Sparky the Fire Dog meets Betty White at American Humane Association gala

Betty White makes her way to the end of the red carpet, where Sparky the Fire Dog anxiously awaits to meet her.

The issue of fire safety got a little dose of Hollywood glamour over the weekend at the American Humane Association's annual "Hero Dog Award" ceremonies in Los Angeles. Sparky the Fire Dog® was asked to be the "official spokesdog" of the event, and in that role, he got to walk the red carpet, chat with the throng of national media in attendance, and hobnob with some celebrities, including Betty White.

Betty White was on hand to receive the American Humane Association's "Legacy Award" for her lifelong commitment to protecting the welfare of animals. She poses here with Sparky and Lorraine Carli, NFPA's Vice President of Communications.

Sparky chewed up the red carpet (well, not literally) and said hello to his many admirers. He also took the opportunity to remind them that it's Fire Prevention Week -- and that this year's theme focuses on the importance of home escape planning. "Always have two ways out," he advised.

Sparky and Steve Dornbusch, NFPA Senior Project Manager.

Sparky and singer/songwriter Naomi Judd.

Mike Hazell, NFPA's Web Publisher, also snagged a photo opportunity with Naomi Judd.

Sparky with Pauley Perrette, of TV's "NCIS" and her cousin, a firefighter from Tennessee, who was very familiar with Sparky's fire safety education efforts.

Sparky with Mark Stubis, head of public relations for the American Humane Association.

Actress Edie McClurg strikes a pose with Sparky.

Sparky sandwiches in between NFPA's Lorraine Carli and Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of the American Humane Assocaition. “Sparky has been a hero to children, adults, and firefighters for more than 60 years,” said Dr. Ganzert. “He is a natural choice to help us celebrate the amazing things dogs do to help us every day that warrant recognition.”