This week marks the 14th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the flight that was taken down in Pennsylvania. For most of us, we remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on that tragic day. I still cannot get through September 11th without shedding some tears.
A strong memory of that day for me was sitting outside with my dog, a sweet Corgi, named Rae. It was completely silent, the sky was the bluest I had ever seen and the world was forever changed. Rae has since passed away. She was my source of comfort in so many ways.
Today I was thinking of the many rescue dogs and therapy dogs that helped people on September 11th. Sadly a dog’s life is far too short and the dog heroes of that day have passed away as well. But I came across an uplifting article about the last surviving rescue dog – a 16 year old Golden Retriever named Bretagne.
She was given quite the birthday party in NYC recently and honored for her brave service on 9/11. Bretagne came all the way from Texas with her owner to help on that fateful day as did many other outstanding people and animals.
So on 9/11 we honor all, including the service animals. And one very special dog who is still here and going strong!
For more pictures and backstory of Bretagne, check out USA Today and Daily Mail.
if you are interested in reading about the dogs of 9/11, here are some suggestions:
Dog Heroes of September 11th: A Tribute to America’s Search and Rescue Dogs by Nona Kilgore Bauer
Ground Zero Dogs (Dog Heroes) by Meish Goldish
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson