Dogs are Heroes

Bretagne is from Texas Task Force 1. He worked twelve-hour shifts at Ground Zero balancing on the steel beams and piles of rubble sniffing for survivors.

As we remember all that was lost on September 11, 2001, we can take a moment to appreciate how incredible rescue dogs are. After the attack on 9/11, over 300 search and rescue dogs led their counterparts through the wreckage and rubble looking for any signs of life. For two weeks, dog heroes of all shapes and sizes dug and rummaged through the fiery debris. A 17-inch, 280-ounce rat terrier named Ricky squeezed in and out of tiny holes to help locate countless bodies of victims. Woodie, a 15-year-old golden retriever searched endlessly with the hope of finding survivors.

Dogs play a vital role in the devastating aftermath of disasters. Search and rescue (SAR) dogs use their amazing noses to detect human scent. This allows them to guide emergency response teams to people trapped under debris or in areas where they can't be seen. Thanks to the assistance of these courageous service dogs, many survivors are successfully located and rescued.

As we reflect on the incredible contributions of SAR dogs, it's evident that their impact extends far beyond their exceptional skills. In a world often faced with challenges and uncertainties, SAR dogs provide a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the most dire circumstances, acts of bravery and compassion can prevail. These four-legged heroes inspire us with each rescue they perform. They constantly remind us of the powerful bond between humans and animals.

Cynthia Otto Center cared for SAR dogs during their work at the 9/11 disaster site, later studying the impact of their service on their health. (Image:Courtesy of Cynthia Otto)