We're all familiar with the
image of the "Dalmation" on the fire engine.
The dogs came into use because of their protective nature and
loyalty. Dalmations have shared the barns and the hunt courses
with horses for centuries, so when fire-apparatus was horse-drawn,
nearly every firehouse had its resident dalmation to help direct
the horses, keep the horses company, and guard the firehouse.
The horses are gone from fire stations today, but the Dalmations
aren't! Firehouse dogs nearly always were called "Sparky". Dalmations were also used to protect the
fire company's engine and equipment at a time when fire companies
actually competed against each other at fire scenes, each trying
to out-perform the others.Dalmations
were favoured probably because of their size, friendly nature, ability
to train, and ability to care for themselves. Likewise urban
and nearby departments gave away puppies as new litters were
born thus creating an ongoing fire service tradition.
I couldn't be happier with this flag holder. My dad was a forest fireman and became chief for our town. They do not acknowledge these men except by a funeral guard, sad to say. He risked his life ... read more