In Honor of The Search and Rescue Dogs of 9/11

Fifteen years ago, search and rescue dogs descended upon the world trade center in search of survivors. Dogs and their handlers worked day and night to help the victims. One of those teams included a young Golden retriever on her first deployment, named Bretagne and her handler, Denise Corliss. It was the first deployment in a distinguished career of helping people in many disasters including hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ivan.

Search and Rescue Dogs of the United States (SARDUS) is a non-profit that provides training and certification for dogs and their handlers. The dogs use their powerful noses to find missing children, Alzheimer’s patients, drowning victims and people trapped in collapsed buildings. The black Labrador retriever pictured below helps find skiers and snowboarders trapped in avalanches. More information may be found at http://www.sardogsus.org/.

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Today, as we remember the victims and their families, I would like to also remember the search and rescue teams. Thank you to all the brave dogs and their handlers who dedicate their lives to helping people caught in disasters.

Sources:

-Coffey, Laura T, “Never Forger: Last 9/11 Ground Zero search dog dies just shy of 17th birthday”, TODAY June 6, 2016.

Published by kristennelsondvm

Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.