Tuesday, September 11, 2012

9/11 remembered...

Today is a day for remembering.  Eleven years ago we experienced a horrific tragedy when nearly 3,000 people were killed when terrorists  hijacked our planes and attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  Almost 400 dogs were called to service, to help search and rescue workers.  Some of the dogs helped search and rescue workers by trying to find survivors and the remains of the victims.  Some of the dogs worked as police dogs, helping to maintain order amid the chaos.  Some of the dogs were there simply to provide therapy and comfort, to the devastated workers in New York City and Washington, DC.

These dogs were often overwhelmed, stressed and depressed during their work amid all the devastation.  The owners of the search and rescue dogs had to stage mock rescues, to lift the dogs’ spirits as the dogs became upset when they continuously searched without finding anyone alive.  The dogs suffered weight loss from the stress.  They worked in heavy dust and smoke, scorching their paws in the burning rubble.  The police dogs and the SAR dogs were Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Rotties, Spaniels, mixed breeds, one Doberman and a few Dachshunds. 

There were also many therapy dogs, there to provide comfort to the workers.  The men and women working so bravely under such terrible conditions, would turn to these therapy dogs to share their feelings or simply to stroke the dogs’ fur.  It’s been eleven years since 9/11, and many of the dogs who sacrificed so much for us are now gone.  So today, when remembering the victims and heroes of 9/11, please take a minute to remember the canine heroes too.

Here are just a few of the links available to read about these dogs:

http://www.aplacetolovedogs.com/2011/08/search-and-rescue-dogs-of-911/1486620957/

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44615382/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/dog-who-saved-owner-named-american-hero-dog/

http://www.dogheroesof911.com/web.htm

http://friendtodogs.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/911-canine-heroes-dogs-that-made-a-nation-proud/

10 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute to the canines of 9/11.

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    1. They did such an amazing job under some horrific circumstances. Humans knew what was happening and chose to help. Which doesn't make their sacrifice any less heroic. But the dogs were just doing whatever was asked of them with no understanding of why,

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  2. We agree with The Thundering Herd..I think sometimes people forget about the fantastic jobs, these dogs do.. Thank you for a lovely post..Oh don't forget to email in your mischief :) xx00xx
    Mollie and Alfie

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  3. Those dogs really got to me, so amazing. I remember I sent money asap to help. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I've been reading somehog their stories, it's pretty amazing how long they searched! 12 hour shifts under horrible conditions!

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  4. It's always amazing to see the work that us pups do! Those 9/11 dogs were absolutely incredible and selfless! Wonderful post guys!

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    1. Selfless is the perfect word to describe the dogs and people who helped after the attacks.

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  5. Pawsome post. We like how you got important role pups played in the aftermath.

    Essex & Sherman

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  6. Thanks, it makes me wish I had time to get involved with a Therapy Dog program.

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