News
Humane Society of the United States Asks Fire Departments to Consider Adopting Station Dogs
By Sarah Speed, Pennsylvania State Director of the Humane Society of the United States
Jack is a natural born seizure dog, capable of sensing a seizure before it happens and alerting help, yet someone threw him away. Rosie is a mutt in every sense of the word and someone thought she was too ugly to live, yet years later when a fire threatened her adoptive family, she managed to wake everyone up and saved their lives. These are just a few of the amazing feats accomplished by dogs whose first and often last home is a local animal shelter. Time and again these astounding canines prove that looks rarely convey the depth of hidden merit, talents, and abounding love that fill their shaggy hearts.
Dogs and fire companies have long had a symbiotic relationship. Back in the days when horses were used to pull the fire carts, dogs were used as both a calming influence on the horses and as security against horse theft. Dalmatians in particular are thought to have special skills in calming horses and quickly became the most recognized firehouse mascot. However, through the years Dalmatians have shared this spotlight with bull dogs, retrievers, pit bulls, and even the occasional terrier. Today, dogs aren’t necessary for guarding valuable equipment, but they still provide a plethora of other services including excitement at seeing a familiar face, exercise (both playing and cleaning up after them counts), and of course those sympathetic eyes and willing paw at the end of a long day.
Housed in your local animal shelter could be the best thing that ever happened to your fire station: a comrade, mascot, therapist, playmate, and best friend. Please consider adopting and spreading the praise of man’s best (and often neglected) friend.
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Kimberly Ettinger
Director of Communications
202-887-5700 ext. 19
David Finger
Director of Government Relations
202-887-5700 ext. 12