Remembering the 9/11 Rescue Dogs
Today, September 11, 2008, marks the seventh Anniversary of another "day that will live in infamy." Our country was forever changed by the worst terrorist attack in our history. And as I write about this tragic event, memories of that horrific day spring to life in my heart, as if it happened yesterday.
As I was living in the greater New York City area at that time, I will never forget the magnificent late summer morning with its unrivaled brilliant blue sky, suddenly and swiftly transformed into chaos, fire, and smoke with the billowing white ash. I think that memory will forever be emblazoned in my mind.
"Woody" and his partner Terry Trepanier of the Ohio Task Force Unit (above) are refreshed and ready for another go. (Photo: Sep 18, 2001, Michael Rieger/ FEMA News)
So as we reflect upon that day 7 years ago, and as we give thanks to the brave folks who swiftly heeded the call for help, let's also take a moment to also remember and admire some of the World Trade Center Rescue dogs. They too worked tirelessly and bravely along side their courageous handlers; searching, rescuing and lending emotional support to the rescue workers. With a sense of smell estimated to be at least one million times more refined than ours, and their ability to detect sound vibrations at 250 yards, their tireless motivation, determination and dedication were responsible for the rescue of many who otherwise would not have been found.
Photo: (Michael Snyder / Cincinati Enquirer) Worf located the bodies of two missing firefighters on the first day.
Take a moment to watch this video tribute to the brave 9/11 canines, “The 9/11 heroes that couldn't cry” uploaded to YouTube by: emilye2
Ohio Task Force One's Gary Flynn and his partner Tascha prepare for another shift. (Photo: Sep 18, 2001, Michael Rieger / FEMA)
Please share your memories and thoughts with us by leaving a comment
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Comments (9)
Vicki September 11, 2008 1:13 PM
Thank you for making this wonderful tribute to these heroes.They have never received the attention, and praise for the great work they did during the most chaotic even in our history. They deserve not only this tribute but much more. Thank you for recognizing these brave heroes
DamlisFamily@aol.com (Diane) September 11, 2008 1:15 PM
To many memories to add here and also alot of sadness today
Donna September 11, 2008 4:26 PM
None of us will ever forget exactly where we were when we heard the news...none of us will ever be the same, nor will our country. I remember it being one of the few days I lived alone, I just needed a hug ... I watched the towers fall (surrounded by puddy cats) and like the rest of the country was in shock for days. I remember the outside being eerily quiet...funny, you never the notice the noice regular old airplanes make until there is dead silence.
May we never have to endure such an attack, and may God have mercy on all those that perished on that day, and their families and friends.
God Bless America!
SUSIE September 11, 2008 5:06 PM
THAT WAS A VERY SAD DAY FOR ALL OF US. I LIVE IN NEW JERSEY ABOUT 45 MINS. AWAY FROM NEW YORK CITY AND WAS ON VACATION IN FLORIDA. I WAS WATCHING TV THAT MORNING AT MY COUSIN BOB'S HOUSE. I WAS SUPPOSE TO FLY HOME THAT DAY IN THE AFTERNOON. MY HEART WENT OUT TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT LOST THEIR LIVES THAT MORNING. IT IS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET EITHER.I WONDERED IF I NEW ANYBODY THAT WORKED IN THE WORLD TRADE CENTER AND IF THEY WERE SAFE. I THANK GOD NO ONE THAT I NEW LOST THEIR LIVES THAT DAY. ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT ANSWERED THE CALL AND THEIR DOGS DID SUCH A GREAT JOB. THEY HELPED A LOT OF FAMILYS SAY GOODBYE TO THEIR LOVED ONES WHEN THEY LOCATED BODIES DAYS AND WEEKS AFTER THAT HAPPENED. THAT INCIDENT PULLED OUR COUNTRY TOGETHER LIKE NOTHING I HAVE EVER SEEN. PEOPLE RESPONDED TO EACH OTHER, WERE KIND TO EACH OTHER, DID ANYTHING THEY COULD FOR THEIR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. WE NEED TO KEEP THAT MEMORY ALIVE AND KEEP OUR COUNTRY STRONG. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Kathy September 11, 2008 6:07 PM
God bless them all: Firefighters, rescue workers, and the dogs that helped save lives on that terrible day.
Sheila September 11, 2008 9:41 PM
I recall reading at the time that the dogs got so dispondent about not finding anyone alive that finally, firemen and policemen would take time to hide under debris and let the dogs "find" them with much praise and reword. Several of these dogs developed health problems from the dust and toxins in the air and dirt, like many of their human counterparts. God bless them and God please continue to bless America.
Amy September 12, 2008 5:47 AM
I remember so well that day and the days that followed. Seeing dogs work endlessly looking for peope in the rubble. I also remember how they showed that live volunteers were placed in places so that the dogs would find them. This helped encourage the dogs to keep working. It seems the dogs would get very depressed after working all day and not finding anything. This jesture made it possible for the dogs to keep their spirits high and continue their work.
sheri September 13, 2008 5:43 PM
i had night-mares, after watching it unfold as i was at work...when the sec. plane hit i said out loud terrorist... "I could not get thru the day..then just cried, as i watch'ed it un-fold...just gathered myself to" this year to watch "flight "93", did-not want to watch it but i did this past week,.."i saw everything un-fold on 911, that day..i cried, & i "So" "Salute", "All Fire-fighter's/ "Police/"Rescue/& "Their Dog's, that worked so hard.."My prayer &thoughts go to "ALL", on that very "Sad day"!.. ..I pray for healing, for all those that lost,put there life's on line, & the rescue dogs..."May God Keep Us Safe"..!My dad was a police/& then a fire-chief..& my uncle.."God Bless "NYPD',NYFD"..& all search & rescue"!.. "You'll Never Be Forgotten", sighned w/ love of an "American Citizen"! "I" salute those who gave their life, & those that were lost.."It's a promise, we'll from me'"i'never forget!" "Never"! "May "God Bless, & heal"....w/ all of my american heart,luv/"Sheri"
Damian Riggins October 28, 2009 1:27 PM
I love the pictures of the dog thats in the picture
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