Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Memorial Pathway

My friend, Sparkles passed away in October of 2010.  This summer on June 29th there will be a very special memorial service for her at the National Fallen Firefighter's Foundation Walk of Honor for all her dedication in teaching fire safety with her volunteer firefighter mom, Dayna Hilton.  Sparkles is credited with saving the lives of seven children and two adults.

Goodbye to My Friend, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Today is a sad day.  My friend Sparkles went to the Rainbow Bridge, which is a place where all animals go to wait for their human and dog friends until it is their turn to join them.  I know she will be very happy there- playing and almost like a puppy again.  But I will miss her. 

I'll never forget when she visited me and my mom in Wisconsin this past April and she showed me the Elkhart Lake fire station and how the trucks worked.  It was fun going for a ride in the big red truck with Sparkles as the co-pilot!  I was also honored to share the fire safety message and helping those with disabilities and fire safety when we visited the elementary school in my hometown, and when we were the first dogs to Skype together to a school in Canada.

 Thank you for showing me the ropes at the fire station, Sparkles!

Sparkles' mom and my mom always thought it would be so pawsome if Sparkles and I were featured in a magazine together... what an honor to be in The American Dog magazine, winter 2010 issue with Sparkles.  My mom and I will forever treasure this.

Till I see you again, Sparkles, know I'll carry you in my heart always.  Thank you for being my dog-gone good friend.  Roll on!

Top 10 Adoption Stories on Animal Planet

I want to give a big Woof to my friend Sparkles' for her story being chosen as one of the top 10 adoption stories by Animal Planet.  Sparkles' is quite special sharing the fire safety messagew ith her equally special mom and firefigther Dayna Hilton.

Story from Last Chance Highway, Animal Planet...

Sparkles was adopted by my family in 2003. She has been helping teach fire safety and has reached millions of children and their caregivers sharing the fire safety message. To date, Sparkles has helped save the lives of two children and their two families.  Click here to read the rest of her wonderful story!

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog is Having a Contest!

In celebration of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog debuting in Cesar's Way magazine she is having a fun contest... but I can't tell you what it is about.  You'll have to head on over to her blog and check it out!

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.

Fido Friendly Shares the Story of Me and My Pal Sparkles

Doing a wheelie in my chariot for the great story about Sparkles and me featured on Fido Friendly Blog, Frankie and Sparkles: Heroes Unite.

And be sure to remember to enter our fun give-away we are doing!  Ends May 1st so do hurry soon and check it out!

Poems Written for Frankie and Sparkles

If a dog could shed tears, I'd have cried a bucket full!  And just so you know they would have been happy tears, not sad ones.
After Sparkles and I visited with a school in western Canada via Skype, their teacher sent us poems they wrote about us.  Our little hearts melted.  Here is one example of a poem... and you can read the rest at our special blog, Frankie and Sparkles.  A big tail wag to all the special writer's for sharing your poems.

Frankie and Sparkles Big Give-Away!

Sparkles and I had so much fun together that we want to celebrate by giving away a great bunch of gifts- worth $175.00!  That is alot of money, don't you think?  So head on over to Frankie and Sparkles blog to see how you could win!  Good luck!

Frankie and Sparkles Making the News- Far & Wide!

I've been catching up on my naps after my whirlwind mini-tour with Sparkles the Safety Dog last week!  Now the news of our adventure is spreading far and wide... pretty hot-diggity dog exciting!  Today in the Courier News in Russelville, Arkansas our story was featured as "Virtual Friends."  Cara, the reporter did a tail waggin' good job of interviewing my mom, Barbara, and Sparkles mom, Dayna.  You can read the full story at Courier News.

Other features we are showing up on are:

AOL's Paw Nation
9 News Now WUSA9.com
Firehouse.com
Joyful Paws
USA Today Paw Print

Frankie and Sparkles Two Dogs Rollin' Tour Re-cap

It was the BEST tail waggin' time meeting my new friend Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog!  Our tour was a huge success... and now I nap... well, ok right after I share this press release with you below.  Be sure to read all the way to the end for some great pictures!  And hot-diggity dog, USA Today Paw Prints blog picked up our story and shared it today!!

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


Frankie and Sparkles~ Two Dog’s Rollin’

April 8th and 9th, 2010 were no ordinary days for two dogs known for inspiring others. Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog, along with her owner Firefighter Dayna Hilton, made the almost 900 mile trek from Clarksville, Arkansas, to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, to meet Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog and her owner, Barbara Techel, in person (and “dog”) to work on some very special projects.

Frankie, a dachshund, suffered a debilitating spinal injury and now walks with the aid of a doggie wheelchair. For the past two years, Frankie has helped children of all ages realize that their challenges can be overcome by having a positive attitude, and that despite these challenges, they can be a contributing member of society in their own unique way.

Sparkles, a Dalmatian, has a unique story of her own. Rescued from a home with 62 other dogs in 2002, Sparkles now travels across the country with Hilton, educating children and their caregivers about fire safety. To date, this canine educator has been credited with helping save the lives of two children and their two families.

Meeting via Facebook in October 2009, Techel and Hilton first made history in February 2010 when Frankie and Sparkles “met” over Skype during Techel’s and Frankie’s presentation to Clarksville Primary School (http://www.frankieandsparkles.com/2010/02/frankie-and-sparkles-make-history.html).

While in Wisconsin, the four came together for their first presentation in person (and dog) together to elementary students at Elkhart Lake/Glenbeulah Elementary School, sharing the fire safety message and encouraging children to be of service by helping those with special needs.

The four also participated in a Skype visit to an elementary school in western Canada, 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. Karen Keys, District Digital Literacy Teacher, and Matthew, a Canadian Firefighter, also assisted with the event.

Of the event, Keys stated, “The Frankie and Sparkles buzz was everywhere at lunch! I got a great response from the teachers involved who thought it was a wonderful presentation! The kids LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My principal was very impressed with the whole event and so was Matthew the Fireman.... he couldn't wait to go back to the firehall to tell all the other firemen about it.”

Techel stated, “Skyping with Dayna and Sparkles, along with Frankie, to a classroom in western Canada was such a thrill! Because of school budget constraints as well as economic challenges I think Skype is such a win-win situation. And the ultimate winners are the children who were able to learn about fire safety from Sparkles, and being positive and helping others with special needs from Frankie's message. Combine that with helping kids learn technology, which is our future, and you create a highly motivational way for kids to grow and thrive.”

This was Hilton and Sparkles first time to participate in a presentation with Frankie and Techel via Skype in person. Hilton stated, “As a fire safety educator, Sparkles and I have participated in hundreds of fire safety presentations over the years. This event was very special in that not only did we share this presentation with our two very good friends, we concentrated our efforts on the importance of sharing the fire safety message with those with special needs. According to the National Fire Protection Association, physical disability was a factor in an average of 360, or 13%, of home fire deaths. Together, we hope to change this unfortunate statistic”

Other activities included a visit to the Elkhart Lake/Town of Rhine Fire District where Firefighters Rob Schmidet and Shane Hughes assisted with Frankie and Sparkles' upcoming e-books for children.

For more information on Frankie and Sparkles, please visit their blog at http://www.frankieandsparkles.com


# # #
Additional Information:

At 46, children's book authors Dayna Hilton and Barbara Techel have senior dogs whom they love deeply. Both credit their dogs for helping them find their purpose in life.

Techel, embracing technology, shares Frankie’s story of hope with children around the world via Skype. Hilton recommended Techel’s Frankie program via Skype to Clarksville Primary School in her home state of Arkansas, and the rest, as they say, is history~ literally.

In talking with Hilton one day via phone to thank her for the connection, an idea was hatched. Hilton shared with Techel, “What if Sparkles and Frankie were to meet via Skype? Imagine how thrilled the children would be to be a part of this!”

As far as the two knew, no two dogs had ever met via Skype and the event would be the first time Techel and Hilton would “meet” as well. The two were thrilled in knowing that there would be no better way to do this than in front of 500 plus children, elated with glee to witness this historic day. In addition, the two came to the realization that this would be an exciting way to bring two friends and educators together with their two special dogs to share their inspirational and life-saving messages.

Both will never forget that day. After sharing Frankie’s story, Techel was so proud to introduce Hilton and Sparkles, her friends, whom she adored and admired for their work. According to Techel, as she watched Hilton and Sparkles via Skype approach the front of the room, her eyes misted over. The moment brought her such joy to see the love that Hilton has for Sparkles and the passion she has for sharing her fire safety message with children (to watch the video of this amazing day, visit http://www.frankieandsparkles.com/2010/02/video-footage-of-frankie-and-sparkles.html). Hilton felt the exact same way as she watched in admiration the story of Frankie unfold before them and a room full of children.

Both are grateful for each others friendship and encouragement. Though the two are states away from each other, they feel a connection with each other as they continually inspire each other to be the best that they can be, knowing that they are just a click away on the computer.

Meeting for the 1st time!

Listening intently to the fireman as they show us the firestation

Getting a tour of Elkhart Lake/Town of Rhine Fire District firestation

Yup!  My mom and Sparkles Mom have our pics and website plastered on back of their trucks

Sign made my children in Canada welcoming us on the Skype visit

Give-Away Today Only!

Be sure to stop by Two Dogs Rollin':  Frankie and Sparkles Big Adventure 2010 blog to see what you can win!  Hurry!  Today only!

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!!

"

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.

# # #

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

# # #

Sparkles the Fire Saftey Dog & Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog

Frankie's mom here, as Frankie is taking a nap from the very exciting and busy week we have had!!!

What a week it has been! Thanks to Facebook, Frankie and I have had the opportunity to come to know Dayna Hilton and her dog, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog. The beautiful things is, Dayna and I have so much in common and have many of the same dreams and goals. But the best part is it is because of our love of dogs that we are living the life of our dreams and making a difference in our communities. Over the past few weeks, Dayna, Sparkles, Frankie and I have been working on a wonderful project. The time will soon come when we will share some exciting news... to watch for this project be sure to follow along on Frankie and Sparkles blog that they have come together to create.

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.