Wilshire the Fire Dog was a very popular highlight of the Tuesday evening’s Taste of Farmers Market.
While his human co-workers were serving their special firehouse chili, Wilshire gave a fire safety demonstration to a crowd of more than fifty as part of the First-In Fire Foundation’s participation in the annual Taste of Farmers Market event that drew over 700 people. Some proceeds from the evening will be donated to First-In Fire Foundation who supports the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) youth leadership programs and projects at local fire stations.
Wilshire, a 12 year-old Dalmatian, was rescued by the firefighters at our local Station 29 when he was just a puppy from a family who couldn’t keep him in their small apartment. Â With training from Firefighter Ryan Penrod and some guidance from Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan, Wilshire has become an integral and, truly adorable, part of the Station’s public education program.
On Tuesday evening, he demonstrated how to call 911, how to drop and roll, and how to stay low to ground when crawling out of fire to safety. As a token of appreciation, Wilshire scored some freshly baked treats from the Rocky, the owner of the Dog Bakery in Farmers Market.
Even though he’s not retired, Wilshire is spending his senior years with Firefighter Ryan Penrod and his family, who also come out to participate in education events.
