March 18 - Sparky's Birthday
Sparky the Fire Dog is the spokesdog for the National Fire Protection Association.
Sparky was born on March 18, 1951, by Ted Royal of the Advertising Council in an effort to represent NFPA's fire safety education mission. And he was an instant success. In 1953, he starred in a fire prevention campaign that reached more than 68 million radio listeners and almost 3 million television viewers. He has even appeared on a series of bread labels produced by the Marathon Corporation in cooperation with a joint NFPA Advertising Council fire safety campaign in the early 1950's.
Sparky is the top dog in North America's Annual Fire Prevention Week each October. And he enjoys his own educational website.
March 3rd week - National Poison Prevention Week
During National Poison Prevention Week, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals / National Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA/NAPCC) has an objective to educate pet owners about the importance of poison safety.
The Center is the first and only 24-hour poison control hotline for animals in North America. Professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Veterinarians and pet owners needing advice reach a staff of 16 veterinarians (including four board-certified veterinary toxicologists) and six certified veterinary technicians. The number for consultation services is 1-888-4ANI-HELP.