Honoring the Hero Dogs of 9/11

A Tribute from Building Bonds Dog Training

On this solemn anniversary of September 11, Building Bonds Dog Training honors and remembers the courageous individuals—both human and canine—who played vital roles in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

In the wake of the tragedy, more than 300 specially trained dogs joined thousands of first responders in New York City. These Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs, trained to detect the scent of living humans, worked tirelessly alongside firefighters and emergency crews, scaling dangerous rubble in the hope of finding survivors.

One of the most well-known SAR dogs was Bretagne, a golden retriever who located the last known living survivor 27 hours after the towers collapsed. Her bravery and dedication, like that of so many others, became a symbol of hope in an otherwise dark and painful time.

As the focus shifted from rescue to recovery, cadaver dogs trained to detect human remains were brought in to assist in the heartbreaking work of bringing closure to families. At the same time, therapy dogs offered emotional support to firefighters, rescue workers, and volunteers who endured the physical and emotional toll of the mission.

With Deepest Gratitude

Today, 24 years later, we pause to remember and express our deepest gratitude to:

• The firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders

• The dedicated SAR teams and dog handlers

• And the hero dogs—many of whom gave their lives in service

Their courage, loyalty, and resilience remind us of the profound bond between humans and dogs, and the extraordinary impact that partnership can have in even the darkest of moments.

We will never forget.
— The Team at Building Bonds Dog Training