The Hero Dogs of 9/11: Remembering Our Four-Legged First Responders

Sep 11

On September 11, 2001, among the brave first responders who rushed to Ground Zero were more than 300 working dogs. These K-9 heroes searched for survivors, located remains, and provided comfort to exhausted rescuers. Their courage and loyalty left a legacy that continues to inspire today.

Trakr – The Dog Who Found the Last Survivor

German Shepherd Trakr, alongside his handler James Symington, discovered the last known survivor — 27 hours after the collapse. Despite burns, smoke inhalation, and exhaustion, he never gave up. His story became a symbol of hope against all odds.

Bretagne – The Golden Retriever Who Never Stopped Giving

Bretagne’s very first deployment was to Ground Zero, where she worked long days searching through the devastation. She went on to serve at other disaster sites, and later in retirement, she touched lives as a therapy dog in schools. When she passed in 2016, she was honored as the last surviving 9/11 search dog.

Sirius – The Dog Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Sirius, an explosives detection dog with the Port Authority Police Department, was the only working dog who lost his life during the attacks. He is remembered as a loyal partner who gave his life in service, and his story is etched into the memorial of four-legged heroes.

Apollo awarded a Dickin Medal for his bravery as a 9/11 rescue dog.

Apollo – NYPD Search & Rescue

Apollo was one of the first canine responders to arrive at the site after the towers fell. He worked tirelessly in dangerous, smoke-filled conditions, searching through rubble and twisted steel. His handler recalled his courage and focus, even in the face of chaos.

Their Legacy

The 9/11 hero dogs remind us that bravery comes in many forms. They worked long hours in harsh conditions, offering both practical help and emotional support to rescuers. Their contributions are a lasting reminder of the bond between humans and dogs, and the extraordinary ways they serve us.

As we honor the memory of September 11th, we also honor the paws that dug through rubble, the noses that searched for hope, and the hearts that gave comfort. We will never forget. 🐾