National Fire Pup Day is observed worldwide every October 1, celebrating the vital roles that dogs play in fire departments. The tradition of using dogs in organized firefighting dates back to the 19th century when Dalmatians ran alongside horse-drawn fire engines to keep the horses calm and guard equipment. Although the role of these dogs has evolved with the advent of motorized vehicles, they are still utilized in various capacities, such as search and rescue operations and fire investigations, where they can detect ignitable substances and human remains. Additionally, crisis response dogs, also known as comfort dogs, help individuals cope with the stress of disasters. Many fire departments also have dog mascots, often Dalmatians, that participate in community outreach. On this day, people are encouraged to learn about firefighting dogs, volunteer at local fire departments or animal shelters, and share information on social media using the hashtag #NationalFirePupDay.