

Get a FREE coloring page of Sparkles the Safety Dog by clicking here.



Get an autographed copy and CD version of the book on Sparkles website.  Or you can order via Amazon also.