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Sunday, November 12, 2006 | 
It's a television program you won't want to miss, when the renowned Dog Whisperer visits Fire Station 29 in Los Angeles to help with "Wilshire" the dalmatian.
The episode, entitled "Wilshire & Butch", is a heartwarming tale of lessons learned and bonds strengthened between the dog and crew - and among the firefighters themselves thanks to world-renowned dog behavior specialist Cesar Millan.
The show debuts on Monday evening, November 13, 2006 on the National Geographic Channel, and is expected to remain in syndication. Please check your local listing for showtimes.
A background story recently appeared in the Larchmont Chronicle...
DALMATION FINDS NEW HOME, STARDOM AT FIRE STATION 29
By Laura Eversz
It’s been said that what goes around comes around. So it came as no surprise when Fire Station 29, which was adopted by the community several years ago, adopted a puppy in need of a home.
After purchasing the pure-bred dalmation for their 10-year-old daughter, a local couple quickly realized that their one-bedroom apartment wasn’t big enough to share with a rambunctious pup.
The family considered taking it to the animal shelter, until they learned that the puppy might be euthanized if a home wasn’t found quickly enough.
So, with spotted canine in tow, they headed for their neighborhood fire station...
Read the full story...
Here is a video excerpt from Wilshire & Butch...
UPDATE: The story of Wilshire takes on a remarkably upbeat note in a heartwarming June 2007 update.
You'll smile from ear to ear, when you learn about Wilshire's latest accomplishments...
...if you'd like to send a note to Wilshire and the crew:
Los Angeles Fire Department
Fire Station 29
4029 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90010-3401
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
10 comments:
How is the dog doing now? Hopefully better since being trained. Good luck! The stop, drop, and roll trick is really neat.
Dear Baker Family:
Thanks for the note! We are pleased to report that Wilshire remains happy, healthy and safe at the Fire Station.
Please let us know when your travels bring you to Southern California. It will be our pleasure to offer you a tour of Fire Station 29, and to show you the many new tricks that Wilshire (and the Firefighters!) have mastered.
Respectfuly Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
Why are dalmations good fire station dogs?
Don't feed him dog food!!!
Oh no! It took me a few seconds to fully understand that last comment...
Brian,
Thoroughly enjoyed Wilshire on Dog Whisperer. I think you have a great ambassador on four legs.
Stay safe!
Mark
Portland, OR
Hi, we have rescued 9 dalmatians over several years - the first one by accident, much like you did, even though we are both Emergency personnel (firefighter and paramedic, respectively)
We watched your training dilemma with sympathy and then delight as you learned how to deal with a great dog.
Wilshire is awesome - he was an adorable puppy (yeah, we know..hard to resist that) and will be a very handsome dog. Making him one of the Station 29 Pack was the best thing that ever happened to him, and we suspect, to you.
Thanks for doing it! :)
The Kermotts
San Diego
The Dalmatians relationship with America's Fire Service can be traced to their historic use as 'coach dogs' in England.
When coachmen (drivers of horse-drawn taxicabs) came to America in the 1800's, they were often recruited by the local Fire Department due to a familiarity with horses.
The horses of course, allowed formerly hand-drawn fire engines (yes, pulled by Firefighters with ropes!) to respond with less human effort and more quickly to a blaze.
With the coachmen came the coach dog, who in modern America, is often seen as being a 'Fire Dog'.
The breed's history and relationship with the Fire Service can be easily traced on-line - but beware of many silly rumors (more than we have time to dispel here) as to why they became an enduring symbol of the Fire Service.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
I just watched Wilshire on TV here in the UK (Dog Whisperer.)
He's a great dog, and what a performer. I'm in charge of a fire station here in England and we've used dogs (labradors) to teach children safety lessons too - (Phoenix blocks the gap at the bottom of the door and then crawls to safety on his belly!)
Wilshire is good enough to be HOLLYWOOD!!
Brother Ian,
Thanks for the note, and your kind words.
It's always good to hear from our Fire Service colleagues in the UK.
We hope that when your travels bring you to Los Angeles, you'll be able to visit Wilshire and the crew at LAFD Station 29... and if Phoenix happens to join you, please know that along with a warm cup of coffee for you, we've got a treat for Wilshire's four-legged friend too!
Fraternally Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
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