Life is Ruff

I wasn't even alive on 9/11. I came along almost one year later, but i've seen the videos and I've heard the stories. These slideshows and report are a tribute to the dogs and workers that gave everything they had in the days after this tragedy. Just as we must never forget those that gave all on 9/11...so too we must never stop honoring those that gave 101% in service to their country.

"If these dogs only knew what a difference they make. Certainly, there's nothing that can replace the precision of a dog's nose—and absolutely nothing that can replace a dog's heart."
— Bob Sessions, rescue worker, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Shhhhh...

(Photo: Sep 15, 2001, AP / U.S. Navy, P. Keres)

Over 250 canine search and rescue dogs worked around the clock at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon after the September 11th terrorist attacks. These heroes worked without the benefit of gas masks and protective clothing. They climbed and searched places considered to dangerous for humans. This photo tribute is in their honor in recognition of their bravery and heroic efforts.

America Canine Search and Rescue - September 11, 2001

Tribute From For Pits Sake:

Today we mark the five year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America. Time goes by, but memories stay forever. We lost family, friends, co-workers, and thousands of people that we never met. Every person who lost their life that day was somebody's loved one, and the wave of America's grief and loss was felt all over the world.

One-year-old "Porkchop" gets some kind reassurance

from partner Erick Robertson of Oakhurst, California. SAR dogs—
especially those trained to find living people—feel increased stress
and depression as time passes with no survivors found.
(Photo: Sep 19, 2001, AP / Suzanne Plunkett)

To this day, the events of September 11, 2001, still bring intense hurt and sadness to many people. But the message of September 11th is not only ofhurt, sadness, and loss. September 11th also speaks of courage, determination and perseverance. The 9/11 tragedy resulted in the largest search and rescue (SAR) K9 deployment/response in the history of the United States. People all across the world were touched by the images of hundreds of SAR dogs and their handlers painstakingly combing the ruins searching for survivors, and later, the remains of the lost.

While viewing this Tribute to SAR Dogs, remember that although it seemed like the world stopped on September 11, 2001...it did not. As the eyes of the world watched hundreds of SAR dogs and their handlers searching at the WTC and the Pentagon; all over our country children were still missing, elderly people suffering from Alzheimer's disease were still wandering off, hikers were still getting lost, and people were still drowning. Hundreds of SAR dogs were searching there too, searching their communities to bring the lost or the missing home to their families and loved ones.

Whether they were at the WTC or searching our own neighborhoods, these hard working dogs provide joy and also closure to thousands of families and will go on, for as long as they can, searching to find loved ones lost or missing in our communities. All of our nation's SAR dogs are heroes...and someday one could be your HERO!!

I Can Be Your Hero

Labels: Tribute