Today, as the world mourns with the United States on the 14th anniversary of 9/11, many of us look back and recall the vivid images playing out on our tv screens or computers. The twin towers falling into the ground in a dust of cloud and rubble that changed the landscape of Manhattan forever.
September 11th, 2001, first responders went out looking for any signs of llfe among the destruction left behind in New York, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, PA. Among the responders were search-and-rescue dogs.
The last known living search-and-rescue dog who worked at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terror attacks has been honored for her bravery with a birthday bash in New York City. Bretagne (pronounced Birttany) along with her handler, Denise Corliss, were flown to NYC from Texas for the 14th anniversary of 9/11 and Bretagne’s 16th birthday.
In what was her first deployment in 2001, Bretagne helped find “people trapped under the rubble of the World Trade Centre and comforted police officers and firefighters.”
In 2001, Bretagne (pronounced Brittany) and her handler Denise Corliss fkew from Texas to New York City at their own expense and without pay- they did this unselfish act to find any survivors.
Bretagne’s assignment was to search for potential survivors and comfort the men and women at Ground Zero. Sadly, Bretagne was only able to find human remains but had the uncanny ability to allow others to find comfort in her while everything around them was chaotic.
To mark turning 16 years of age and “the best day of her life”, the golden retriever along with Corliss were flown from Texas to New York.
Both were put up in a hotel suite where Bretagne was given treats including gourmet burgers before they were taken to Times Square where a special billboard welcomed the canine. t said “Happy Birthday” and thanked the pair for their brave efforts after the atrocity.
Bretagne was also awarded a “Key to the City” from Hudson River Parks and a cobblestone was dedicated to her on the plaza at the 9/11 memorial.
Ever since 9/11, Bretagne and Corliss worked at other disasters including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ivan.
At age 9, Bretagne retired from disaster work but does use her skills at a local elementary school.
Happy Birthdayy Bretagne! Thank you and your mom for your service on this 14th anniversaery of 9/11. We will always be in your and all search-and-rescue dogs’ debt.
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