Tribute: Rescue Dogs Were Amongst the 9/11 Heroes

It is in the face of great adversity that true heroes reveal themselves. Seven years ago on 9/11 thousands of brave cops, firefighters, paramedics, and other public servants and private citizens stepped forward amidst the wreckage of the World Trade Center without regard to their own safety to assist those in need. Their bravery redefined the word, "hero".

A complete accounting of all the acts of bravery would not be complete without mentioning the efforts of over 300 rescue dogs. Their sense of smell made it possible to find survivors under the rubble. Their smaller bodies allowed them to get into spaced too small for humans. It is not known exactly how many lives these dogs saved, but the difference they made cannot be denied.

From dogsinthenews.com:

"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

The dogs were not immune to the depression and despair commonly felt by many 9/11 rescuers. There were reports that some of the dogs began to get visibly depressed after finding so many dead bodies. Mock rescues were staged for the dogs to lift their spirits.

Is there any doubt that have earned the title of "man's best friend"?

Photo by Andrea Booher/ FEMA News Photo