9/11 Rescue Dogs

Just wanted to take a moment to remember the wonderful canines who took part in the rescue efforts in the days following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. There were over 100 dogs working rescue during that time. When these pictures were taken only 15 remained and now only 10.

Some of our unsung heroes, photos by Charlotte Dumas.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/08/14/magazine/14Mag-rescue...

Dumas has also released a book about these dogs entitled Retrieved.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie on September 13, 2011 at 9:05pm

What beautiful dogs. Each one had a special calmness/demeanor that was captured in the photograph. Greatness and heroism isn't always displayed by those with two legs.

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Permalink Reply by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on September 13, 2011 at 9:10pm

That's so true, Nancy. One look in their eyes pretty much tells the whole story!

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on September 13, 2011 at 9:18pm

Thanks for posting this, Ricki.

If anyone wants to know more about SAR dog teams, and specifically the dogs who worked the 9/11 sites, please visit the Dogny site on the AKC website:

From the AKC site:

http://www.akc.org/dogny/

DOGNY: America's Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs
People around the world were touched by the loyalty and resolve of the Search and Rescue Dogs who worked tirelessly to recover victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of the attacks, the American Kennel Club coordinated efforts to assist the SAR handlers and dogs at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
In a continuing commemoration of the heroism of those SAR teams, the AKC established The American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery Corporation Canine Support and Relief Fund, a charitable fund to support professional and volunteer canine search and rescue organizations throughout the United States. The fund was launched with DOGNY, America's Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs, a hugely successful public art initiative. We encourage you to explore these pages to learn more about DOGNY and the dogs and handlers it honors.

I know a married couple who does SAR work with their GSDs; the WTC work was very difficult for the dogs, and very disheartening, not just because of the danger, but because they couldn't find any living people to rescue. The teams helped each other's dogs by taking turns hiding and letting the dogs find them, to keep the dogs spirits up. One more sad thing about 9/11.

There's also an excellent and gorgeous art book called DOGNY, which is a tribute to the SAR dogs. (I own it. It's spectacular.) Profits go to SAR organizations.

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Permalink Reply by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on September 13, 2011 at 9:40pm

Thanks for this additional information, Karen!

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Permalink Reply by Donna K & Quincy on September 14, 2011 at 2:04pm

Ricki, thanks for reminding us of our 4 legged heroes. Karen, I do remember reading somewhere that search and rescue dogs can get very depressed when they find only bodies and no live people.