Motorized trucks may have replaced horses and Dalmatians in fire stations decades ago, but nine Dalmatians recently showed that spotted loyalty to firefighters still runs deep.
Recently, 10-year-old “Glimmer,” Ch Paisley Bringin’ Down the House at Richmark BCAT, CGC, and three Dalmatians led the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Procession. Five Dalmatians accompanied the families of fallen firefighters in the 20-minute walk at the St. Paul, Minnesota State Capitol.
Since 2011, hundreds of people have gathered annually, meeting on the last Sunday in September. It’s the state’s official day to honor Minnesota’s fallen firefighters and first responders who have died in the line of duty during the year. The Dalmatians add a welcome dose of comfort and many smiles to this solemn event.
Remembering Those Who Served
The Dalmatian’s historical connection to firefighters and their potential association with the Memorial Procession first attracted the attention of Fire Chief Ken Prillaman of the Brooklyn Park Minnesota Fire Department seven years ago. When he learned that his daughter-in-law, Denyse Thomas, owned a Dalmatian with Jessica MacMillan, a second-generation Dalmatian AKC Breeder of Merit, he knew Dalmatians belonged in the ceremony.
He asked MacMillan of Osceola, Wisconsin, if she could bring Dalmatians to the event. Little did he know it would begin a seven-years-long tradition. The nine Dals who participate range from 9 months to 10 years old.
“I’ve bred Dalmatians on my own for 14 years and before that with my mother, Susan MacMillan,” says MacMillan. All the Dalmatians in the procession are either littermates or related to one another from a few co-bred litters from MacMillan’s Paisley line.
Some dogs are co-owned, and many are conformation champions or participate in dog sports, including AKC Rally, AKC Trick Dog, AKC Scent Work, Fast CAT, AKC Canine Good Citizen, obedience, or agility. Yet, none of the Dalmatians in the procession have AKC Therapy Dog titles.
“I know it sounds odd, but in the way, it’s interesting the dogs don’t have therapy titles yet,” MacMillan says. “Here, the dogs are given a new task they’re not specially trained to do, and they adapt well and rise to the occasion anyway.”
For MacMillan, earning show and performance titles is beyond exciting, but she feels a calling to do something arguably more important with her dogs. “The chance to give back to those who help us is immeasurable,” MacMillan says.
While there is no dress rehearsal or practice session to prepare for this event, the dogs naturally understand that playing around is a big no-no. Twenty minutes before the procession begins, the dogs are handed off to their firefighter escort for the first time. “They have a few minutes to bond with one another, but then it’s showtime,” MacMillan says.
Here’s where previous show dog and performance dog experience gives these Dalmatians an edge in showing off their best behavior. “When I see my dogs handed off to these strangers in uniform, I feel like a nervous grandma, but I’m filled with pride,” MacMillan says. “The Dals are excellent ambassadors of the breed, and so many people enjoy seeing them.”
Walking the Line
Once the procession begins, the Dalmatians take their assignments seriously. “They wag their tails, and the puppy might yip once or twice, but they all pick up on the seriousness of their escort firefighter and the crowd and figure out they’re doing this job for a reason,” MacMillan says.
MacMillan and Don Dvorak own Glimmer and 6-year-old “Clare,” GCH Cottondale Kodachrome for Paisley BN BCAT CGC TKN. They lead off with 6-year-old “Albert” CH Paisley Photo Electric Effects of Cottondale DJ TKN, owned by Denyse Thomas, and 6-year-old “Annie” CH Paisley N Cottondale’s Fortune and Glory, owned by Natasha Reed.
“Now all the Dal people want to be part of this experience because it’s so humbling,” MacMillan says. “It’s our way to give back to those first responders who do so much for us.”
Comforting the Crowd
When the event ends, people always approach the dogs, the firefighters, and the owners, pose for photos, and ask questions. “People tell us stories about a dog they once had or someone they know who had a Dalmatian,” MacMillan says. “After an emotional ceremony with hardly any dry eyes, I’m sure the Dals provide some much-needed stress relief.”
The little white Dalmatian hairs clinging to the firefighter dress uniforms and polished shoes trigger a share of laughs and jokes, which helps relieve tension. “Luckily, no one seemed to mind the few stray Dalmatian hairs,” MacMillan says. “When I asked the firefighters if they needed me to try and brush them off, they responded they didn’t care and felt it was an honor to walk a Dalmatian.”
For the families of the deceased, the dogs bring comfort. Littermates “Cherry,” CH Paisleys Dipped In Chocolate TKN, owned by Tina Hince and Katie Freshour, and “Rory,” Paisley’s We’re All Stories SWN TKN CGC, owned by Lisa Merker, walked with the families. 9-month-old “Ruthie,” Maridal N Paisley’s Highland Lady of Invercoe, owned by Shelagh MacCleod, and 2-year-old “Jules,” Sheza Cool KY Breeze of Maridal N Paisley, owned by Denyse Thomas, also joined the procession.
After the event, a few more Dalmatians mingle with the crowd and lend a soft head to pet and kiss. “At the end of the day, we always receive a lot of hugs and thank yous, which makes it all worthwhile.