When the World Trade Center collapsed on September 11, 2001, nearly 10,000 emergency rescue workers joined in the efforts to help.
More than 300 of those heroes were dogs.
From search and rescue dogs to comfort dogs to bomb detection dogs, these canines’ stories of courage, healing and long-lasting legacy must never be forgotten.
Always remember.
While the chaos, anxiety, panic, and unknown happened on that tragic day in American history, many dogs stepped up in various roles.
The oldest living 9/11 search and rescue dog, a Golden Retriever named Bretagne, passed away in 2016 at the age of 16.
We give thanks and honor her memory.
Bretagne and her owner/handler, Denise Corliss, spent many weeks rummaging through the wreckage to look for survivors and the remains of those who died.
Throughout their search efforts, the duo provided much-needed emotional support to fellow rescuers.
On the 14th anniversary of the tragedy, Bretagne returned to the Ground Zero area so that she and her handler could pay their respects to those who died.
When the dog ultimately passed away, dozens of service members came together to salute her and her heroic deeds.
Her owner/handler said, “We were there to try to find survivors. And when our task force arrived in Ground Zero, I just couldn’t believe the magnitude of it. Then I looked down to her, and she seemed stoic and ready to work.”
For a complete montage of Bretagne, watch this touching video tribute below in her honor.