September 11, 2001, a day etched into the collective memory of the United States and the world. A day of unimaginable tragedy and heroism, stories of what would have been and of the unsung heroes-all will forever echo throughout the canyons of Manhattan.
Included in those stories of people, with faces and names, and hopes and dreams, are the tales of those who walked alongside the first responders and volunteers called to action. Tales of those who selflessly traversed the rubble with dignity and respect for those they so desperately hoped to find, while uncovering those taken from this earth far too soon.
In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, canine search and rescue teams from across the country descended upon Ground Zero. Teams of highly trained dogs and their handlers played a crucial role in the search and recovery efforts. Dogs of all breeds, and places of origin, who possessed a keen sense of smell, agility, and determination, served as invaluable assets in locating survivors and, tragically, recovering the remains of those who didn’t survive. The canines, and their handlers, worked tirelessly at Ground Zero. They saved lives, and sadly confirmed the ending of chapters just getting started.
The dogs of September 11th provided emotional support to the brave individuals working in the most challenging conditions. However, the humans weren’t the only beings in need of uplifting. After their keen senses only confirmed the gravity of the attack’s impact, an unfathomable loss of life, the search and rescue dogs needed their humans to support their disheartened spirits and provide reassurance that their efforts were valiant and noble. This reciprocal demonstration of empathy and love reveals the deep connection between humans and canines, highlights the profound influence of the human-animal bond, particularly during times of immense adversity and sorrow. In turn, demonstrating how such an extraordinary relationship between two species can, in fact, provide solace, strength, and hope.
The Researcher’s Lens
As a researcher and advocate for the purposeful integration of animal-assisted services and therapies in both the public and private sectors, my commitment to advocating for an increase in opportunities to capitalize on the profound impact of the human-animal bond continues to solidify in strength.
Further studying the actions of the remarkable search and rescue dogs of September 11th, and their heroic human counterparts, only reinforces my position around the immense value added to any given situation when there is an opportunity to integrate animals, like dogs, into various aspects of human life.
Our canine companions are ever-ready to assist whether as search and rescue teams, service dogs, working dogs specifically trained to serve as therapy dogs, those dogs prepared to assist in rehabilitation efforts, to education and mental health support; there is a place for dogs in this human-centric world.
A Call to Action
It is 22 years since the September 11th attacks. Together, let’s honor these amazing beings and their human partners, who’s goodwill stood up to evil’s aftermath, and shined a light of goodness for us all to follow. I welcome you to explore some of the resources hyperlinked below, as well as encourage you to view the PBS documentary, “Hero Dogs of 9/11,” a documentary that offers a poignant look at the dogs who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero and the impact they had on the rescue and recovery efforts.
By sharing the stories of the hero dogs of September 11th, let’s broaden the thinking around the benefits of animal-assisted services, encourage others to consider how the human animal-bond can impact the greater good of humanity. Allow their memory and unconditional acts of love serve as a catalyst for us humans to make space for the healing and supportive power of the human-animal bond, to recognize and harness its fullest potential, not just during times of crisis, but as an integral part of our everyday lives.
Let’s finally allow dogs be a part of the plan to make you, me, and the world a better place than it was the day before.
Honoring the Hero Dogs of September 11th
Bretagne: Bretagne, a Golden Retriever. At the time, she was only 2 years old and had just become certified as a search and rescue dog. Over the course of ten days at Ground Zero, Bretagne worked tirelessly alongside her handler, Denise Corliss. Her unwavering dedication and the comfort she provided to the rescue workers was a heartwarming demonstration of unconditional love.
Apollo: A German Shepherd, Apollo, was another hero on the scene. His handler, Peter Davis, recalls how Apollo would show signs of stress when they found a victim, but he also knew when it was time to be gentle and comforting. This emotional intelligence was crucial during those difficult days.
Trakr: A courageous German Shepherd named Trakr and his handler, James Symington, traveled from Canada to assist in the rescue efforts. Trakr’s sharp sense of smell helped locate the last survivor, Genelle Guzman-McMillan, 27 hours after the towers collapsed.
Sirius: A yellow Labrador Retriever, Sirius was a K-9 officer with the Port Authority Police Department. Tragically, Sirius lost his life in the line of duty during the 9/11 attacks. He was stationed on the 71st floor of the South Tower with his handler, Officer David Lim, when the tower collapsed. Sirius’ sacrifice symbolizes the dedication and courage of the search and rescue dogs and their handlers.
Roselle: Roselle, a yellow Labrador Retriever, was a guide dog for her blind owner, Michael Hingson, who worked on the 78th floor of the North Tower. On that fateful day, Roselle calmly guided Hingson and others down the dark, smoke-filled stairwell, leading them to safety just moments before the tower collapsed. Her poise and steadfastness in a life-threatening situation saved lives.
Jake: Jake, a Black Labrador Retriever, worked with his handler, Mary Flood, a firefighter from the Denver Fire Department. Together, they combed through the wreckage at Ground Zero, helping locate survivors and bring closure to grieving families. Jake’s dedication and hard work earned him the title of “Honorary New York Fire Department Dog.”
Kaiser: Kaiser, a German Shepherd, was another hero dog at Ground Zero. His handler, Detective Brian Grogan, credited Kaiser with finding several survivors during the early days of the search and rescue mission. Their partnership demonstrated the importance of the bond between a handler and their canine partner.
Empathic Paws 